Robert Stanton Adams

Robert Stanton Adams passed away peacefully December 8, 2015, at St. Charles Hospital in Bend, Ore., lovingly surrounded by his wife and children. He was born June 15, 1944, in Seattle, Wash. to Charles Bryant "C.B." and Rosa Adams, and moved all around the Everett, Wash. area, where he graduated from Everett High in 1962. He later pursued his culinary passion and graduated from Edison Technical Trade School. Robert married his soul mate, Vicki Ann Louise Sheppard in 1969 and they built their home in Snohomish...literally by hand. Brick by brick, their house and family grew into his legacy. Robert served in the United States Army and was based in Georgia during the 1960s. In 2000, at age 56, he retired from Boeing where he managed facilities. To know Robert was to know a passionate man who loved whole-heartedly and lived life with laughter. Loving people for who they are was one of his greatest gifts to the world. He never missed an opportunity to show his love, or offer a compliment to family or strangers alike. And he just overflowed with pride for his family. He also never missed an opportunity to entertain a crowd. A natural-born storyteller, Robert marveled at making people laugh, even if it was just wearing a Santa hat to the store. His anecdotes grew more embellished and humorous with time, and though we know his stories by heart already, he always enjoyed hearing our laughter. His happiness was truly contagious and his laughter overflowed easily. Despite the trials of living with Diabetes most of his adult life, Robert's optimism and fighting spirit persisted and he always found sunshine on a stormy day, which is a true testament to his character. Robert's lifelong hobby of pigeon racing started as a young boy of 13 and he became a very successful Everett Racing Pigeon Club member. He made many friends, won many awards, trophies and plaques, and spent many family weekends focused around pigeon races. Robert was a brave soul who didn't hesitate to be himself in his own unique way. It was this inner confidence that led him and his wife, Vicki, with the help of his brother, Jack, to build a home for themselves in 1972. (Of course, the pigeon lofts were built first.) With his own two hands, he endeavored to create a "palace for his family" on a beautiful hilltop, from where he would "never, ever move again." He was that kind of visionary family man, and his legacy will always reflect it. With his beloved wife of 46 years ever by his side, Robert truly enjoyed the simple beauties in life like basking in the warmth of his glowing fireplace on a blustery day, negotiating treasures at yard sales, or swinging on the deck just watching the world go by. But he also had a taste for the finer things in life. He sought out the finest restaurants, always planning the next family dining adventure. Preparing food was his love language for his family and friends, and many evenings found us around the table, eating over coffee or wine, solving the problems of the world. For friends and family, fondest memories of him include stories, food, and laughter. Always laughter. He liked to do things his own way, very meticulously...like slicing ham "so thin it only has one side." Details were important to him; his memory could recall intricate facts, making him an impressive history and sports enthusiast. He found great joy watching sports with his wife and children, and his immense generosity made last year's family Seahawks Super Bowl trip not just possible but legendary. That was Robert. His eyes sparkled and his smile was sweet. He was a fighter against all odds, and he worked his heart out to make a better place for his family in this world. His greatest legacy is love of family, and he gave selflessly without pause or expectation. We may not always remember his words, but we will always remember how he made us feel. And the world is a happier place because of him. Thank you for giving us the stories of a lifetime. Robert is survived by his wife, Vicki Adams; daughter, Jennifer (Patrick) Hoagland; son, Joseph (Kelly) Adams; four grandchildren Elizabeth, Garrett, Logan and Emma; sisters, Jo (Bernie) Ford and Gerry Millo; sister-in-law, Dian Adams; and so many more family and friends who loved him. He was preceded in death by his son, Jamie; his brother, Jack Adams, and his parents. Services will be held at Evergreen Funeral Home and Cemetery. The viewing will be 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, December 17, 2015, and the funeral service will be 2 p.m. on Friday, December 18, 2015.