OBITUARY
Rick Adams
January 21, 1959 – October 28, 2011
In Memory Of Ricky Lee Adams
On Friday the 28th of October, Rick Adams went to be with the Lord. He had been diagnosed with cancer at the first of the year and had been heroically battling the disease as part of clinical trials administered through UCLA Johnsons Cancer Center and the help of local doctors. Rick’s life touched so many in the community in a multitude of ways. Rick was a “Baseball Guy” having had an outstanding career in the Montclair youth leagues where his father Howard taught him life lessons as well as baseball skills. Howard had polio but never considered himself handicapped. He coached Rick throughout his youth baseball experience while on crutches and was an inspiration to everyone. Those skills taught by his father were honed at Montclair High School where upon graduation Rick was a 1st round draft choice of the Houston Astros. Rick played professionally for the Astros, Angels and the Giants for 10 years, and was part of the Angels 1982 Western Division Championship team. Upon retirement from baseball Rick took a position as salesman for Robertson Ready Mix that he held for over 21 years. Robertson’s management showed its love for Rick in many ways throughout his illness and was a true blessing to the family. Rick’s legacy came from his love of the Lord, his family, and all the friends that he made in the community while teaching and coaching the game he loved. He coached teams from Alta Loma Little League for many years while his sons Joshua and Garrett were growing up. He gave instruction to kids in the area all the way up to his being diagnosed with the disease that ultimately took his life. The influence he had on others was evident by the outpouring of love shown at the fundraiser held in his honor this past summer. An example of Rick’s influence and generosity to kids is found in a posting from Jacob Watts on Facebook. “You were one of the nicest and best all around guys I knew and I’m glad that I had the chance to call you my friend and mentor. You were there not only to help me with baseball but you also helped me become a better man, give me a better outlook on life and what a true man of God is all about. I will never forget you and the impact you had on my life.” Rick battled this horrible disease with grace, dignity, strength, and the knowledge that God had a plan for him and he was ready for whatever this world would bring him. He is survived by his loving wife Tammy and their four children Ashlee, Joshua, Adam and Garrett as well as his sister Wanda Shute and brothers Howard Adams and Wayne Adams. A memorial service is set for Friday November 4th at Hillside Community Church at 3 pm at 5354 Haven Avenue Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737 . The family has asked that donations be made to the www.cancer.ucla.edu/donate in lieu of flowers so that a cure can be found for this disease and others will not have to suffer the effects of it the way Rick so courageously did.
Services
- Celebration Of Life Friday, November 4, 2011
REMEMBERING
Rick Adams
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RECEIVE UPDATESLaura Ryder
October 29, 2017
I am sitting here in 2017 watching the World Series. I remember when Rick was drafted by the Astros. He came by my house to show me the car he purchased with his bonus signing money. When I looked up his information I then realized, it was 6 ago to the day, that he passed. He was one of the best friends I made at Montclair HS. My thoughts are with you Ricky Lee. RIP, Laura Ryder
Marie ralston
January 30, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I spent time with Rick in AZ and San Fran during his baseball years and will always remember his laughter, silliness and sincerity. Marie (AZ).
Suzi Proulx
December 8, 2011
My prayers and love to the Adams family. I feel like Rick is part of OUR family. I'm Pat Proulx's sister; I live in Oregon. Right after Rick signed, he and Pat came to Oregon for a great visit. I believe Rick invested some of his bonus money in a home purchase on the coast. Rick's wonderful life energy will always be missed and remembered! We WILL see each other again. Praise the Lord!
Jan and Mark Bartoli
November 8, 2011
Our hearts and hugs go out to all of you as we so fondly remember our cousin, Ricky.
November 5, 2011
Dear Adams' - We were saddened to learn today about Rick's passing. Even though it has been many years, our memories of him are sweet and we pray that God grants him rest and brings comfort to each of you. May his memory be eternal!
Bill and Tamela Yelland
Teri Miller, Brown
November 4, 2011
Rick gave me a place to sleep when I ran from home in 11th grade. He had me sleep on the couch, and was a TRUE gentleman. He sat with me & talked about the problems I was facing, and finally getting me to call my Father for help. His kindness was never forgot by me, and I was able to do the same for another child in trouble years later. Had he been the "Typical" boy, I would have had a different out look on solving my problems.
Please except my heart felt sadness for your loss of such a good man, and Rick was truley a good man! He touched life's you never even knew.......
Teri ( Miller) Brown
Spike&Martha Wendell
November 4, 2011
To the Shute family, we r with u in thoughts and prayers.
Mike Zavala
November 4, 2011
God, watch over the "Big Man" Tammy we send our love to you & your family.
Mike & Augustina Zavala & family..
Gonna miss that big laugh and big smile!!
Heather Shute
November 4, 2011
RIP Uncle Ricky!!! I will miss you and your smile more then i can say!!! You will forever be in my heart and never far from my thoughts!!! I love you!!!
Carla Valadez
November 4, 2011
Dear Tammy and children I would like you to know how funny and well remembered Rick is. His personality is vibrant and lasting. Rick and my husband Ralph called one another "comps" spanish for friend. Rick helped my sons so much when we lost Ralph providing funny stories for them to know about their dad. Rick is a wonderful man.
November 4, 2011
To the Adams Family - It has been several years since we've seen Rick. We remember him from his baseball days with the California Angels. The whole Shaffar family went to Kansas City to watch him play and spend time with him, We are so sorry to hear of his passing. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers, Gene & Cheryl Shaffar & family, Papillion, NE
Susan
November 4, 2011
I have so many great memories of my cousin Ricky from childhood. I was accidently left at the beach in Carlsbad one 4th of July because I was told by my Mom to go back down to the beach to find Rick. As I went down the stairs to the beach he popped up the hill and jumped into the car & they all took off!! I walked home by myself & never let him forget it. He was one of a kind for sure & loved by everyone. Much Love to his brothers, sister, wife & children.
Meredith Shinn
November 4, 2011
Please accept our deepest sympathies. We will keep all of you in our prays.
Stephen and Meredith
Debbie McLean Warner
November 3, 2011
God Bless the Adams family during this difficult time, may the love you shared and the memories you made together carry you through this difficult adjustment.
He was one very special man, and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Debbie McLean Warner
Sandy Flowers
November 3, 2011
I remember Ricky as a great ball player, he had been on my dad's team I believe more than once, and always enjoyed going and watching the games...I can only imagine Ricky, my dad and brother Carl all playing ball in heaven along with all the others that have passed before them...rest in peace Ricky and all my prayers to the family
Sarah Beyenberg
November 3, 2011
Rick gave so much to so many. He will be missed. A.L. little league won't be the same without him. Thanks Rick for your impression on my boys. Josh and Brandon's last day of high school and our phone conversations back & forth all that day, are forever memories. God bless you Rick and your family. Sarah and family
Bill Ruh
November 3, 2011
Adams family:
I am saddened to read of your loss. Please know that I am thinking of you with prayers and sympathy.
Bill Ruh
Councilmember City of Montclair
Janine Wilson
November 3, 2011
Sending thoughts and prayers to the Adams family. Rick was such an awesome guy.
Janine Wilson and Family
Michael Munoz
November 3, 2011
Rick had a kind heart and supported others with a passion. As a fellow Montclair native, we were proud of Rick and he was always proud of us. My condolences to his family.
Joe Rodriguez
November 3, 2011
My son met Coach Rick a year ago and adored everything about him. Rick knew how to relate with young athletes and taught them very well. We are blessed to have Josh who is alot like his "pops". No more suffering my friend. Our deepest sympathies.
Steve Blue
November 3, 2011
We were sorry to hear about Rick's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sandy Adams - Jackson
November 3, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathies. I went to school with Rick. He was always getting me in trouble. He would act like he was my brother and teachers would believe him and I always got the aftermath...I love his guy...R.I.P
November 3, 2011
Ricky Lee(Kerpal). We will never forget you!!! I will continue to pass on the knowledge of baseball that I have learned from you. I love u!! Your little buddy(Rory).
sandra snodgrass
November 3, 2011
I loved your laughter, your sense of humor, your goofiness with me ..so many things i loved about you.. it had been way too many years between hello's.. and now it is good bye my friend.. you will be so very missed. always will i keep and treasure our times together in my heart. you will never be forgotten.LOVE YOU.!
Shelly (Summers)Ward
October 29, 2011
Please accept our deepest sympathies. And may the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Patrick Adams
October 29, 2011
My sincere condolences to the Adams family. Ricky and I were teammates in Phoenix in the mid 80's. He was a good friend, and I will always remember him as having the best hands in the business. Watching him take infield was a thing of beauty. For obvious reasons, we called each other brothers. I am sick that he is gone.
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