Donald Lester Adam

Don Adam was born on July 26, 1951 in Ste. Rose du Lac, Manitoba. He died peacefully on May 1, 2020 at his home. Don was predeceased by his father Romeo (Ron) Adam and mother Lorraine Adam (nee Bilodeau) as well as his half-brother, Lewis Heming of Brandon, Manitoba.

Don is survived by his sister, Marlene Adam, his niece, Camille Parent and nephew, Marcel Parent. He is also survived by his great niece, Dharma Bizier and his half-nephew, Cam Heming. Don’s family circle is large and includes a host of cousins, aunts & uncles.

Don was born with Down Syndrome but was a very healthy person for most of his life. He grew up in Calgary and attended Christine Meikle School and moved into Lincoln Lanes as an adult where he lived with several of his peers. He was very happy there with plenty of activities as well as a daily commute to a workshop in North Calgary where he learned repetitive tasks and earned a stipend. He learned to commute via bus from South to North Calgary five days a week, with two transfers.

After the death of his mother in 1997, Don moved to Vancouver to live with his sister, Marlene. He attended River’s Edge Day Program for many years during which he enjoyed many activities, learned skills and did several jobs out in the community. His favourite was recycling.

Don joined Special Olympics in Vancouver and quickly became involved in bowling, swimming, T-ball, soccer and bocce ball. Not all at once! Don loved music and enjoyed playing the harmonica on a daily basis. He wasn’t shy about playing his favourite song for anyone who asked.

One of Don’s favourite activities was going on road trips and he went on several with his sister both in BC and into the US. He also flew with his sister to Costa Rica on three separate occasions as well as going on a cruise to Alaska.

Eventually, he began showing signs of Alzheimer’s and commenced a slow decline covering a 12-year period.

Don was well-cared-for by several caregivers over the years who assisted Don as his physical health required. He remained cheerful, enjoying his daily outings in the community until the final year when he stayed indoors more.

His engaging smile and loving nature endeared everyone to him and he will be missed.

The viewing was held at Vancouver Memorial Centre on May 15th, 2020. Due to Covid the viewing was restricted to immediate family and caregivers. Don’s ashes are buried at Mountain View Cemetery. The inurnment took place on Monday, June 22, 2020.

To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit our website at www.dignitymemorial.com