Richard ‘Rick’ Adams

Richard “Rick” Adams was born Feb. 9, 1942, in Evanston, Ill., to Robert F. and Ruth Adams. 
Most of his childhood was spent in Glen Ellyn, Ill., with summer breaks in Waupaca, Wis., at the family cabin that his father designed and built.  Most summers the family took trips to camping destinations throughout the United States. It was on one of those trips that he decided to one day live in Colorado. 
Rick graduated from Glenbard High School in 1960. He attended Iowa State University, studying biochemistry and psychology, and was a member of the Alpha Omicron chapter of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Rick did do the course work for his classes, but he also spent much time painting, drawing and running. 
In 1963 he left Iowa State to attend the Art Institute of Chicago. In 1964, he joined the Army and served as a member of the Army Security Agency during the Vietnam War. Stationed in Hokkaido, Japan, he took every opportunity to explore the country on foot with camera in hand. 
After his discharge, he spent time in Florida before returning to the Art Institute of Chicago. In August of 1972, he moved to Idaho Springs. 1978 was the year he met Susan in Colorado Springs. They were married in August of 1982 surrounded by friends and family.  
An artist and prolific photographer his entire life, Rick served as the art director of Saxon Mountain Gallery; with Blackwell Oil Co.; as a commercial janitor; as a member of the Clear Creek School District Accountability Committee; and as a founding member of the Rock House Board. Most recently, Rick served as an Idaho Springs council member until his resignation in January 2011.
Preceded in death by his father and mother, he is survived by his beloved wife Susan; their daughter Theresa (Jason) Cutright and granddaughters Brittany, Tiffini, Tiffani and Rebekah; their sons Timothy (Lindsey) Adams and Travis Adams; his brother Donald (Diana) Adams and sister Barbara Hill.
Rick leaves behind a well-worn Bible and a legacy of fervent prayer for his family, friends and everyone he met, our community, nation and world.  “...The greatest of these is Love.” I Corinthians 13:13  He loved abundantly and was dearly loved.
A celebration memorial will be on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 1 p.m. at Bergen Park Church in Evergreen. Directions are available on the memorial website at www
.crownhillfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Rick’s life to Clear Creek Rock House, P.O. Box 1256, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, www.clear
creekrockhouse.org; Mt. Evans Home Health and Hospice, 3801 Bergen Peak Drive, Evergreen, CO 80439, www.mtevans.org: Bergen Park Church/Missions, 1318 County Road 65, Evergreen, CO 80439; First Baptist Church/Missions, P.O. Box 840, Idaho Springs, CO 80452; Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation, www.CdLSusa.org; or an organization or missionary of your choice.