Richard Rolfe Adamson

Dick was born on his grandparents' farm near Chehalis. His parents, William J. and Maude T. Adamson later moved to Chehalis where Dick and his three brothers grew up. After high school he attended the College of Puget Sound, graduating with degrees in History, Geology, Literature and Religion. He was a member of the Witan Club, the Adelphians, a men's quartet, and the Student Christian Association. Before starting his senior year, in preparation to going to a theological school, he was appointed to serve as minister of the Arlington Park Methodist Church. The following year he was called to be the assistant minister of the Battle Ground Community Church. In June 1944, realizing he was not really suited for the ministry, he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving 3 1/2 years in the S. Atlantic and Caribbean Commands. On January 31, 1948, Dick married the love of his life, Verna May Gish. They spent the next 63 years together and were parents to 3 children, Judy, Don, and Peggy. Dick worked for the Washington State Patrol from 1948 to 1965 covering all of Western Washington conducting special examinations and investigations. He left the Patrol to establish and oversee the medical certification section of the Department of Licenses, a post he held until retirement. In his youth, he was an Eagle Scout and an assistant scoutmaster while in college. He also was a Past President of Toastmasters Club #510 in Vancouver. Always a faithful and active member of the various churches he joined over the years, he served on the Official Boards of the Chehalis Methodist Church and First Methodist Church in Vancouver, acting as chairman of the Worship Commission and Youth Fellowship advisor at the latter. In 1960 he and Verna joined UPPC with Dick becoming an Elder and session member. Dick and Verna enjoyed camping, travel, golf, bowling, bingo, pinochle, and above all their family. Over the years they also attended Elderhostel programs at various colleges and universities. He is survived by his brother Jim (Carol), children Donald, Judy (Mike), Peggy (Butch), 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and friends at UPPC and the UP Senior Center. A memorial service will be held at University Place Presbyterian Church, 8101 27th Street W., University Place, WA 98466, on Friday, November 14th, 2014 at 1p.m.