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It is with sadness and hearts full of love that we announce the death of William Robert Adamson on July 11, 2020 in Kelowna, BC, at the age of 92. He will be remembered as a compassionate man with an inquiring mind, a determined will, a cheerful disposition and a gentle heart.
Bill is survived by children Bruce (Jocelyn), Shelley, Susan (Gary) and Michael, grandchildren and great grandchildren, sisters Joan and Marilyn (Dave), plus cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by Louise, his loving partner for over 60 years, brother Alvin, and parents Joseph and Edith Adamson.
Bill was born in 1927 and grew up on a farm near Fairlight, SK. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan and a Bachelor of Divinity from St. Andrew’s College in Saskatoon. He was ordained in the United Church in 1951 and later earned a Masters and a Doctorate from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA as well as a Masters of Education from the University of Toronto. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from St. Stephen’s College in Edmonton.
Bill was pleased to have variety in his career: 5 years as a rural pastor at Esterhazy; 5 years as a suburban pastor at Broadway, Regina; 3 ½ years at Naramata Educational Centre in the Okanagan; 5 ½ years at the National Office of the United Church (Leadership Development) in Toronto; and 20 years on the faculty of St. Andrew’s College, the last 7 ½ as President. He loved the Church on the Prairies and in 1975 helped initiate the internship program for ministers in AB, SK and MB.
In the Courts of the Church, Bill served a term as President of SK Conference, as well as on a variety of national, conference and presbytery committees. He wrote 3 books regarding education in the Church. He was also involved with inner city projects and social action efforts including 32 years as an active member of the Inter-Church Uranium Committee.
Bill was a true gentleman. His playful and warm nature endeared him to many. He was a loving father and devoted husband to his beloved Louise whom he met at university and married in 1951. They had many adventures camping across Canada with their children, regularly visiting their family farms and relatives, and then traveling abroad in their later years. Bill’s heart was broken when Louise died of Parkinson’s in 2012. They are united once again.
Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to St. Andrew’s College, Saskatoon or Parkinson Canada. Funeral arrangements are yet to be determined. Family contact is Susan Entwistle at 114 Saskatchewan Crescent West, Saskatoon, SK S7M 0A3.
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