Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

The Paul Mortuary

390 Lighthouse Ave

Pacific Grove, California

Charles Adams Obituary

Charles Herbert Adams October 15, 1929 ~ December 16, 2013 Former Resident Walnut Creek, California Born in Akron, Iowa, Son of Helen Cobb Adams and Vincent Gordon "VG" Adams. He grew up on the family farm. Chuck attended college at University of South Dakota where he played football and received his Bachelors of Arts degree in History, and his Masters in Education. He was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. A patriot, he fought for his country and is a decorated veteran of the Korean War. In 1958, He moved to Walnut Creek, CA. where he became an intermediate school math teacher, then vice-principal of Parkmead Intermediate and finally principal of Walnut Creek Middle School, then Buena Vista Elementary. Chuck retired in June 1991 and moved to Pacific Grove, CA with his wife and soul mate, Dorothy Melissa Adams. He loved kids, sports, classical music, science, his country, history and politics. He had a deep reverence for nature and the environment. He enjoyed discussing the philosophies of Joseph Campbell, the Dalai Lama, and others. Most of all, he loved to laugh, and had a great sense of humor. He passed away in Pacific Grove, CA, surrounded by his wife and children. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, his children Sheree, David, Chris, grandson Bode, sister Janet, and brother John. " Those moments we spend with loved ones are part of eternity that we carry with us forever" Joseph Campbell

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Contra Costa Times on Dec. 22, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Adams

Not sure what to say?





Marsha Kolker

July 7, 2014

Mr. Adams was the kindest and most wonderful man. I was new to the country and came to Buena Vista from the Ukraine in the late 80's and he helped me and my family so much by getting me settled in my class and even introduced me to my best friend, who I still see daily after being friends since the 3rd Grade. We often talk about Mr. Adams and how he united us for life. His memory lives on in all the wonderful ways he touched all of our lives. All the best to his family and I hope you all know how much we all loved him.

Sivan Butler-Rotholz

July 7, 2014

I was a student at Buena Vista elementary school from 1985-1990. Mr. Adams left an impression on me that has stayed with me throughout my life. I just wanted to reach out to his family, if you are reading this, to give my condolences and let you know how important Mr. Adams was and how great his contribution to the lives of others. In third grade he took a new immigrant girl from Russia by the hand and walked her into my classroom. He handed her off to me and said, "Take care of this girl." Because of that gesture, Marsha Kolker and I have been best friends for 26 years. He literally changed two lives forever that day, and that story has become the legend of our friendship. Thank you, Mr. Adams, for this gift. We will remember you and keep telling this story until the end of our days.

Connie Schulte

January 6, 2014

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Chuck Adams. He was principal at Buena Vista for my first years teaching in the WCSD. I will never forget how we could always hear his laughter in the halls. He had a great sense of humor and was devoted to his school and the kids who attended it. He will be missed, I know. My sysmpathies to Dorothy and the rest of their family.

Terryann (Satterfield) Sturiale

January 6, 2014

For so many years and reasons, Chuck Adams was Buena Vista School! I was very lucky to have had the privilege of being hired by Chuck and working with him at BV. He was a wonderful principal. He will be missed for many reasons, but most of all, he made me laugh!

Lenore Swaim

January 5, 2014

It was an honor and privilege to be mentored and guided in teaching by Chuck Adams, Principal at Buena Vista Elementary School. His understanding of people was amazing, and his wonderful sense of humor certainly contributed to the camaraderie felt by the staff, the parents, and the children.

Our children both appreciated his leadership at Walnut Creek Middle School prior to his transfer to Buena Vista. Thank you, Chuck Adams for your well lived life.
Dave and I send our condolences to the family on the loss of a special loved one.
Lenore and David Swaim

Janis Talbot-Hester

January 3, 2014

Thank you Mr. Adams for being one of my best teachers. I became a teacher and your influence was part of my path. Your life has touch many.

Earlene Windsor-Whitney

January 3, 2014

He was the nicest man and a great teacher..He will be missed

Bill Jordan

December 24, 2013

Chuck Adams has been my best friend and confidant for over fifty years. His humor was boundless, always had a smile on his face. He loved his country, had strong political views and always strove to to the right thing. We all loved him very much him .

Barbara Tuber-Sooy

December 23, 2013

Chuck Adams was one of the reasons I transferred my children from private school to Buena Vista. He was an amazing man and phenomenal Principal.

Rich McDrew

December 23, 2013

I'm so sorry to learn of Chuck's passing. We knew and appreciated Chuck the entire time he was the Principal at Buena Vista Elementary School in Walnut Creek, CA. My wife, Gloria, was very active with the PTA at that school. He was loved by the parents and the students. His leadership at the school was unsurpassed. He left a legacy with the students and parents at Buena Vista
that will live several lifetimes.

Lindell Sturgeon

December 22, 2013

Chuck Adams was my very good friend and collegue for all the years he taught. His sense of humor was amazing. He had strong principles and always did what he thought was right. He will be greatly missed. We miss you Chuck.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in Charles Adams's name

Memorial Events
for Charles Adams

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

The Paul Mortuary

390 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

How to support Charles's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Charles Adams's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more