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John Leonard Adams

John Adams Obituary

John Leonard ADAMS 1/5/54 ~ 10/16/01 Beloved son of Leonard and Mary Adams (both deceased) and brother of Lizbeth Anne Adams, who survives him. He is also survived by his nephew Chase Cooper. John was an extraordinary musician, a mathematician, an artist, and a poet who had a kind and gentle heart. Schizophrenia stripped him of his talents, separated him from his family, and deprived him of a home. His fate finally known, the friends and family who love him will gather to honor him in a private memorial. As my brother, John inspired, protected, and loved me. As his sister, I hope that kindness can be bent to the anonymous unfortunates among us; each of them is someone's beloved. Remembrances in memory of John may be made to Union Gospel Mission. See John's Online Guestbook at www.Legacy.com.

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

Published by The Seattle Times from Feb. 27 to Mar. 2, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for John Adams

Sponsored by anonymous.

49 Entries

Cyndi Nicholls Moring

April 19, 2012

Dear Liz,
While I feel so sorry for how John's life unwound, I must tell you how brave and strong you are to pursue the truth. Sometimes we do this for our family's sake, but it always makes us accomplish what we didn't know we could. thank you for setting a powerful example for others.

Maureen Barta

March 24, 2012

Liz
John was destined for greatness. We all knew it. We all saw it. That beautiful, brilliant man with the voice of an angel. His fingers could make his guitar sound like it was made in heaven. Maybe it was. John is gone from this world, but think of what heaven has gained. My sympathy to you and you family for your broken hearts. John is destined for greatness. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Carlo D'Anna

March 20, 2012

I know several people who are going through similar problems. John is my age, and the kind of people I hung out with back in the 70's, so I found an affinity to him. You have done a wonderful thing here in your tribute to him.

March 18, 2012

I remember John, playing piano and singing with a friend at i believe Spirit Lake , the first days of Evergreen . Was touched by his soulful playing and singing to this day . Thankyou John and Liz !
John Yesberger

W F

March 29, 2011

I saw this on the news today and it sparked a memory from so long ago. I couldn't help but look up why John Adams was familiar to me and found out it was the John Adams I grew up near. I remember you and John from my early days on the Island at Groveland Park neighborhood. Having experienced loss at a young time in my life, I can't imagine what you have been through with all of the years of uncertainty. While not real close to John I remember him hanging out in our group and his kindness and intelligence.

Val Thorson

March 26, 2011

Dear Liz,
Thank you so much for sharing John's story. Your tenacity in finding what happened to him a testament of sisterly love.
When we were all at Evergreen, you and John would sing The Sisters of Mercy so beautifully that to this day I cannot hear, hum, or sing it without thinking of the two of you.
The last time I saw John, he was up on Broadway in Seattle singing and playing splendidly. We had a fine visit, talking for 1/2 hour or so. He didn't ask, but I gave him the last cash I had on me.
My heart goes out to you -- two years ago I lost my own brother to other demons, and reading the news of John's fate touched me profoundly.
Thank you for your kind and wise obituary. I wish you love and healing.

Linda Patrick

March 25, 2011

I happened across John's obituary in the paper and felt such a beautiful presence within the photo of him. I was surprised to see he had the same birthday as my spiritual guru Paramhansa Yogananda. Perhaps very sensitive, creative souls like John's have a harder time with the density and challenges in this physical realm. Let's remember to see the Light
in all. Blessings to his family.

Greg Finger

March 22, 2011

"Tuesday afternoon.
I'm just beginning to see,
Now I'm on my way.
It doesn't matter to me,
Chasing the clouds away."

I've thought of John often lately; I'm so sorry to have to catch up with him like this.

It was an honor to know him! So talented, such a great heart – and he was so cool!

Our prayers and love are with with you Liz.

March 22, 2011

My sympathies, Virginia Lockwood,Bellevue, friend of your mother and father.

Megan Williams

March 22, 2011

Oh Liz...I was reading the paper and saw the picture of John and thought 'I KNOW him'...many years ago on MI he was a beautiful, talented young man. I am so happy for the peace finding him has brought you. Thank you for sharing him and his story with all of us.

Lindy Barto Weathers

March 22, 2011

Lizbeth - I hadn't thought about John in years, but your tribute touched me, as did the follow-up article in Today's Seattle Times by Nicole Brodeur. John was a client of mine at Seafirst/B of A on Mercer Island from 1986 to 1995. I didn't know he had been missing, but I will always remember his beautiful face, his dark, downturned eyes, knowing he was different but not knowing why, and wondering what would become of him when your mother was no longer here. She always accompanied him on his business trips and bustled about like a mother hen. Your mom would be proud to know how much you have done to find John and honor his life and his talents. May your family now be at peace.

March 16, 2011

Dearest Liz, He is such a beautiful young man in this picture. I imagine him sharing his extraordinary talents in heaven. He is finally at peace and can find and share joy again.
Deborah Flaschen

Mary Fleischman

March 16, 2011

I am so glad that I happened to see this in the newspaper. John is often in my thoughts, especially as I wander in Pike Place Market. I truly miss his music and his brightness, even after these many years. Thank you for the beautiful photograph of him and the remembrance. My heart goes out to you.

E. G. Nielson

March 9, 2011

John's bright spirit shines out;
Through those who loved him and love him still;
Although I knew him not, behold!
His beauty calls;
His beauty enthralls;
Laying waste to inadequate words "mentally ill";
Now he is free;
Now he is healed;
Able in dreams to touch those who weep;
Do not despair;
Thy sororal grace has led him Home and lets him sleep.

Carrilu Thompson

March 9, 2011

Dearest Liz-
The beauty of John’s soul and the power of his song will long echo in the minds of those he touched and in the hearts of those who loved him. I miss the light that shined so bright in his eyes and the gift of his music. Thank you for committing to the long journey to bring him home. May there be peace, at last, found in knowing...

Linda Scott

March 6, 2011

I was touched by your beautiful thoughts expressed about your brother. Our daughter struggles mightily with severe mental illness and many is the night we have been sleepless, wondering where she is and if she is safe. I am sorry for your loss. May all these souls find peace. Linda

Celia Wagmer

March 5, 2011

beautiful picture of John, Liz. I was sorry not to be with you in body today, though I was there in spirit.

Luann McVey

March 5, 2011

Dear Liz,
I admire your courage in searching so many years for your brother, John. His musical talent inspired many young people in our Olympia communal-living days. Even from a distance it was difficult to witness how his illness changed him, as I did. What a loss to the world. My heart goes out to you and your son.

delia gerhard

March 5, 2011

As some others here have said, it was your words for your brother that drew us to his tribute page. My family too has been affected by this disease and we are the ones who can most genuinely hold a candle for our ill ones so that others see the human being there, thank you.

Paula Nagan-Spring

March 4, 2011

Thankyou for sharing this lovely tribute to your brother. I know the heartbreak of Schizophrenia too well and your words went straight to my heart. You've truly honored your brother's beautiful spirit as I will always regard my son as my beautiful remarkable boy. God Bless you. John is in a glorious peace and watching over you still. Enjoy the sweet memories.

Thom Lufkin

March 4, 2011

I met John when we started at Evergreen in the same program in 1971. My first impressions are (of course) of his music. At first I loved his voice, and then I came to love him for his sweetness, honesty, intelligence, and friendship. I can only echo the many things others have already said here: He was a beautiful, gentle, and dear man, and I will attend his memorial to honor the person that I was fortunate enough to know so long ago.

Evelyn Huffman

March 4, 2011

Dear Liz, I am not a relative or friend but just a weird person who reads obituaries. I am also an R.N. who had worked with the homeless and mentally ill. Your tribute to your brother was poignant and touched my heart. You speak for so many of the vulnerable who lack the words and power to speak for themselves. the time I worked for Healthcare for the homeless was very special because I never would have had the opportunity to meet the people I did. I hope you know there is always someone who cares. My condolescenses to you and I will continue to give to Union Gospell Mission as I try to do when I can.

Jan Adams Kaplan

March 3, 2011

My cousin, John convinced me when I was about 4 years old that he would be my best friend for the rest of my life..... if I would give him my army hat. Sounded like a good deal to me. I was happy to make that trade. We were only together once as adults, his illness took away so many things. John has always had a special place in my heart and I am honored to call him family ......and friend. Liz, our hearts are with you during this difficult time.

Chrissie Marshall

March 3, 2011

Dearest Liz,
Your kind and thoughtful words go straight to my heart. John will be missed. He was such a gentle and kind soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you dear one.
Chrissie

Lisa P

March 3, 2011

Thank you Liz for sharing your thoughts about John and giving us this opportunity to share as well. I feel grateful and fortunate to have known John, and have good memories of getting to sing and work on music with him. He was a gentle soul who could also shine a light on your own issues in a way that was often uncomfortable. I learned a lot from him and he lives in my heart to this day.

Kathe Shaw-Bassett

March 3, 2011

Sweet Liz,
You honor your brother with such steadfast love and respect. He was blessed to have you as his sister and I send you my love and my respect for your sharing of his story. So many of our families wrestle with mental illness and bringing it into the light moves us all towards healing and away from shame. Blessings to you,

George G

March 3, 2011

John and I were friends and bandmates when we both lived in Olympia. His high tenor voice floated out of his head effortlessly, and he seemed to be able to pick up just about any instrument and play it with ease. He was a brilliant guy who worked hard at his studies, which was why we parted ways - he wanted to devote more time to school. Singing with him was pure joy. He was a great guy, and I miss him to this day. Thanks for this beautiful tribute, Liz

Susan Watt

March 2, 2011

My brother also suffered from schizophrenia. I am well familiar with the heartbreak. Thank you for the tribute to your brother. May people pause and reflect on those with mental illness and the devastation that is incurred by those who suffer and the family who love them. Thank you, again, for your story.

March 2, 2011

Lizbeth:

I have to apologize if this is not the John I knew at Evergreen back in the early '70's. If it is, I can still remember the wonderful gatherings we had when John would pick up his guitar and entertain so with his talent and songs. I still remember those days and certainly wish that they had continued for John.
I wish the very best for you and hope that the words from others provide you with some comfort.

Scott Salzer

Carol Shafer

March 2, 2011

Dear Lisbeth, Thank you for sharing your touching and love filled tribute to your brother. I applaud your courage for sharing your brother's illness and subsequent fate. As you can see from so many of us who have written in your guest book, we empathize with your pain. May your brother be finally at peace and may you continue to celebrate the good times you shared.

Chuck A

March 2, 2011

I too was touched deeply by your words for your brother. With few differences it's my brothers story too. Thank you for the moment of peace I feel. Jim wherever you are I love you.

March 2, 2011

Dear Liz, I am so sorry for this news. I remember how close you were as a family--and especially the bond between you and John--and that was very moving to me, even as a teenager. My heart is particularly broken for him and all that he suffered. He was exceptional in the depth of his heart, his gentleness, his humility and his musical talent. I often wondered how he could be so wise beyond his years and how he handled his gifts with such grace. When he played his guitar he sang like an angel and the world seemed to come to a standstill. It still brings me to tears when I remember him singing, “I had a dog and his name was Blue” to my little brother when John was 16. It was a simpler time and just perfect.

Barbara Lyon

March 1, 2011

Lisbeth, I do not know you but I am the mother of a 25 year old son with Schizophrenia. I sat in a diner in Onalaska, WA this morning and wept as I read your brother's obituary. I will fight for my son until my last breath, and when I am gone I know my three daughters will continue with vigilance. Bless you for doing the same. Remember his goodness and his talent and his beauty- carry that on through your son. This relentless disease will not triumph as long as we, the mothers, the sisters, the fathers and children know the truth of who our loved ones were. This disease is not who John was. As my son, his soul was perfect.

Marta Franzen

March 1, 2011

Dear Liz and Chase,

I am so touched by the lovely obituary for your brother and uncle. I hope that the knowledge of his fate has brought some measure of comfort to you. My family also has faced the death of a relative with schizophrenia. Peace is the hopeful outcome for us all.

March 1, 2011

Liz,
I'm so touched by John's story - my oldest son, such a talented young man, developed schizophrenia in his teens and like your brother became one of the anonymous unfortunates among us. I hope it helps to know that there are those who care about the John's of the world and who see their own child's face in theirs when we pass them on the street - and who mourn when we read of their deaths.

I know you loved your brother very much.

cg

Paula Magar

March 1, 2011

Dear Liz ~~and John, wherever you are~~ We grew up, for a time, on the same block, and I remember well how beautiful, nice, friendly, talented and smart John was! What a well-said tribute. I would attend his memorial. My best regards to you,
Paula

Jan

March 1, 2011

Dear Liz:

I know that you spent many years trying to find your brother. I am so sorry that your search ended in discovering that he had passed away. Our love and prayers go to you and Chase during this difficult time. Jan and Peter

Timothy Cahn

March 1, 2011

Liz, Read your beautiful tribute to John today in the paper. It hits home that the anonymous unfortunates are/were beloved. Life is challenging enough with the support and love of friends and family. John's illness was so isolating and relentless. I hope the memorial creates some inspired healing connection. I know you are loved and protected. Tim

March 1, 2011

The thoughts you expressed brought tears to my eyes. We live through those we love and those who remember us. Your brother was clearly loved and remembered. Carrie

Kathy

March 1, 2011

To the family of John Adams; Though I did not know him I wanted to extend my deepest sympathies to you for your loss. No matter when you lose a loved one in death it is too soon, especially when they are as young as John was. It is encouraging at times like this to look to the scriptures for comfort, for example in Isaiah we are told of a time in the future that "no resident will say I am sick." For the time being may the God of all comfort wrap his loving arms around you and grant you a measure of comfort today and in the days to come.

March 1, 2011

Dear Liz,

I did not know your brother, but I wanted you to know the obituary you wrote for your very talented brother was full of love and understanding, and beautifully expressed. You have been a faithful sister to your brother and I am grateful you may now rest as he does. And to those of us that read about John, a reminder, many suffer in the world and we need to be kind, helpful and caring. ~J. Snyder

Janet

March 1, 2011

Dear Liz,
I am so sorry to hear the very sad news about John. I know you learned many things from him. One of which, Love never fails! What a blessing to have shared some wonderful memories together, may they help you thru this difficult time. And most of all, may the God of Love, comfort you with His promise of Hope for the future. Hope, is found in His Word. Hope, will not take away your pain, but it will help you to endure it! Hope, will help you to look beyond the moment!

"And He will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will sickness nor suffering nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. And the One seated on the throne said; "Look! I am MAKING ALL THINGS NEW........"

Anne Unckles

February 28, 2011

I do not know you Liz, but my brother too suffered from the same mental illness. We were able to keep track of him most of his adult life, but there were times when we had no idea where he was. He was a kind, wonderful brother who suffered greatley with this illness as I know your brother did as well. I know how hard this has been for your family and hope you can find peace with it. My sympathy to you and your family. I wish there were better facilities to help those who suffer with his unfortunate disease.

Bob Stockham

February 28, 2011

I felt like I knew John through you. I hope this is better for you then not knowing, and that you will keep John's memory alive for your family.

Bill Leyrer

February 28, 2011

Dearest Liz,
Please know you are in my thoughts.
Love, Bill

February 28, 2011

Hi Liz,
Please email me, I would love to tell you my John story.
[email protected]

Linda

February 28, 2011

Dear Liz, I could not help but be touched in a very personal way by the obituary you wrote for your brother. Had any number of circumstances been just a little bit different that could have been my brother's fate. He developed schizophrenia around 19 years old. The cruelty quite often shown to my brother over the years has reminded me how important a kind word is to a stranger. It sounds like you never gave up on him and I am glad the Union Gospel Mission was a part of his life. Sincerely, Linda

Lesley Bain

February 27, 2011

Blessings to you, Liz, for keeping alive John's talent and goodness. He struggled with so much. Thank you for holding him up as a person that reminds us of those that need kindness and all that we so easily take for granted. I will always remember his beautiful voice. Peace and love.

Lynn Hinrichs

February 27, 2011

Our deepest hope is that now you can find peace, Liz. You have been a loving and devoted sister, and your persistence has finally given you the answers to your questions- and for that we are so grateful. We are always here for you, as you know. Our love and prayers go to you and your family.

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