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ADAM DERN Obituary

Adam S. Dern 1981 ~ 2011 Adam Samuel Dern arrived in this world on November 30th, into the loving arms of Cathy and Bob Dern. An incredibly charming child, Adam won the hearts of many, including that of his younger sister Marissa Foster. Together they were best friends, pilots of people powered paper planes, miners of candy, and mud wrestlers. Through his teens Adam was an accomplished cyclist, winning cross-country races and developing a passion for biking that carried through to his adult years. He excelled in ski racing, was a talented musician, and had a smile that was contagious. Adam graduated with a Bachelors Degree from the University of Utah in Biochemistry and went to work for Usana. An extremely hard worker and skilled chemist, Adam soon had his work published and his strengths shining through. Always the prankster and an irresistible personality, Adam made many friends, who did occasionally fall for his charm and agree to join him in a ride or ski adventure with he and his wife, Christine. Meeting in 2001, Christine came into Adam's life not expecting to make the impact that she has, but helped shape him into the amazing man we all know and love. Christine and Adam have had more adventures than can be counted, not to mention stitches, broken bones, and hilarious mishaps in the backwoods of Utah and beyond. Whether rock climbing, speeding down single track in the mountains, or breaking trail in the backcountry, Adam was always moving at top speed and taking everyone he could with him for the ride. Adam was never happier with his best friend and wife who challenged and loved him, providing stability in each others lives and pushing each other to their best. Hidden under his amazing smile and his contagious laugh was a sadness that was unknown to most. Determined to win the battle with Bipolar Disorder, Adam took his own life on June 30th. It is with great sadness that we say farewell, and relief that he is finally at peace. Please email any thoughts or stories to [email protected]. Please join us for a celebration of Adam's life, Thursday, July 7th, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., Red Butte Gardens, 300 Wakara Way. Casual dress.

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

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Jul. 5 to Jul. 7, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for ADAM DERN

Not sure what to say?





John Cordova

June 29, 2020

Ironic that this rememberance of Adam was in my inbox this morning. I rode an access trail yesterday that Adam had showed me years ago and I thought about his riding antics and it made me laugh. Dern could ride rodeo down any single track. He was an amazing individual and I am so grateful that I was able to experience his friendship.

July 30, 2011

Rode the Crest today and thought of Dern.
It is hard to ride and not think of him. We miss you on the trail Adam.

JQC

Jay Jacobson

July 12, 2011

Bob and Kathy,
I am so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine how this must feel. I wish you strength and comfort through the difficult days that lie ahead. While I wasn'nt fortunate to know Adam, your words helped me see what a remarkable young man he was.
Julie joins me in sympathy and support.

Jill Griggs

July 8, 2011

What an amazing man Adam was! I am so sorry for your loss. My husband of 22plus years took his own life 7 years ago. He had been addicted to pain killers and it was too much to bear. Always remember the good times. And always know how much Adam deeply loves all of you.

Katherine Main

July 8, 2011

My thoughts are with you all during this challenging time. Adam was a wonderful close friend of mine in high school. He was a great person to know and I truely value all my memories of him. Love and thoughts to you all. Adam, I will miss you.

Laura Miller

July 7, 2011

My deepest sympathies, Christine. Unfortunately, I lost my husband in the same manner. Please feel free to reach out to me any time, any hour.

Laura Miller- Colleague of Francine Johnson

Mercedes

July 7, 2011

I am so sorry about adam. I don't know him at all but it is very hard when someone close does that. But at least you know why. I understand what all of you guys are going though. I am so sorry.

sue lopez

July 7, 2011

When I randomly read the obituary this morning of this young man, I felt touched to leave a message. As I read about him, I could "feel" of his tremendous spirit and the way he touched many lives. I read of the important things in his life, the things that have significance, value, importance, primary his family. In his face, I saw how he radiated goodness and happiness. Although I never knew him, I want you to know that he touched my life today, and I am sure he continues to touch lives, and know many thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time, and one day, one future day, in the eternities... we will all meet. I would also like to say that I feel you are making a huge difference in the lives of others when you mentioned he lost his life to his illness. Often, when reading the obituaries, there is no cause of death mentioned, when it is a young person. I believe that your mention of it is a help to other's suffering with the same. Maybe through your loss and pain it will prompt someone to get help, talk to someone, realize the severity of their problems, reach out to others. I want to thank you, because through your unselfishness, of sharing yourself this way, I believe you are touching lives, lives you don't even know you are reaching out to, randomly, and making a difference. Again, I am so sorry for your loss. If you would contact me, I have a poem I would like to share with you that will not fit here, and a story. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.

July 7, 2011

There are no words that can ease the pain with a loss of a child, husband, friend. Please know that you are all in our hearts and prayers. I hope that you can all find some peace knowing that although Adam is gone from this life, he is free of the pain that is bipolar and can now watch over you until you meet again.

Gail Koza

July 7, 2011

I never had the pleasure of meeting Adam, but I have enjoyed hearing from his mother-in-law, Francine, about what a delightful and loving couple he and Christine have been over the years. He was clearly a remarkable and lovely young man.

I'd like to extend my deepest sympathy to Adam's family and friends.

Von

July 7, 2011

Adam was always very curious about the workings of bikes, asking questions and wanting to work on things himself. Seemed to have a great passion for riding. He will be missed.

Judy Webb Fisher

July 7, 2011

My heartfelt sympany to Christine and all of Adam''s family and dear friends. I did not know Adam but just reading his bio above was evidence that he was a truly loving person and had great love for his family.. Know that others are praying and thinking of all of you at this time. Judy Webb-Fisher (Colleague of Francine Johnson)

Green Family

July 7, 2011

Our deepest sympathies go to Adams family.......my husband knows Adam from working at Usana and we ourselves deal with a child with bipolar and know the sorrow it causes. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. Travis and Christy Green (Kearns

Patty Boyd

July 7, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. We have so many illnesses that are overlooked or not understood. Bi Polar/Manic Depression are very hard to deal with on a daily "normal" level. Blessings and peace to the family. Remember....it's not your fault!

Stan Johnson

July 6, 2011

I would like to extend my greatest sympathy to your family.

Janet Albright

July 6, 2011

My husband, Jim Stoup and I, knew Adam from Hyde School in Maine where we were teaching at the time. From the very first minute we met him, we knew that he was special. He was intelligent, creative, compassionate, beautifully opinionated, and always real.

The world has a very large hole in it now that he is gone. Our hearts are with his wonderful family, his beloved wife, and all those who have known Adam along the way.

Be in peace, Adam. You've left love and memories in the hearts of many.

Janet Albright

Adam and Christine Dern biking, through the Shoreline above the Avenues

Melina Harr

July 6, 2011

Schyler Burke

July 6, 2011

I went to RHSM with Adam, and although didn't know him as well as others, I do remember his infectious smile. Now that I am a parent of two and one on the way, I cannot begin to imagine the pain you must be feeling over his loss. I wish your family the best as you continue life without him.

Rachel Hobden Bowes

July 6, 2011

Adam was the first person I met when we moved to Salt Lake and became my closest friend at RHSM. My memories of our crazy adventures together over those years will always make me smile. I count myself so lucky to have known and loved such a special person - kind, funny, genuine, smart and courageous. My heart and thoughts are with his wife and family.

I will miss him always.

July 6, 2011

Bob,Cathy,Marissa and Christine,

i am saddened for your loss. my heart and thoughts go to you at this difficult time! Adam had so much and it is hard to fathom his pain. I wish for you peace in the coming days.

Bob Anderson / Farm Bureau

I feel so lucky to have had Adam as part of my life!

Deborah Gaspar

July 6, 2011

We always loved to visit!

Deborah Gaspar

July 6, 2011

Adam made a great ring bearer! The best!!

Deborah Gaspar

July 6, 2011

His daredevil skiing started early! Trust me, I remember!

Deborah Gaspar

July 6, 2011

We enjoyed hiking with him!

Deborah Gaspar

July 6, 2011

Loved going to the zoo with Adam!

Deborah Gaspar

July 6, 2011

Adam was full of life!

Deborah Gaspar

July 6, 2011

Carole J Stone

July 6, 2011

We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. What else can I say? It is always sad to lose someone,m especially someone so close. May he rest in peace. If there's anything we can do, even from this far away, please don't hesitate. Again -- our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Love, CAROLE & LARRY

Heather Houseman

July 6, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Paula Nielsen

July 6, 2011

Adam did have a very infectious smile - I appreciated the talents and skill he brought to USANA to help us all succeed. He can never be replaced, and he will be deeply missed. I am so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.

C M

July 6, 2011

I didn't have the honor of knowing this young man. What an amazing man he is and what a loss to this world and his family and friends. Sometimes the struggle of life and this illness is just too much to deal with and it's understandable that he moved on. He has found peace and I'm wishing his family peace and smiles in the wonderful memories you have of Adam.
My sincere sympathy to you all.

Gretchen Krebs

July 5, 2011

I went to elementary school with Adam, and I remember his irresistible grin (and my gradeschool crush on him...) It sounds like he was well-loved and will be sorely missed. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Deborah Hobden

July 5, 2011

Adam was a very close friend of my sister's and a frequent guest to our home when we were in high school. I loved it when he came to visit. He was a joy to have around. I will always remember the positive energy he brought with him, the way he whistled (he was a great whistler) and his incredible smile. My thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.

Neil Olsen

July 5, 2011

I'll never forget Adam. After a long day of skiing, Adam gave me my first lesson in truck-spinning in the empty snow-packed parking lot of Solitude when we were in the 10th grade... back when we were Winged Lions. Let's just say I didn't learn very much, but it was a grand ol' time! He was beyond generous and so kind, and a great, great friend. His infectious grin was a gift, a physical symptom of his greater charisma.
I miss him terribly,

July 5, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Adam's diagnosis of bipolar disorder is familiar to me as well, and I can only imagine how colorful of a person he was. I enjoyed reading his obit and to see how much he was treasured and loved by his family. May God bless you during this difficult time.

Erin (Krug) Saunders

July 5, 2011

I was a Lowell classmate of Adam's. Even then, his brilliance was obvious. That I found his name and his smile so immediately recognizable, so many years later, proves that he is unforgettable. My heart goes out to all of you.

Nan Streeter

July 5, 2011

While I do not know you nor you me, I send you this message in hopes that it is of some comfort.

I know your pain as my son, Michael, suffered from bipolar disorder and died three years ago of a "slow" suicide - heroin addiction, at age 28.

It seems as though many young people with bipolar disorder are just like Adam - bright, charming, thrill seeking and lovely inside, though also tormented in ways that those of us without the disorder will never understand, though we try. I have found comfort in knowing that my son is not in pain anymore, just as Adam is now free.


My heart goes out to you as you continue on without Adam. Do celebrate Adam as he sounds like a wonderful young man!

Take care during this hard time and know there are others who understand your sadness and grief because they have been there too. Nan Streeter

J L

July 5, 2011

Thank you for sharing information about Adam's bipolar disorder. It is such a sad and serious disease that people need to take notice of. So sorry for your loss.

john Cordova

July 5, 2011

I feel honored to have had the opportunity to work with Adam and also experience some great bike rides with him. Adam was a great athlete and cyclist, it was fun to watch his one handed rodeo wheelies on the single track. I will always cherish our Moab trip and cycling in the Wasatch with him. The "two hour ride" that always turned into four. Adam, I hope you are at peace and I hope to ride with you on the other side.

SDG

July 5, 2011

I have had the pleasure of working with Adam at USANA & I am grateful to have known him. He always had a smile and a willingness to help no matter what! I have lost a friend to this disease & pray that the Lord will bless & comfort you at this time. God bless

July 5, 2011

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Dern, I am SO sorry for your loss. I work @ USANA and had very minimal interaction with Adam, he was always so quiet. But thank you for sharing how incredible he is.
Bipolar is an incredible challenge, and I do not wish it on anyone. I'm sorry he was struggling so deeply. I pray for your comfort, peace, and much support.

C F

July 5, 2011

I met Adam at USANA. What a tremendous loss. You only had to meet him to realize what a great guy he was. He was so incredibly talented. And his smile and laugh truly were contagious. We will miss him terribly.

Jack and Ginger Rawlins

July 5, 2011

May the memories of the happy days you shared with Adam be a source of strength and comfort.

Charsti Merrill-Johnson

July 5, 2011

Dear Cathy, Bob, Marissa and Christine,
Our deepest sympathy go out to you at this most difficult time. Adam and Ryan were childhood buddies. We have many memories of Adam. He would come to our back door and yell in "hello?" and then come in with that impish grin. "Next we would hear "Is Ryan home?" Not long later we would hear Adam and Ryan whispering, planning their next adventure. Ryan thought the world of Adam, and I enjoyed talking with him. He would come and tell me what he was up to at the moment. There was never a dull moment when Adam was around. Our thoughts are with you now. It is a profound loss, but you will carry him with your forever.
With love,
Charsti and Vince Merrill-Johnson

Kami Asay

July 5, 2011

My heart grieves at the loss of such a wonderful person. I've had the pleasure of being friends with Adam and Christine for 5 years. I'm grateful for the many ways they brought joy to me and my husband through our crazy trips together, the pump tracks, the crazy bike rides, the adventures they took my husband on, and the memories created that will never be forgotten. My heart is with Christine and Adam and their families. We love you!!

July 5, 2011

I am so sorry you have lost your son, brother and husband. What an amazing man. Thank you for sharing his story.

A caring stranger

July 5, 2011

I am sorry I never had the honor of knowing your son and husband. I am so sorry for your loss. I too suffer from Bi Polar and Depression and can understand how hard it is at times. Please know that you have an angel watching over you. My prayers are with you.

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