Kenneth Marshall Adamson

1938 - 2023

Kenneth Marshall Adamson

October 12, 1938 - November 14, 2023

Sacramento, California - Ken Adamson – Loving husband and father passed away at home November 14 surrounded by family and his exceptional caregiver Kris. Ken was born in Phoenix, Arizona the middle child of Colonel Kenneth E. and Catherine Adamson. As an army brat Ken and his siblings lived throughout the world.

During his high school years as a multisport athlete at Marist College in Atlanta, Georgia, Ken caught the eye of Georgia Tech football coach Bobby Dodd. He signed a letter of intent to attend Georgia Tech. However, Terry Brennan invited him to visit Notre Dame. Ken had great respect for Coach Dodd, but was in a quandary because his heart was with Notre Dame. He talked it over with his father, who said it was his decision, but advised if he chose Notre Dame, he must put on a coat and tie and go visit Coach Dodd to inform him in person of his decision. When he did, Coach Dodd told Ken he was making a big mistake because he could be an All American at Georgia Tech.

Four years later, in Ken's senior season, Notre Dame lost 14-10 to Georgia Tech. Ken played every down on offense, defense and special teams, and recorded fourteen unassisted tackles. On the field after the game, Coach Dodd and Ken found each other and embraced. Coach Dodd affirmed Ken had made the right choice. At Notre Dame, Ken not only excelled on the football field, but also as a student and a leader. In 1959 he was named an Academic All American and was also awarded the Byron Kanaley award, the highest honor given to Notre Dame athletes. Ken always considered being elected captain by his teammates his greatest honor, since in 1959 there was only one captain.

Following his college career Ken was encouraged by a former coach to try out for a new AFL team – the Denver Broncos. While small in size for an offensive lineman, he made up for it with his huge heart and relentless work ethic. He not only made the team, but once again excelled on the field, earning a spot on the AFL West All Star Team his second season. During the off season, he served in the Army Reserves. Ken's football career was cut short in 1962 when he shattered his jaw against the NY Titans.

After football Ken began his career in the beer business, first working for a Coors distributor in Lakewood, Colorado and eventually moving to Sacramento where he and Joyce were the proud owners of Capital Beverage Co, selling many brands across the Sacramento, Truckee and Chico regions.

Ken is survived by Joyce, his wife of 63 years, his three daughters, Kelley Shelton (Matt), Seanne Moulton (Charlie) and Colleen Adamson, as well as his brother David Adamson (Cynda) and numerous nieces and nephews. Ken is also survived by 5 grandchildren, his pride and joy: Sean Shelton (Sam), Clare Fierros (Luke), Emily Shelton (Mitchell), Kenny Moulton (Madeline) and Elizabeth Moulton. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Sheila Redfield.

Ken was an outstanding member of his community, always generous with his time, money and love. Ken and Joyce have been involved with many charities in the Sacramento area, with Christo Rey High School being one of their favorites. A giver until the end, Ken donated his brain tissue to the CTE Center at Boston University.

He was an amazing son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He could always be counted on to tell a good story as well as listen to yours, and to always treat everyone he encountered with the utmost respect and kindness. He will be greatly missed by so many.

The family would like to sincerely thank Kris and Dina for so gracefully guiding us through his final days.

A funeral mass will be held at 1:00 pm on December 16 at Our Lady of The Assumption Parish in Carmichael. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Christo Rey High School.