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Donald Adams Obituary

Donald R. Adams, former resident of the San Lorenzo Valley and graduate of SLVHS, lost his battle with leukemia and went to be with the Lord on the 23rd of August, 2011. Don passed away at his home in Bull Shoals, Arkansas with his family by his side. Don spent his younger years fishing the huge Steelhead of the San Lorenzo River and later became a well renowned fly fishing guide. Don's passion moved him to Mt. Shasta, Lake Tahoe, Alaska and finally Arkansas where he guided hundreds of anglers on the White and Norfork Rivers. Don traveled throughout the US and the Caribbean to pursue his love for fishing and was a staunch believer in catch & release. Don's first passion was for Jesus Christ, his Lord & Savior. "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." John 3:3.

We will miss you Don. "...well done good and faithful servant."

Don is survived by his mother, Gretchen Harris of Oregon, his sister, Laura Adams-Cole and family of Oregon, his sister Lisa Crivello and family of Scotts Valley and his sister Kristina Seleshanko and family of Oregon.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The American Cancer Society or Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

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

Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Sep. 9, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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Laurie Hall

October 4, 2011

I met Don on a visit to my sister's in Arkansas. We became friends quickly and remained in touch over the past serveral months. He was such an amazing person with lots of exciting stories of the great life he lived. I feel truly blessed to have known him and deeply saddened that he is gone. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

September 16, 2011

Don and I first met in 1997, after I built Cedar Wood lodge on the White river. I knew when I met him that... there was something to Don Adams. He was not only the best fly-fishing guide on the White river, as well instructor, but he was also a man of great character, honor, integrity, and great faith. One I would come to be great friends with. Don also was the one I turned to when it came time for me to sale my lodge. He had just gotten into the real estate business, and somewhat shocked that I would turn to him, with little experience. But I told him he already possesed the greatest quality in any business. Trust. Don's word was soldid gold. If he told you tommorow was Christmas you better start wrapping the presents. I never met a more honest person than this friend of mine. I could write volumes about Don, from his faith, to his character, but could some up all of it by saying: Don made you want to be a better person. I'm reminded of the classic Christmas movie, the one they show every year, "It's A Wonderful live." Where the lead actor (Jimmy Stewart) gets to see what his family, friends, and his town, would have been like without him. My life would not have been as full without Don Adams. But I'm grateful he was in it, and every time I wade off into a trout stream, to cast a fly to a rising trout, and look around at God's great ceation, I will think of my friend and the difference he made in my life, and the lives of countless others. Bill Kolb Pryor, Oklahoma

Linda Roederer

September 15, 2011

My Dear Sweet Lisa, even tho Don and I were only married for a short time, I loved your brother very much. I had some of the very best times of my life flyfishing with Don. We both loved the sport. My father started me 40 years ago and Don and I had a blast. It took us to beautiful places to enjoy God's Wonders! I am so sorry for your loss and I look forward to seeing you very soon! All my love! Linda Roederer

September 13, 2011

Oh, Lisa. I'm so sorry. It is wonderful that Don has such a love of God and his creation. He lived life to the fullest.

Mela Settle

September 12, 2011

Oh Lisa, I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember Don from Lighthouse Christian Fellowship. He was also very involved in the Santa Cruz County Christian Revivals 20+ years ago. He LOVE LOVED the Lord so much!! We know we will meet again.....God Bless You and Your Family

Scott Maynes

September 12, 2011

The world is poorer for the passing of this old friend of mine. He loved fishing, no doubt, but his love for the Kingdom of God exceeded it by far. Enter into the arms of your Father. Well done good and faithful servant of God.

Jim Caler

September 12, 2011

Dear Lisa, May the peace of God dwell in your heart and mind as you rejoice in the eventual eternal reunion with Don.
Nancy & I were blessed knowing Don both in Santa Cruz and in Bull Shoals when we lived in Branson, MO. I helped remodel his 2 fishing cabins & he took us fishing on our anniversary many years ago. He was always full of joy and Jesus. I will be honored to be in his neighborhood in Heaven! God Bless

Robin (Rivers) Samuels

September 12, 2011

Dear Lisa,
I am sorry for your loss. I hope your good memories bring you some measure of comfort.

Laurie (Coons) Smith

September 12, 2011

Dear Lisa and the rest of Don's family, I am so shocked and grieved with you. I kept up with Don through the years, as my Mom lived near Bull Shoals, but had no idea about the leukemia as I was immersed in her declining health and death in my trips home from Russia in the last few years. I have so many memories of Don. I will miss our long and intense talks about the Lord, and Don's easy smile and love for nature. May he find the real River a satisfying place as he sits alongside his Redeemer.

Don Sturtevant

September 12, 2011

Wow...I didn't even know Don was sick....what a great man.....I haven't seen him since he moved to Arkansas but I'll always remember the Northern Lights just he and I experienced on a backpack trip to Donells Resevior in the Sierras.....I was just there this last week-end telling my friends about the trip Don and I had taken years ago...love you bro

Sandy Silva

September 10, 2011

My dear friend. I have thought about you often. Remembering the difficult and wonderful times we had at Lighthouse as a singles group. Time well spent. Will see you again someday. RIP...

Lisa (Adams) Crivello

September 9, 2011

It is surreal to see this online...even though I penned it. It is beautiful to read the comments and to know that Don was loved by many. I really can't imagine life without him...it's almost impossible to believe. If there is anything that I do know - without a shadow of a doubt - it is this; I will see him again. I know where he is. I know Who he's with... and someday, when it's my time, I will be less afraid because I know my big brother is waiting there for me. I love you Don.

Tony & Cece Dettle

September 9, 2011

As a believer, both Cece and I know that Don is Rejoicing In Paradise [RIP].
Our love and prayers go out to family.

Richard Stewart

September 9, 2011

Don will be missed by many, but the memories and gift of knowing and interacting with him will be with us forever. Don was an incredible person!

Nedra Wilson

September 9, 2011

Don will be deeply missed by so many that knew him. He was a beautiful person. Always a joy to see. I can't say enough good about this man. May the lords strength and peace be with you all.

Michael & Patricia Bellettiere

September 9, 2011

Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.

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