Thomas Richard Adams

1986 - 2011

Thomas Richard Adams obituary, 1986-2011, Fortuna, CA

BORN

1986

DIED

2011

FUNERAL HOME

Pierce Mortuary

707 H Street

Eureka, California

Thomas Adams Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 18, 2011.

Thomas Richard Adams, 24, passed away February 15, 2011 while in the line of duty. He was a resident of Fortuna, California. He was born on June 12, 1986 in San Francisco, CA to Bruce and Karen Adams. In 2000 the family moved to Fortuna, CA, where he spent his teen age years. When Thomas was around 8 years old, he found his passion, playing football. Anthony Hinton, his coach from Pop Warner, told him if he wanted to play, he'd have to keep a B average in school. Thomas wanted to play football so badly that he managed to maintain a 3.5 GPA through high school. He graduated from Fortuna Union High School in 2004 and continued his passion for playing football while attending Humboldt State University and College of the Redwoods. Thomas joined the California Highway Patrol on July 21, 2008. Upon completion of the Academy he was assigned to the Oakland Area where he worked until August 2010. He transferred to Garberville Area in September 2010, where he served the remainder of his career. He enjoyed reading, weight lifting, playing football, and when off duty, being a big kid. He loved playing practical jokes and always had a sense of humor. When Thomas joined the CHP he told his Dad that he still got to play football because every once in a while, he got a chance to tackle someone. Thomas is survived by his loving parents, Bruce and Karen Adams; brother, Sean; and a host of family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him and the entire CHP family. There will be a visitation Monday, February 21, 2011 from 4-7pm at Pierce Mortuary, 707 H Street, Eureka, California. A Rosary will follow at 7pm, also at Pierce. Tuesday, February 22, 2011, a Mass will be held at 10am at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 615 H Street, Eureka. A reception will follow. A private internment will take place at Rohnerville Catholic Cemetery, Fortuna, California. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Fortuna High School Football Program, 379 12th Street, Fortuna, CA 95540 and/or Saint Joseph Pantry Shelf, PO Box 430, Fortuna, CA 95540. To leave messages and condolences for the family please visit www.piercemortuarychapels.com. Care is under the direction of Pierce Mortuary, Eureka, California.

Published in Eureka Times-Standard from February 20 to February 21, 2011

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

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Adams

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Not sure what to say?

May 6, 2011

i miss you so much, some days your presence makes me smile, sometimes knowing your smiling on me from up there only makes me miss you being next to me more. ive never met such an awe-inspiring honest gentleman. i may never meet anyone so good hearted again. you and your family are in my prayers every night, i hope that you have found your peace. thank you for the last time i saaw you, its like you know what was going to happen, because you just held me and let me rest peacefully in your arms. you were an amazing friend tommy and are sorely missed every day.
be peaceful in your rest. so much love to you and yours every day.

February 26, 2011

Barbie Ford

I've spent days trying to write this but the words didn't come. It's not often my words fail me. It's unimaginable what you all are going through with the loss of Thomas. Having sons myself the thought of losing one is unimaginable. When I think of Thomas or my sons talk about him we laugh about all the silly things they did together. Thomas would stick just about half his body in our refrigerator staking out all the condiments for a deli sandwich. If he came across left over mac & cheese he'd drag that out too.
When Thomas talked to you it wasn't like he just met you, but like he knew you forever. So confident, always smiling. I don't know what it would take for him not to be happy or smiling. Always making you smile and laugh. Thomas was always a pleasure to have around. Karen & Bruce, you did a wonderful job raising Thomas. Thomas's Grandma, cutting off the crust of his sandwich. You made his lunch out of love for him. God Bless you. Thomas left so many memories and so much fun that we find ourselves laughing more than crying when we think about all the good fun times there were.

February 25, 2011

Kim Beagle

My sons and I have so many happy memories of Thomas and of times spent going swimming and having him over at our house. We will miss him.

February 25, 2011

A Friend

I met Thomas while I worked at McDonalds back in 2007. He had the most contagious smile and was always so happy. There was never a dull moment when Thomas was around. He will be missed dearly.

February 24, 2011

Robyn Samuelson

My heartfelt sympathy to Thomas's family and friends.

February 23, 2011

Dan & Brandy Rapp

Posted by Dan & Brandy Rapp

February 23, 2011

Randy & Casey Thompson

Bruce and Karen,
There are really know comforting words to tell you of your loss. Just keep the memories and the good stories going on. It is comforting to know so many people thought so much of Thomas. It is nice to hear those stories of him, I am sure. Thomas will always be with you in heart. We are only borrowed for a short time on this earth and we never know when our number comes up to call. Thomas is in good company...
We never got to meet Thomas, but he sounded like a fine young man.

February 23, 2011

My sympathy to the family of Thomas Adams. Such a loss for one of California's finest. May God bless you and your family. Remember all the good times now and memories will keep him close to your hearts. My prayers are with you
D.Dallas (Stockton, Ca)

February 22, 2011

Debbie Kawas

Our deepest sympathy to the Adams family.

Though we have never met - we hold a kinship. We lost a daughter over 5 years ago who was a police officer. Our hearts deeply are with you and the road you have ahead.
May we share something that gives us peace for no parent should ever have to out live their child yet it happens.

When our daughter became an officer - she said "If anything ever happens to me just know that I died doing what I loved."

We know how proud you are of Thomas and we have no doubt he was a fine young man and officer. And his memory and presence will remain with you forever. Death can not take that away.
Also
Take comfort to know their is a huge community of support for you from his police family and in the community.

The Kawas family

February 22, 2011

Josh Argyle

I had the privilege of playing football with Thomas at College of the Redwoods. Aside from being a great player he was a great man. He could brighten up a practice with just a smile. My prayers go out to his family. He was truly the a great person who i will miss very much.

February 22, 2011

TO THE ADAMS FAMILY,
WORDS CAN'T EXPRESS HOW MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU ALL.I KNOW YOU RAISED A GOOD SON, SOMEONE YOUR SO PROUD OF. I LOSTED A SON 5 YEARS AGO, HE WAS A TRIBAL POLICEMAN.I KNOW YOUR PAIN.MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALWAYS.IF YOU LIKE YOU CAN CALL ME ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT,707) 599-8988

SHERRELL MASTEN
PO BOX 77
HOOPA,CALIF.95546

February 22, 2011

Sharrie King

My sympathies to the Adams family for the loss of Thomas. I remember that infectious smile when he played football for C/R. Such a sad loss.

February 22, 2011

Denise Hatch

To the Adams family..we can see your son/brother was a fine young man and we know how proud you must have been of him. You are in our thoughts and prayers; may memories and his legacy, albeit short, help a little each day.

Sharing in your sadness,

from an Oregon State Police family
Tom and Denise Hatch

February 22, 2011

Shelly O'Brien

My heartfelt sympathy for his family and friends. I didn't have the honor of knowing him, but appreciate the service he gave.

February 22, 2011

Kristiane Sapiente

I do not know Thomas but my heart goes out to his family and friends and his CHP family too. I am in tears as I write this. He seemed to love his job and his community and football (a man after my own heart). He looks so proud to be wearing the CHP uniform. Looking at Thomas in the photos provided playing with his brother will be burned into my memory for years to come. God Bless the Familia and CHP. Loves and Hugs

February 21, 2011

Don & Betty Dailey

To the family of Thomas....... I met Thomas a couple months ago when he was dispatched to check on our welfare while we had a flat tire near Myers Flat on a rainy night.
Thomas and I had a nice chat while we were standing out in the rain out of harms way, I learned of his transferr from Oakland to Garberville just a short time before, I informed him that I was the son of the first official commander of the Garberville Area and that my
niece's husband is the sgt. of the area now. We had shared some
stories while waiting for the tow truck.
I believe that Thomas enjoyed his work as a CHP officer and enjoyed
the area. I wish i had known him more, and recently I learned that
Thomas was friends of other relatives down in Sacramento area
and they thought of him in a big way, and consider him as a member of the family.
Keep Thomas memories in your mind and heart of the great times
he had in his life. I will remember him in my mind and heart.
I always been in the CHP family as a family member......since I couldnt be a CHP officer due to my vision.

February 21, 2011

Steven and Diane Berry

Karen and Bruce,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy and our prayers for you and your family.
Two of our children work with Karen,
Mike Berry and Kate Lambert; I know from them what good people you are and
how much they both respect you. Thank you for raising Thomas to be the fine
young man that he was.
God Bless you.

February 21, 2011

Walt & Claudia Lesnick

Our hearts go out to the Adams family. Parents should not precede a child. Tom was way too young to leave.

Anything you need, we're here for you.

February 21, 2011

Richard Quintana

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Thomas was a young and ambitious officer. The Quintana family offers our condolences to his love ones.

February 21, 2011

Kelli & Angela Cramer

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

February 20, 2011

Jackie Campion-Cotter

We are so saddened to hear about the loss of your son. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our prayers are with you.

February 20, 2011

A friend

I have so many fond memories of Thomas. We shared many laughs and smiles together. He touched my life and the life of many others. He always had wonderful things to say of his parents and his brother. He will be missed dearly, but never forgotten. Gosh that handsome smile!!!

February 20, 2011

Pamela Andersen

I met Thomas while working at McDonalds, I was new and didn't know anyone. Thomas was one of the first, if not the first to come start up a conversation with me and help me feel comfortable in my new surroundings. He was just so sweet, when I became manager people didn't listen to me since I hadn't been working for long, but Thomas was always there for me to lend out advice about how to gain the respect of the other crew members. I remember Thomas talking about his hopes for becoming a CHP officer, and you could see this genuine happiness within him when he talked about moving on and doing something great with his life. I am so proud for him that he did what he said he would do and I am proud and priveledged to have known such a wonderful person. I give my sincerest sympathys to Thomas's family and want to thank them for bringing up such a sweetheart.

February 20, 2011

Tracy Ranstrom

My condolences go out to the family of Officer Adams..My son remembers him from Fortuna High, though Tom was a couple years ahead of him...my prayers are with you all..he was taken way too soon...

February 20, 2011

Randy & Glorie Williamson

February 20, 2011

we as a family are really hurting for you, we have heard so many things about how great Thomas was. Our son Drake Goodale is an officer with Eureka P.D , he sends this message also. Love Jim and Mary Goodale

February 20, 2011

Ashtin Crenshaw

Thomas... I still can't believe that you are no longer with us. I will always remember our high school classes that we had together and how we would always give each other a hard time. You were always such a nice guy and you will ALWAYS be remembered and NEVER be forgotten. Rest in Peace my friend, we will meet again...

My condolences to the Adams family...

Ashtin McWhorter-Crenshaw

February 20, 2011

Spencer Ford

Thomas was one of the best friends I ever had. From trips to the river, playing video games, and creating funny things to do and say he was a great friend. I want to thank Bruce and Karen Adams for raising him and giving me an opportunity to know him. He was an example of your success as parents, he accomplished a lot more in his years than most will in their entire lives.

February 19, 2011

Dear Bruce, Karen, & Sean,
Our hearts and prayers are with you.
LOV&HUGS
Doug & Cindy

February 19, 2011

Nicea Straton-Shea

Tommy and I met back in high school, we were introduced by a mutual friend and would see each other all the time. he was such a Prince and a gentleman even as a just out of high school college student. he pulled his own, worked for years at a less then amazing job to put himself through school and made his dreams of becoming something more and leaving Humboldt County come true. The last few times I saw tommy he was a CHP already, we still talked all the time, we would call to catch up briefly and end up chatting for hours on end. He came and picked me up from the airport last January (2010), the 9th i believe, I had been traveling internationally for 24 hours and I was SOOO tired, and he picked me up from San Francisco Airport and drove me 2 1/2 hours north to where my car was parked in sonoma after working a 12 hour shift, with another one the next day. He was selfless. The very last time I saw him, we watched a movie, and I fell asleep on his shoulder. He didnt leave until 4 in the morning because he didnt want to wake me when he moved. I miss this man so very much already, and I cant believe I have a lifetime to go before I can see him again. Rest In Peaceful sleep my friend. i hope that your time here was wonderful for you. sending you so much love every day. ill be sending you balloons on your birthday. i love you so much my friend. RIP

Posted by Nicea Straton-Shea

February 19, 2011

Andrew Kitna

February 18, 2011

Cathy

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