Rick Adams

Of

Ricky Lee Adams

On Friday the 28th of October, Rick Adams went to be with the Lord. He had been diagnosed with cancer at the first of the year and had been heroically battling the disease as part of clinical trials administered through UCLA Johnsons Cancer Center and the help of local doctors. Rick’s life touched so many in the community in a multitude of ways. Rick was a “Baseball Guy” having had an outstanding career in the Montclair youth leagues where his father Howard taught him life lessons as well as baseball skills. Howard had polio but never considered himself handicapped. He coached Rick throughout his youth baseball experience while on crutches and was an inspiration to everyone. Those skills taught by his father were honed at Montclair High School where upon graduation Rick was a 1st round draft choice of the Houston Astros.

Rick played professionally for the Astros, Angels and the Giants for 10 years, and was part of the Angels 1982 Western Division Championship team. Upon retirement from baseball Rick took a position as salesman for Robertson Ready Mix that he held for over 21 years. Robertson’s management showed its love for Rick in many ways throughout his illness and was a true blessing to the family.

Rick’s legacy came from his love of the Lord, his family, and all the friends that he made in the community while teaching and coaching the game he loved. He coached teams from Alta Loma Little League for many years while his sons Joshua and Garrett were growing up. He gave instruction to kids in the area all the way up to his being diagnosed with the disease that ultimately took his life. The influence he had on others was evident by the outpouring of love shown at the fundraiser held in his honor this past summer. An example of Rick’s influence and generosity to kids is found in a posting from Jacob Watts on Facebook. “You were one of the nicest and best all around guys I knew and I’m glad that I had the chance to call you my friend and mentor. You were there not only to help me with baseball but you also helped me become a better man, give me a better outlook on life and what a true man of God is all about. I will never forget you and the impact you had on my life.”

Rick battled this horrible disease with grace, dignity, strength, and the knowledge that God had a plan for him and he was ready for whatever this world would bring him. He is survived by his loving wife Tammy and their four children Ashlee, Joshua, Adam and Garrett as well as his sister Wanda Shute and brothers Howard Adams and Wayne Adams. A memorial service is set for Friday November 4th at Hillside Community Church at 3 pm at 5354 Haven Avenue

Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737 . The family has asked that donations be made to the www.cancer.ucla.edu/donate in lieu of flowers so that a cure can be found for this disease and others will not have to suffer the effects of it the way Rick so courageously did.