Kenneth "Kenny" Adair

Kenny was born in Portland, Oregon, December 26, 1948. His parents Theodore (Teddy) Rogers and mother Mildred (Mickey) Adair married as high school sweethearts and Kenny was their first of 2 sons from that union.

At an early age Kenny and younger brother Donny were placed by their mother with his grandparents Appleton Charles (A. C.) and Zelma Adair. His grandparents later adopted him. They became the primary custodial parents with love and support from Mickey, stepfather; Norman Wims, his aunt (Mickey’s sister) and uncle, Bill and Bessie Anfield; paternal grandparents, Rev. Roosevelt and Mollie Rogers; and great aunt, Rebecca Miller. Dad, Teddy formed a close bond with Kenny. Through his life he formed a very close relationship with all of his family.

Kenny went to Boise elementary school from kindergarten through 8th grade. During the early years of his life Kenny was active in church, sports and social clubs. He was a boy scout, played little baseball and participated in many church activities at Allen Temple C.M.E Church, such as Christian Youth Fellowship and vacation bible school. He frequently visited New Hope Baptist Church and Vancouver Avenue Baptist Church where his paternal grandparents were members.

During his formative years Kenny was very close to his cousins, the Anfield kids: Billy, Elise, Alice and Donna. He spent almost as much time at their house as his home. They were more like brother and sisters than cousins. He was also close to his cousin, the late Thomas (Tommy) Miller. Kenny also formed loving relationships with his other siblings, the cousins on his dad’s (Rogers) side of the family and the Gary family.

After graduating from Boise Kenny chose to attend Benson Polytechnic High School and graduated from that school in 1966. After high school he enrolled in Multnomah Jr. College. At that school he met the love of his life Harriet Elaine Glosson on the first day. Their friendship bloomed during that year. After she attended Fiske University for 1 year and returned to Portland, their relationship blossomed. They were married September 19, 1970. Harriet was the perfect match for Kenny. They both transferred to the University of Oregon and earned degrees. Kenny received a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in counseling. He became a counselor and manager at Portland Community College for 30 years.

Kenny and Harriet’s shared contributions to education extended beyond their jobs and included funded scholarships from their personal resources. Together they were able to build a home and shared their success with their family, friends and colleagues. Nothing was more important than family. Kenny and Harriet adopted Donald Dixon, a student at the University Portland, through the Family Away From Home Program, in 1974. They maintained a parental relationship with him and Donald’s wife Vernette until Kenny’s death.

Kenny participated in a plethora of social and civic organizations and clubs, which are listed on the last page of the memorial service printed program. However, his commitment to friends and family was first and foremost in his heart and mind.

Kenny Adair was preceded in death by his grandparents, the Adairs and the Rogers; his father, Teddy Rogers; stepmother, Dorothy Rogers; stepfather, Norman Wim; mother, Mildred (Mickey Wims); stepbrother, Nathaniel Irving; stepsister, Charlotte Moore; and stepbrother, Johnnie Moore.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Harriet Adair; sister-in-law, Barbara Sue Williams; brother, Donny Adair (wife Faye); sister, Gail Robinson; brother, Jerry Rogers; brother, Joe Rogers (wife Catherine); brother, Jahad Moore; beloved cousins, Billy Anfield, Elise Marshall, Alice Anfield Watson, and Donna Anfield Jones, David, Saunders, Karona X Pressley and Tangi Walker; and a host of nieces and nephews.