William Bradley Adams

William (Bill) Bradley Adams, 75 years old, died peacefully on July 27, 2023, at the Hospice House in Bend, Oregon after a valiant battle with cancer. He lived as he died, with dignity, humor, love and optimism.

Bill was born the eldest son of John (Jack) and Mary Lee Adams on January 29, 1948, and raised in Seattle Washington’s Wallingford district. Green Lake, Woodland Park and the zoo were all his childhood playgrounds. He attended St. Benedict’s grade school and graduated from Blanchet High School in 1966. He joined the Air Force in 1968 and served four years in Charleston, South Carolina

Following his service, he attended Western WA University and was a member of the first graduating class at Huxley College in 1975 earning a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies.

Bill met, fell in love, courted and married Susan Riendeau in 1975 in Clarkston, WA. He would agree-one of the best decisions of his life, they have been married 48 years.

Bill’s career as a Planner began in Goldendale, WA. He also worked for the Cities of Hood River, Milwaukee, Gresham and Oregon State’s Department of Land and Conservation Development (DLCD).

He retired in 2004 from Oregon state and worked as a City Planner for Sisters, Oregon, he and Sue moved to “The Greens at Redmond” golf course. Bill was well respected and in demand as a private planning consultant in his later years.

Bill was patriotic and loved his country, influenced by his parents, both Veterans of WWII, he was proud of his service in the Air Force during the Vietnam war.

Bill was devoted to his wife Sue and their children and grandchildren. He was a wise, thoughtful and compassionate brother, revered uncle-surrogate dad, friend, mentor, colleague, neighbor, proud Veteran and environmentalist.

A long time Huskies fan in their glory days-he became a Ducks fan.

Bill was intelligent and well read-he subscribed to Psychology today and Popular Science magazines and was able to converse with anyone from all walks of life.

Bill has been described as adventurous and along with equally adventurous -Sue, was active over the years, enjoying kayaking, windsurfing, skiing, hiking and always, the next best golf course. Generously, he shared these adventures with his children, their friends and nieces, and nephews. He and Sue always welcomed their friends’ children and teens over the years as well as nieces and nephews treating them like their own.

Bill loved music and playing with his family of musicians. From playing the piano as a child to an accomplished percussionist in the Blanchet Pipe and Drum band and his rock and roll band with brother John and friends-The Third Degree. He loved the Beatles, other groups of the 60’s and in later years was a fan of Jazz. Locally, Bill played drums in the Cascade Highlanders Pipe Band.

He wanted to recover enough to get back out on the golf course and be with friends, family and fellow golfers. His brother John often said – “golf is like a religion to Bill”.

As a Roman Catholic, Bill’s faith was central to who he was and how he lived his life- and it sustained him at the end of his life. He shared with his brother John, "I know Jesus is watching over me." Two weeks before his death, in pain and discomfort- he told Sue at the last minute- “I want to go to Mass this morning and meet the new parish priest.”

Bill is survived by his wife Susan Riendeau Adams, son’s Eric Adams and Brandon (Erika) Adams, seven siblings; Virginia (Ginny) Adams, John (Mary Laya) Adams, Martha (Ron) Fredrickson, Elizabeth (Chris) Hendrickson, Kathleen (Dave) Adams-Hedrick, Amy (Jim) Connolly and Joseph Adams, along with six grandchildren, brothers in law, David Riendeau and Tracy Riendeau, many cousins and nieces and nephews. Bill had many cherished lifelong friends and neighbors and devoted caregivers at the end of his life and his beloved Nugget who gave him much joy.

He is predeceased by his parents, John H. (Jack) Adams and Mary Lee (McWherter) Adams, Parents in law, Rene and Ruby Riendeau, Sister-in-Law, Thao Adams.

Funeral Services will be August 18th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Apostle Catholic Church-1720 N.W. 19th Street, Redmond, Oregon 97756. Reception to follow at the church.

Bill will be interned at the Willamette National Cemetery- 11800 SE Mt. Scott Boulevard, Portland Oregon on October 6, 2023.

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