Clarence “Tubby” Adams

Adams, Clarance, 90, July 30, 2009.  Arrangements by Duncan -Graves Funeral Home, Presque Isle.  Interment was held in the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery, Caribou.
    PRESQUE ISLE – On July 26, 2009, after 90 wonderful years, Tubby peacefully passed away.  He was born in Houlton, Maine, to John and “Nellie” Adams and is the last in the family of seven children. He was a devoted husband to the late Donalda (Donnie) Duncan Adams from Presque Isle – they were married 64 years. He was a wonderful father to their three children (Judy, Gary and Patty,) and a loving grandfather to five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
    He was an exceptional high school athlete who became a minor league baseball pitcher after graduation and in 1941, an early recruit into the 10th Mountain Division (Ski Troops). He sincerely enjoyed his travels and training that took him to Alaska, Colorado, California and Florida. During WW11, he participated in the Italian campaign where he was awarded 2 Bronze Stars for bravery and meritorious service. His comrades in the 10th Mountain Division remained lifelong friends and his association with this Special Forces unit continued to be an important part of his life. He was honored for his service and bravery in a special dedication when the Fort Kent, ME Olympic Biathlon training center was opened. After the war, he returned to a career as a firefighter at northern Maine US Air Force SAC bases.
    Tubby was always active in sports and was an avid outdoorsman. He was a longstanding member at both the Presque Isle Country Club and the American Legion. He was a talented cribbage player who kept his edge until the very end. To all, he was known as a man with a great personality and a wonderful sense of humor.
    He leaves his children:  Judith and Paul Ayotte of Dennis, Mass., Gary and Dorothy Adams, of Cohasset, Mass., and Patricia Adams of Bradley, Maine; his grandchildren: Elizabeth (Ayotte) Nickandros and George of Littleton, Mass., Paul James Ayotte, III, and Karen of Hatfield, Mass., Mary (Ayotte) Beers, and Jeremy of Littleton, Mass., Jonathan Doucette of Portland, Maine, and Jaime (Doucette) Chandler and Bart of Fairfield, Maine; his dear great-grandchildren:  Sarah, Rebecca, Emma, Kylie, James, Benjamin and Hannah who will all deeply miss their Gamp.
    Friends called 6-8 p.m. Sunday, August 2, 2009 at the Duncan-Graves Funeral Home 30 Church St., Presque Isle. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated 9:30 a.m. Monday, August 3, 2009, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Presque Isle with the Rev. Raymond Morency officiating. A reception was held immediately after the Mass at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Interment was in Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery, Lombard Road, Caribou, at 1 p.m. Monday with full military honors. Donations may be made in his memory to the House of Comfort Hospice House Foundation, P.O. Box 766, Presque Isle, ME 04769. Condolences may be expressed at duncan-graves.com.