In Loving Memory Harold W. J. Adams

1950 – 2024

Harold Wilbur Joseph Adams, the son of Dolores Winnifred (Deredin) Adams McDermaid and Harold Edwin Adams, was born on July 31, 1950, in Chatham, New Brunswick. On August 16, 2024, with family by his side, he passed away at Percy's Place in Miramichi, New Brunswick.

Harold is survived by his sister, Debra (Adams) Stark (Edward) of Winnipeg, Manitoba; his three brothers: Michael Adams (Sandra) of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Wayne Adams (Margaret) of Ajax, Ontario, and Richard Lee Adams (Leslie) of Napanee, Ontario; and his uncle, Louis Galliah (Paula) of Miramichi, New Brunswick. Harold, aka Uncle Butch, is survived by his nieces and nephews: Jennifer Stark (Mark) Dettman of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Shaun Adams of Ajax, Ontario, James Stark (Kaleigh) of Headingly, Manitoba, Matthew Adams (Catherine) of Truro, Nova Scotia, and Tyler Adams of Fredericton, New Brunswick; as well as his step-nieces and nephews: Kim (Poole) Blundon (Colin) of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Chad Poole (Dena) of Bathurst, New Brunswick, and Shawn Lance (Jen) of Tottenham, Ontario. Uncle Butch also played a role in the lives of his great-grandnieces and grandnephews, who include: Meadow Adams of Truro, Nova Scotia, Jaylynn Adams of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Jordan Stark Dettman of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Matthew Stark Dettman of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Braxsen Stark of Headingly, Manitoba, with a new addition to the Adams clan coming in the Fall in Truro, Nova Scotia.  He is also survived by his step-great-grandnieces and grandnephews: Peyton and Harper Blundon of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Anon Poole of Oshawa, Ontario, and Declan Poole of Bathurst, New Brunswick, Vennessa and Lucas Lance of Tottenham, Ontario, Peyton and Harper Blundon of Medicine Hat, Alberta, and Vera-Lynn Wilson of Truro, Nova Scotia.

Harold was predeceased by his parents, Dolores (Deredin) Adams McDermaid and Edwin Adams; his stepfather, William McDeDermaid; his two aunts, Mary (Deredin) Martin and Catherine (Deredin) Trevors; and his two uncles, Raymond Deredin and Wilbur Deredin.

Harold filled many roles throughout his life. He was a proud scholar who earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Saint Thomas University in Fredericton, a Bachelor of Theology degree from the University of Ottawa, and an Ecclesiastical Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree from Saint Paul University in Ottawa. He then completed his Master of Theology at the University of St. Michael's College in Toronto. Harold authored two books, "The Thief Who Stole Heaven" and "Bearer of the Holy Spirit." He also served as an elected Catholic school Trustee on the Metropolitan Separate School Board in Toronto for several years. Later in life, he moved back to Miramichi, New Brunswick, to be closer to his extended family. Here, he became an editor for the Miramichi Leader for many years and a historian for Brunswick News.

Harold often spoke fondly of the moment he met His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, in a private audience as part of the International Theological Congress on Pneumatology. In 2002, he received the Governor General of Canada's Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, awarded to Canadians who significantly contributed to their fellow citizens, their community, or Canada over the previous fifty years.

Harold's strong interest in history ensured that his family's history was researched, documented, and shared. We will always know where we came from and be able to share information, pictures, and videos with our future generations. In the later years, Harold was keen to share the Mi'kmaq culture with us and was very proud of his Mi'kmaq name Mesgilk Mestugepegajit (Big Buffalo). Family meant everything to him, and he went out of his way to ensure that his family had what they needed.

More than anything, Harold, called Butch by his family, was a devoted son. He had a very special relationship with his mother, especially after caring for her for the last 30+ years of her life. He ensured that all her needs were taken care of and that her life was filled with joy.

A wake for Harold was held at Adams Funeral Home, 140 King St., Miramichi, on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, from 7–9 PM. The Requiem Mass was held at Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Basilica, 10 Howard St., Miramichi, on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 11 AM, with The Reverend Father Antonio Reyes, and The Reverend Father Leon Creamer as Celebrants.  Music for the service was provided by Mr. David Bonnell, Dawn MacDonald Patterson, and St. Michael's Choir.  The hymns were:  "Here I Am Lord", "Rest In God Alone", "Shelter Me O God", "Prayer Of St. Francis", "Ave Maria", "Songs Of The Angels," and the recessional hymn was "Light High On the Cross".  The scripture readings were read by Leigh-Ann Martin, and Matthew Adams.  The eulogy was presented by Tyler Adams, and the Intercessory Prayers were proclaimed by Matthew Adams.

The Active Pallbearers were: Tyler Adams, Darren Landry, Andy Trevors, Matthew Hay, Chad Poole, and Ladislav Molnar.  A Christian Burial followed in the Basilica Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.

Arrangements were entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, NB; telephone (506) 773-3492.  Additionally, messages of condolence may be shared online at www.adamsfh.ca   

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Est. 1956