Michael F. Adams passed away in the summer of 2022. He was born in the spring of 1963 to Pat and Harmon Adams of Bainbridge Island. He knew Bainbridge as home his entire life. He was 59 years old.
Mike spent most of his childhood at the family home on the shores of South Beach where he was an avid boater, scuba diver, fisherman, and a keen observer of the amazing seas around us. His love of the sea was guided and inspired by many BISD teachers including, Joe Black, Joyce Nishimura, Steve Hohl, Bruce Clayborn and Cal Hayashi, to name a few.
He earned a degree at Western Washington University at the Vehicle Research Institute followed some years later by a Master’s Degree in teaching from City University.
His career and professional interests always led back to the sea. Mike and his wife, Mary, were early adopters of low-impact living. They built an off–the-grid home and sustainably harvested clams and oysters from their waterfront farm on Hood Canal.
Mike was active as a commissioner with the Bainbridge Fire Department, the WSU Extension Beach Watchers program and was a member of the Marine Resources Committee for many years. He was well known for his expertise in the conservation of flora and fauna of the surrounding waters. In later years, he discovered a passion for sharing his observations of the many birds he encountered both on and off shore by self-publishing a book of his photographs entitled, Birds From Here.
Mike was a natural teacher and always willing to lend a hand, share a thoughtful insight or offer a different approach. He will be remembered as a fierce spirit with a brilliant mind, a kind soul and a love of both nature and family. At his request, he wishes to be remembered as an ethical shellfish farmer. It was his favorite career.
Mike’s final wish was granted when he was laid to rest at sea. He is survived by his wife, Mary, his brothers Jeff and Todd Adams, step-sons Chris, Drew and Jeremy Young along with a large family and a multitude of friends. A memorial and remembrance service will take place at the Nordland Garden Club on Marrowstone Island on October 8, 2022 at 1pm, located at 320 Garden Club Road, Marrowstone, WA 98358.
The family wishes to thank the Jefferson County Hospice Team for their caring dedication to Mike.
