Community mourns the loss of former Five Counties Foundation executive director - ThePeterboroughExaminer.com

One of the community’s greatest children’s care advocates has passed away.

Dave Adams, who spent more than 25 years at the helm of the Five Counties Children’s Centre Foundation, died Tuesday (Oct. 26) following a valiant battle with cancer. He was 62.

Adams was a devoted husband to Alana and dedicated dad to Amanda, Christina and Alicia. He was also committed to his community and will long be remembered by the many whose lives he touched, including Carolyn Fox who worked with him at Five Counties for 19 years.

“The reality is, he taught me everything I know. I wouldn’t be in the position I am if it wasn’t for him,” said Fox, noting Adams literally “took a leap of faith” in hiring her as the foundation’s giving and fundraising coordinator despite her lack of experience in the field. “We had our fair share of challenges but he was so understanding. Nothing was insurmountable. Everything could be fixed.”

Fox was especially struck by the connections Adams made with the organization’s clients.

“How he used to interact with the kids was just incredible. It was like he could instantly create a bond with them,” said Fox.

But it was one time in particular during a presentation for the Rotary Club of Lindsay – what he referred to it as the ‘dog and pony show’ quipped Fox - that will forever stick in her memory as a testament to Adams’ greatest trait; his true humanity.

Adams was sharing a recent incident involving daughter Amanda who had been born with cerebral palsy. He told everyone how she was wanting to participate in a school sport and struggled tremendously. Fox said Adams began to cry when he stated the one thing she wanted was to be like all the other kids and you couldn’t give her that; it broke his heart. In just that one emotional speech, Adams defined why everyone was working so hard to raise money for the kids at Five Counties.

While Five Counties was a large part of his life and family remained a priority right up to his final days, Adams also had a passion for the outdoors, especially when it came to being on the water.

“It was his ultimate way of relaxing,” said Fox.

Adams was the sailing director at Camp Couchiching in his teen years where he and his family returned many times throughout his life. He was happiest tending to the campfire and singing camp songs late into the night with his family and friends.

A public visitation is planned for Tuesday (Nov. 2) from noon to 3 p.m. at the Highland Park Funeral Centre in Peterborough. Masks/face coverings are mandatory and covid protocols will be enforced. A private, invite only, celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m.

Donations to Five Counties Children’s Centre, Camp Couchiching or charity of choice are greatly appreciated and can be made, along with expressions of condolence, at www.highlandparkfuneralcentre.com.

 

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Community mourns the loss of former Five Counties Foundation executive director - ThePeterboroughExaminer.com
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