Charles Adams

Charles Wentworth “Chuck” Adams, 73, slipped peacefully away on May 31 at home in Charlevoix, MI, attended by his loving family, to whom he left a legacy of a life well lived. Chuck was born in Ypsilanti, MI, on October 17, 1944, to Georgia Hope Severns Adams and George Everett Adams. He grew up in Ypsilanti, surrounded by aunts and uncles, grandparents and cousins. He graduated from Ypsilanti High School in 1963, a scholar, an athlete and student government president and went on to Eastern Michigan University, working at times in the family business and Great Lakes shipping to earn money for school. After finishing his degree Chuck, and lifelong friend George Smith, built a successful business, applying nondiscriminatory policies in pay and hiring. Chuck became nationally respected for his expertise on issues in the mortgage banking field and was often called in as a consultant by regulators and industry associations. The business prospered, was sold and he retired in his late 40s. Chuck was an avid hiker and friends talk of phone calls challenging them to meet him at a specific mountain trail a plane ride away by a certain time. Daughter Angela describes him as an enthusiastic reader, of Stephen King and Michael Crichton in particular, happy to spend hours in discussion and debate. His musical tastes were eclectic, classical to doowop to ABBA. He also enjoyed scuba diving, sailing and boating, skiing and traveling. His greatest loves were family, friends, home and community. Chuck looked for ways to help at risk children. He served on the board of Bay Area Substance Education Services (BASES) and the Charlevoix Area Community Pool board. He was a beloved surrogate father figure to many and demonstrated in his own life how to be loving, caring partners and parents. As Chuck moved into the last phase of hospice care, family and friends streamed in from near and far to say goodbye. It was clear that Chuck’s vision and hard work had come to fruition: a community and family enriched and strengthened for future generations. Chuck is survived by his wife of 41 years Mary, daughter Angela Marie Adams and her partner Jesse Sweet; step-sons Rob Schoenberger and Todd (Erica) Schoenberger; honorary son Michael Herc; grandchildren Jumong Bacani and Tashi and Hudson Schoenberger; brothers-in-law John Lober, George (Cheryl) Schlicht, Michael (Shirley) Schlicht, Gary (Chris Demo) Schlicht and L. Jack (Carol) Connell; sisters-in-law Lynne A. Smith and Theresa Connell; nieces Myra Zyburt, Ginny (Jim) Conricode, Anne (Jerry) Lafayette, Lisa (Mark) Ashley, Tacy (Jeremy) Johnson, Megan Schlicht-Smith, Gail Connell-Wernette and Marissa Connell; nephews Donald Smith, Robert Butterfield and James Butterfield, Trevor Schlicht, Joe Lober, Jeff (Beverly) Connell and Michael (Nina) Schlicht; and several generations of cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Julia Adams Lober, brother Herbert E. Adams, brothers-in-law Dennis B. Connell and Mark Schlicht, cousin Christie Ross, and cousin and close friend Ralph W. Adams III. Chuck is remembered for many things, including his laughter, his pranks, burning chicken on the grill, running gallons of gas up and down the cliff to keep watercrafts filled, and his fatherly advice. Cremation, as he wished, has taken place. A Celebration of Life is planned for summer next year. For those who wish, donations in Chuck’s memory to Bay Area Substance Education Services or Lewy Body Dementia Association are appreciated. http://www.basesrecoverycenter.org/donations-main.html or at https://www.facebook.com/donate/175558779751858/ Arrangements are being handled by the Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.