Bertram Adams

VERNON - Bertram J. (Pete) Adams succumbed to COVID-19 on Friday, September 17.
He was born September 6, 1928, in Northampton, MA, to Louis and Rachel (Hemenway) Adams, and delivered by his aunt Dr. Ruth Hemenway. He grew up on Adams Farm in Wilmington, the fourth  generation on the farm that is still owned by the family. He graduated from Wilmington High School in 1946, then from Vermont Agricultural College in 1948. Bertram then served as a staff sergeant in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Returning home, he was part of Mount Snow’s early days as head carpenter, building Snow Lake and Sundance lodges, among others.
He married Betty Crosier on November 2, 1952. They built their home together in Wilmington, where they lived for 64 years until moving to Vernon in 2016. Soon after marriage they established Adams Plumbing & Heating. He and Betty were very active in the Vermont Plumbing Association for many years and made many lifelong friends. They enjoyed camping trips, snowmobiling, antique gas engines, and exploring back roads in his restored 1929 Model A with their children. Some of his most memorable times were exploring the woods of Somerset with his good friend Wayne Rowell, and especially a canoe trip to find the “Ghost Trains” in the north woods of Maine. Retiring in 2000, they took many trips in their RV to visit family in Florida, California, and Oregon, and visit many national parks across the country.  
Bertram’s special love was woodworking; he built beautiful furniture and rebuilt antique canoes, among other woodworking projects. Many a happy hour was spent chatting with visitors in his roadside workshop behind the purple doors. Above all, Bertram loved his family.  
He is survived by his beloved wife Betty; children Brenda Raleigh, Les (Robin) Adams, and Justin Adams; grandchildren David (Ashley) Raleigh, Rachel Raleigh and son-at-heart Jason Sprague, Nat (Amanda) Adams, and Molly Adams; great-grandchildren Thomas, JoAnna, and Ella; siblings Sally (Merrill) Mundell, Thelma Boyd, Bill (Sharon) Adams, Shirley (Bob) Pease, and Ruby (Tom) Bailey; sister-in-law Shirley Crosier; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Judy Adams and son-in-law Chip Raleigh.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Vernon Homes for the wonderful care they provide. In lieu of flowers memorial donations  may be sent to Vernon Homes or the Guy Hawkins Cancer Fund c/o Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, PO Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363. In his honor, and with respect for his and Betty’s wishes, get vaccinated for COVID-19 if able, and wear a mask in public. Services will be held at a time when it is safer to do so. To send the family personal condolences visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.

The Deerfield Valley News

797 VT Route 100 North
Wilmington, VT 05363

Phone: 802-464-3388
Fax: 802-464-7255

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