John W. Adams

Peacefully on Sunday July 27, 2025 at the age of 84. Beloved devoted husband of Beverley (née Olive). Loving and proud father to Tracey and Russell (Amber Wing). Cherished poppy to Katelin. Dear brother to Leise Moore (Dan) and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Jennie (née Johnston) and Archie Adams and his brothers Everett (Polly) and Stan (Anne).

John was the kind of man whose hands shaped a legacy through pipes, wrenches, and hard-earned trust. A master plumber who, in his early 50s, took a leap of faith to start his own business, John poured his heart into every job. His work was honest, his word was gold, and his customers returned time and again not just for the quality, but for the man behind it. He passed that same dedication on to his son Russ, teaching him not just the trade, but the pride in doing things right. Today, Russ carries that torch, and John's name still rides on every service call.

But John’s heartbeat loudest at the dragstrip. He was a racer through and through. Fast on the tree, sharp behind the wheel, and a legend in the lanes. He loved the roar of the engines, the smell of burning rubber, and the thrill of the launch. It wasn’t just a sport to him it was a way of life. And that love didn’t stop with him. Russ inherited it, and so did his granddaughter Katelin. It’s in their blood now, just like it was in his. The track was more than a place to race it was a second home, a family, and John was a beloved part of its soul.

When the engines cooled and the tools were down, John found joy in the simple things: a warm breeze, a cold drink, and the company of those he loved. He and Bev, his beloved wife, often chased the sun each winter, but his favorite place was always right out front of the house. Garage door open, race car gleaming, laughter in the air, and the sun on his face. If you were lucky, you’d catch him tapping his toe to some classic country or spinning Bev around the floor with that unmistakable twinkle in his eye.

John’s love for his family ran deep. He was proud of Russ and Katelin for carrying on the racing tradition, and he cherished every visit from his daughter Tracey. Though her path led her to a different kind of horsepower (horses) and a life in Mexico, John lit up when she came home. He loved hearing about her adventures, her stories, and the life she built. Her visits were a gift he held close to his heart.

And oh, that laugh.  Full and contagious, often followed by a little wiggle when things were going just his way. It was his signature, a quiet celebration of life’s small victories.

John lived fully, loved fiercely, and left behind a world better for having known him. There will always be a seat saved for him, facing south, where the sun can warm his face and a cold drink waits nearby. He will be missed more than words can say.

Friends are invited to assemble on Wednesday August 6^th, 2025 in the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood ave. Ottawa, ON after 12 noon. Memorial Service will be held at 1 :00pm followed by urn interment and reception.

In Lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to Hospice Care Ottawa, Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice.