 WALTER ADAMSTITUSVILLE Walter Rick Adams, of Titusville, peacefully passed away the evening of Wednesday, March 3, 2004, at Jess Parish Medical Center, surrounded by family and friends. A well known fixture within Brevards political and creative circles for more than 40 years, Rick will forever be remembered as an acerbically witty and truly compassionate force who always championed the underdog causes. Although born in Houston, Texas, Rick was drawn to the charms of Charleston and the Indian River. His passion for this land and its common folks was a love affair that lasted Rick 60 years. A true renaissance man, even as a teen, Rick indulged his passion for knowledge at Titusville High School (Class of 62), while apprenticing under his fathers tutelage as an insulator for several NASA contractors. After attending Brevard Junior College, Rick joined the Asbestos Workers Union Local #67, to help build the dream known as the Apollo Moon missions. Ever drawn to dutiful service, Rick became the fore man and union stewards for his local, being known as a fair, but tenacious fighter for his fellow brethren. In the late 60s, Rick under took the daunting task of becoming the Central Florida campaign manager for Hubert Humphreys presidential cam paign. Although battered and beaten by the election, Rick committed himself to a lifetime of being an unapologetic liberal democrat, of which, he had no equal. Realizing his gifts for stump ing and gab, Rick became a longtime member and performer with the Titusville Playhouse. For more than a decade, Rick helped guide sweeping changes for the troupe while capturing awards too numerous to mention. Yet the greatest role of Walter Rick Adams life was not the stage. Ricks greatest accomplishment was in the simple joy of being a proud father and a great friend. He is survived by his loving mother, Theresa Kettring; his loving daughters, Wendy A King and Teri Saltzman; his loving sisters, Donna Ratliff and Sandra Dunn; loving sons, David and Brian Saltzman; loving granddaughters, Kiane and Chloe; and son-in-law, Ron King. A celebration of Ricks life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 7th, at Tom Statham Park in Bellwood. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Democratic Nation al Committee or to the American Civil Liberties Union in remem brance of Walter Rick Adams. He is loved and remembered..... |
