Richard Bryant Adams, age 68, of Ionia, passed away on Monday, November 18, 2019. He was born on November 8, 1951 in Ionia, MI the son of Billy Richard and Joyce Elaine (Sible) Adams. He was preceded in death by his former spouse and co-parent, Marian Adams-Hutley, and parents. He is survived by his children, Abe (Abby), Adrienne (Jeremy), and Amanda (Mike); grandchildren Sawyer and Ren (Amanda), and Marin and Georgia (Abe); siblings Mark (Kathy) and Scott (Sue) Adams, Sherri (Jim) Kelley, and Deborah (Nick) Almasy; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.
A celebration of Bryant's life will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2019 at the Palmer Lodge at Bertha Brock Park in Ionia. Event details are available here: http://evite.me/UDA9fnX11c. Memorial donations can be made to Cure PSP (www.PSP.org) in the name of Bryant Adams. Burial will be at a later time with a private service at Oakwood Cemetery in Muir, Michigan. Arrangements in care of Lake Funeral Home of Ionia, MI.
Bryant was a well-known and respected member of the Ionia community for decades. Bryant was a gifted singer in choirs, in a quartet with his mom, two brothers and a sister, in a gospel quartet called Half a Ton of Praise with his brothers and friend Billy, in a local 50's doo-wop group called the Rydell's, and as a solo act. He sang at churches, community events, weddings, and funerals across Ionia County and beyond. He graduated from Ionia High School, worked at the Ionia Correctional Facility for a time, and owned a popular pizza business on Riverside Drive called "Your House of Pizza." He ended his career as a manager at the Ionia Meijer. Over 16 years, he worked his way from bagging groceries to overnight store director. His family joked that Bryant was world famous in Ionia; everywhere we went, it seemed somebody knew him.
For over 40 years, Bryant was the loving father to three children, Abe, Adrienne, and Amanda. He was a generous, caring, compassionate dad who loved his kids unconditionally. He taught them to value kindness, dependability, honesty, to see the best in people, and to revel in the beauty and wonder of nature. He encouraged them to: "Work hard, do your best, and be kind to others;" "Walk whenever you can, even if it is raining;" and "Trust God, or whatever you want to call him/her." Most of all, Bryant taught his children to laugh. He loved being silly, telling "dad jokes," and finding joy in the little things in life. He was always there for his kids no matter how near or far they were.
Bryant was also a beloved brother and friend. Siblings will remember him as a kind uncle to their children and friends and family alike knew him as thoughtful, fun-loving, and faith-filled. Laughter and joking with each other marked family get-togethers, and throughout life, the five siblings knew they would be there for each other. His bond with his siblings and various friends was strengthened during the 20 years they sang together. At practices, the brothers and their singing friends seemed to spend as much time laughing as singing, and at performances people were engaged and inspired by their family and friendship bond. His bond with friends extended beyond those with whom he sang. His wider circle of friends appreciated Bryant's generosity, open-mindedness, and adventurous spirit. He would give a friend in need the coat off his back and was ready for a road-trip at a moment's notice (on foot or by car).
In the last years of his life, Bryant faced a rare neurodegenerative disease called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). PSP is classified as a "prime of life brain disease" because the symptoms typically begin in people's 50s and 60s. PSP affects brain cells that control balance, walking, coordination, eye movement, speech, swallowing, and thinking. Over the past seven years, Bryant bravely confronted progressively developing challenges without complaint. He lived his mantra that "attitude is everything" throughout his battle with PSP.
PSP robbed Bryant of many things, but the most shattering was his dreams for grandparenthood. When Bryant was in his 50's and his kids were well into their "child-bearing years," as he referred to them, he began dropping not-so-subtle hints that he wanted grandkids. His grandpa played an important role in his life, and he wanted to do the same for his grandkids. Bryant looked forward to enjoying all of their firsts, taking them camping and hiking, proudly cheering them on at any activities they pursued, passing on his appreciation of music and nature, and repurposing his dad jokes as grandpa jokes. He also looked forward to witnessing and supporting his kids as parents. Around the time Bryant's symptoms started, he finally become a grandpa and now has four precious grandkids, ages 5.5, 3.5, 2, and 7 months. He got great joy from watching his grandkids play and joining in on the fun to the extent his body allowed. He forged relationships with them even though he lost mobility and the ability to speak clearly. His kids saw the pride on his face as they navigated the highs and lows of parenting. And, in helping care for grandpa, his grandkids learned important lessons about love, compassion, and empathy that will remain with them throughout their lives.
Bryant lived the final weeks of his life at Green Acres in Lowell where he was cared for by compassionate, skilled caregivers and had the space and support needed to spend time with his family and friends. He passed away peacefully on a sunny Monday morning surrounded by family and friends and with the sound of birds congregated outside his bedroom window. Bryant will be deeply missed every day by the many people who loved him.
A celebration of Bryant's life will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2019 at the Palmer Lodge at Bertha Brock Park in Ionia. Event details are available here: http://evite.me/UDA9fnX11c. Memorial donations can be made to Cure PSP (www.PSP.org) in the name of Bryant Adams. Burial will be at a later time with a private service at Oakwood Cemetery in Muir, Michigan. Arrangements in care of Lake Funeral Home of Ionia, MI.
Bryant was a well-known and respected member of the Ionia community for decades. Bryant was a gifted singer in choirs, in a quartet with his mom, two brothers and a sister, in a gospel quartet called Half a Ton of Praise with his brothers and friend Billy, in a local 50's doo-wop group called the Rydell's, and as a solo act. He sang at churches, community events, weddings, and funerals across Ionia County and beyond. He graduated from Ionia High School, worked at the Ionia Correctional Facility for a time, and owned a popular pizza business on Riverside Drive called "Your House of Pizza." He ended his career as a manager at the Ionia Meijer. Over 16 years, he worked his way from bagging groceries to overnight store director. His family joked that Bryant was world famous in Ionia; everywhere we went, it seemed somebody knew him.
For over 40 years, Bryant was the loving father to three children, Abe, Adrienne, and Amanda. He was a generous, caring, compassionate dad who loved his kids unconditionally. He taught them to value kindness, dependability, honesty, to see the best in people, and to revel in the beauty and wonder of nature. He encouraged them to: "Work hard, do your best, and be kind to others;" "Walk whenever you can, even if it is raining;" and "Trust God, or whatever you want to call him/her." Most of all, Bryant taught his children to laugh. He loved being silly, telling "dad jokes," and finding joy in the little things in life. He was always there for his kids no matter how near or far they were.
Bryant was also a beloved brother and friend. Siblings will remember him as a kind uncle to their children and friends and family alike knew him as thoughtful, fun-loving, and faith-filled. Laughter and joking with each other marked family get-togethers, and throughout life, the five siblings knew they would be there for each other. His bond with his siblings and various friends was strengthened during the 20 years they sang together. At practices, the brothers and their singing friends seemed to spend as much time laughing as singing, and at performances people were engaged and inspired by their family and friendship bond. His bond with friends extended beyond those with whom he sang. His wider circle of friends appreciated Bryant's generosity, open-mindedness, and adventurous spirit. He would give a friend in need the coat off his back and was ready for a road-trip at a moment's notice (on foot or by car).
In the last years of his life, Bryant faced a rare neurodegenerative disease called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). PSP is classified as a "prime of life brain disease" because the symptoms typically begin in people's 50s and 60s. PSP affects brain cells that control balance, walking, coordination, eye movement, speech, swallowing, and thinking. Over the past seven years, Bryant bravely confronted progressively developing challenges without complaint. He lived his mantra that "attitude is everything" throughout his battle with PSP.
PSP robbed Bryant of many things, but the most shattering was his dreams for grandparenthood. When Bryant was in his 50's and his kids were well into their "child-bearing years," as he referred to them, he began dropping not-so-subtle hints that he wanted grandkids. His grandpa played an important role in his life, and he wanted to do the same for his grandkids. Bryant looked forward to enjoying all of their firsts, taking them camping and hiking, proudly cheering them on at any activities they pursued, passing on his appreciation of music and nature, and repurposing his dad jokes as grandpa jokes. He also looked forward to witnessing and supporting his kids as parents. Around the time Bryant's symptoms started, he finally become a grandpa and now has four precious grandkids, ages 5.5, 3.5, 2, and 7 months. He got great joy from watching his grandkids play and joining in on the fun to the extent his body allowed. He forged relationships with them even though he lost mobility and the ability to speak clearly. His kids saw the pride on his face as they navigated the highs and lows of parenting. And, in helping care for grandpa, his grandkids learned important lessons about love, compassion, and empathy that will remain with them throughout their lives.
Bryant lived the final weeks of his life at Green Acres in Lowell where he was cared for by compassionate, skilled caregivers and had the space and support needed to spend time with his family and friends. He passed away peacefully on a sunny Monday morning surrounded by family and friends and with the sound of birds congregated outside his bedroom window. Bryant will be deeply missed every day by the many people who loved him.
Richard Bryant Adams, age 68, of Ionia, passed away on Monday, November 18, 2019. He was born on November 8, 1951 in Ionia, MI the son of Billy Richard and Joyce Elaine (Sible) Adams. He was preceded in death by his former spouse and co-parent, Marian Adams-Hutley, and parents. He is survived by his children, Abe (Abby), Adrienne (Jeremy), and Amanda (Mike); grandchildren Sawyer and Ren (Amanda), and Marin and Georgia (Abe); siblings Mark (Kathy) and Scott (Sue) Adams, Sherri (Jim) Kelley, and Deborah (Nick) Almasy; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.
A celebration of Bryant's life will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2019 at the Palmer Lodge at Bertha Brock Park in Ionia. Event details are available here: http://evite.me/UDA9fnX11c. Memorial donations can be made to Cure PSP (www.PSP.org) in the name of Bryant Adams. Burial will be at a later time with a private service at Oakwood Cemetery in Muir, Michigan. Arrangements in care of Lake Funeral Home of Ionia, MI.
Bryant was a well-known and respected member of the Ionia community for decades. Bryant was a gifted singer in choirs, in a quartet with his mom, two brothers and a sister, in a gospel quartet called Half a Ton of Praise with his brothers and friend Billy, in a local 50's doo-wop group called the Rydell's, and as a solo act. He sang at churches, community events, weddings, and funerals across Ionia County and beyond. He graduated from Ionia High School, worked at the Ionia Correctional Facility for a time, and owned a popular pizza business on Riverside Drive called "Your House of Pizza." He ended his career as a manager at the Ionia Meijer. Over 16 years, he worked his way from bagging groceries to overnight store director. His family joked that Bryant was world famous in Ionia; everywhere we went, it seemed somebody knew him.
For over 40 years, Bryant was the loving father to three children, Abe, Adrienne, and Amanda. He was a generous, caring, compassionate dad who loved his kids unconditionally. He taught them to value kindness, dependability, honesty, to see the best in people, and to revel in the beauty and wonder of nature. He encouraged them to: "Work hard, do your best, and be kind to others;" "Walk whenever you can, even if it is raining;" and "Trust God, or whatever you want to call him/her." Most of all, Bryant taught his children to laugh. He loved being silly, telling "dad jokes," and finding joy in the little things in life. He was always there for his kids no matter how near or far they were.
Bryant was also a beloved brother and friend. Siblings will remember him as a kind uncle to their children and friends and family alike knew him as thoughtful, fun-loving, and faith-filled. Laughter and joking with each other marked family get-togethers, and throughout life, the five siblings knew they would be there for each other. His bond with his siblings and various friends was strengthened during the 20 years they sang together. At practices, the brothers and their singing friends seemed to spend as much time laughing as singing, and at performances people were engaged and inspired by their family and friendship bond. His bond with friends extended beyond those with whom he sang. His wider circle of friends appreciated Bryant's generosity, open-mindedness, and adventurous spirit. He would give a friend in need the coat off his back and was ready for a road-trip at a moment's notice (on foot or by car).
In the last years of his life, Bryant faced a rare neurodegenerative disease called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). PSP is classified as a "prime of life brain disease" because the symptoms typically begin in people's 50s and 60s. PSP affects brain cells that control balance, walking, coordination, eye movement, speech, swallowing, and thinking. Over the past seven years, Bryant bravely confronted progressively developing challenges without complaint. He lived his mantra that "attitude is everything" throughout his battle with PSP.
PSP robbed Bryant of many things, but the most shattering was his dreams for grandparenthood. When Bryant was in his 50's and his kids were well into their "child-bearing years," as he referred to them, he began dropping not-so-subtle hints that he wanted grandkids. His grandpa played an important role in his life, and he wanted to do the same for his grandkids. Bryant looked forward to enjoying all of their firsts, taking them camping and hiking, proudly cheering them on at any activities they pursued, passing on his appreciation of music and nature, and repurposing his dad jokes as grandpa jokes. He also looked forward to witnessing and supporting his kids as parents. Around the time Bryant's symptoms started, he finally become a grandpa and now has four precious grandkids, ages 5.5, 3.5, 2, and 7 months. He got great joy from watching his grandkids play and joining in on the fun to the extent his body allowed. He forged relationships with them even though he lost mobility and the ability to speak clearly. His kids saw the pride on his face as they navigated the highs and lows of parenting. And, in helping care for grandpa, his grandkids learned important lessons about love, compassion, and empathy that will remain with them throughout their lives.
Bryant lived the final weeks of his life at Green Acres in Lowell where he was cared for by compassionate, skilled caregivers and had the space and support needed to spend time with his family and friends. He passed away peacefully on a sunny Monday morning surrounded by family and friends and with the sound of birds congregated outside his bedroom window. Bryant will be deeply missed every day by the many people who loved him.
A celebration of Bryant's life will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2019 at the Palmer Lodge at Bertha Brock Park in Ionia. Event details are available here: http://evite.me/UDA9fnX11c. Memorial donations can be made to Cure PSP (www.PSP.org) in the name of Bryant Adams. Burial will be at a later time with a private service at Oakwood Cemetery in Muir, Michigan. Arrangements in care of Lake Funeral Home of Ionia, MI.
Bryant was a well-known and respected member of the Ionia community for decades. Bryant was a gifted singer in choirs, in a quartet with his mom, two brothers and a sister, in a gospel quartet called Half a Ton of Praise with his brothers and friend Billy, in a local 50's doo-wop group called the Rydell's, and as a solo act. He sang at churches, community events, weddings, and funerals across Ionia County and beyond. He graduated from Ionia High School, worked at the Ionia Correctional Facility for a time, and owned a popular pizza business on Riverside Drive called "Your House of Pizza." He ended his career as a manager at the Ionia Meijer. Over 16 years, he worked his way from bagging groceries to overnight store director. His family joked that Bryant was world famous in Ionia; everywhere we went, it seemed somebody knew him.
For over 40 years, Bryant was the loving father to three children, Abe, Adrienne, and Amanda. He was a generous, caring, compassionate dad who loved his kids unconditionally. He taught them to value kindness, dependability, honesty, to see the best in people, and to revel in the beauty and wonder of nature. He encouraged them to: "Work hard, do your best, and be kind to others;" "Walk whenever you can, even if it is raining;" and "Trust God, or whatever you want to call him/her." Most of all, Bryant taught his children to laugh. He loved being silly, telling "dad jokes," and finding joy in the little things in life. He was always there for his kids no matter how near or far they were.
Bryant was also a beloved brother and friend. Siblings will remember him as a kind uncle to their children and friends and family alike knew him as thoughtful, fun-loving, and faith-filled. Laughter and joking with each other marked family get-togethers, and throughout life, the five siblings knew they would be there for each other. His bond with his siblings and various friends was strengthened during the 20 years they sang together. At practices, the brothers and their singing friends seemed to spend as much time laughing as singing, and at performances people were engaged and inspired by their family and friendship bond. His bond with friends extended beyond those with whom he sang. His wider circle of friends appreciated Bryant's generosity, open-mindedness, and adventurous spirit. He would give a friend in need the coat off his back and was ready for a road-trip at a moment's notice (on foot or by car).
In the last years of his life, Bryant faced a rare neurodegenerative disease called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). PSP is classified as a "prime of life brain disease" because the symptoms typically begin in people's 50s and 60s. PSP affects brain cells that control balance, walking, coordination, eye movement, speech, swallowing, and thinking. Over the past seven years, Bryant bravely confronted progressively developing challenges without complaint. He lived his mantra that "attitude is everything" throughout his battle with PSP.
PSP robbed Bryant of many things, but the most shattering was his dreams for grandparenthood. When Bryant was in his 50's and his kids were well into their "child-bearing years," as he referred to them, he began dropping not-so-subtle hints that he wanted grandkids. His grandpa played an important role in his life, and he wanted to do the same for his grandkids. Bryant looked forward to enjoying all of their firsts, taking them camping and hiking, proudly cheering them on at any activities they pursued, passing on his appreciation of music and nature, and repurposing his dad jokes as grandpa jokes. He also looked forward to witnessing and supporting his kids as parents. Around the time Bryant's symptoms started, he finally become a grandpa and now has four precious grandkids, ages 5.5, 3.5, 2, and 7 months. He got great joy from watching his grandkids play and joining in on the fun to the extent his body allowed. He forged relationships with them even though he lost mobility and the ability to speak clearly. His kids saw the pride on his face as they navigated the highs and lows of parenting. And, in helping care for grandpa, his grandkids learned important lessons about love, compassion, and empathy that will remain with them throughout their lives.
Bryant lived the final weeks of his life at Green Acres in Lowell where he was cared for by compassionate, skilled caregivers and had the space and support needed to spend time with his family and friends. He passed away peacefully on a sunny Monday morning surrounded by family and friends and with the sound of birds congregated outside his bedroom window. Bryant will be deeply missed every day by the many people who loved him.
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