1941 – 2016

NORWAY — The Rev. Craig B. Adams, 75, of Otisfield, formerly of Wellesley, Mass., passed from this life to the next, early Sunday morning, Nov. 13, after a long battle with Parkinson’s and dementia at the Norway Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing Care in Norway.

He was born March 24, 1941, in Hartford, Conn., a son of Otis and Viola (Bailey) Adams. He attended public schools in Hartford. He was a “brown bagger” who went to Trinity College — something he liked to share. He worked at Hartford Insurance in the mailroom to put himself through Trinity. Craig went on to Divinity School at Andover Newton Theological Seminary, earning a Master of Divinity degree. He also earned an honorary doctorate from Boston University.

The Rev. Adams began his ministerial work in Rhode Island and later in Abington, Mass. It was in 1973 that he found his home at the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church in Wellesley Hills, Mass., where he spent 32 years as the senior minister. Craig’s faith in God, love of worship and music, booming bass voice, strong sense of humor, and profound commitment to pastoral care grounded his ministry.

Ever the musician, he enjoyed playing the trumpet in his early years and the organ and piano. He enjoyed animals, especially golden retrievers, many of which he owned over the years. His beloved Sarah provided him comfort, visiting him while he was in various levels of care, including his months in hospice care.

He retired to Otisfield in 2005 to his beloved camp on Pleasant Lake. His daughter and grandchildren and friends spent time with him there. Many great memories were made.

He is survived by a daughter, Catherine “Cathy” Adams Jordan, of South Paris and her two daughters, Molly and Mackenzie Jordan; a son, Martin Bailey Adams of Oakfield and his children, William Adams and Zachary Batchelder and his wife, Melanie, and their children, Avery and Waylon; a son, Thomas Craig Bailey Adams of Brooklyn, N.Y.; a sister, Cynthia Johnson of Colebrook, Conn.

He was predeceased by his wife, Ann Bamford Adams, in 2007.

Condolences and tributes may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.