A remembrance ceremony will be held for Derek Adams, 47, on Oct. 14. He was reported missing Dec. 29, 2016. 

RUMFORD — A remembrance ceremony will be held for Derek Adams, 47, who still has not been found since he was reported missing from his residence in Byron on Dec. 29, 2016.

His parents, Dottie and Herbie Adams of Hanover, and sister, Erin and her husband, Daryl Gurney of Raymond, are planning a remembrance service at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, in the lodge at Black Mountain of Maine in Rumford.

Dottie said it will be held with the help and lead of Maine Warden Service Chaplain Kate Braestrup.

Food for the event will be potluck, with a service followed by the sharing of food and memories.

There will also be an opportunity to donate to a charity in Derek’s honor: Chisholm Ski Club, Black Mountain of Maine or a fund being set up at a local bank for mental health betterment in the Western Maine area.

Dottie said their son was “a kind and gentle soul who grew up in Hanover and was active in Rumford schools and activities. Black Mountain and the Chisholm Ski Club have been an important part of Derek’s life for many years.”

She said Derek was on skis by age 2 and he continued skiing through high school, including the Maine cross-country ski team and served a little while as an assistant coach of the Mountain Valley Middle School ski team.

“His Eagle Scout project was a warming hut for volunteers at Black Mountain of Maine cross-country races,” recalled Dottie.

The family asks that anyone who walks, bikes, hikes, camps, pans gold, swims in the river, continue to keep their eyes open for Derek. “We need help to bring him home,” she said.

Anyone with information about Derek is asked to contact the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office at 1-800-733-1421.

“We want to thank every person who has been involved with the searches in any way. Maine has wonderful and amazing wardens, police, and search and rescue teams, as well as involved citizenry. We are also blessed to have so many wonderful, caring and supportive family members and friends,” said Dottie.

bfarrin@sunmediagroup.net

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