Robert ‘Sam’ W. Adams (1943-2020)

5 mins read
Robert Adams

NEW SHARON – Robert W. Adams (Sam) passed away Oct. 17, 2020 peacefully at home with his wife and family surrounding him.

Sam was born on Jan. 5, 1943 in Gorham, the son of Norman and Mildred Adams.

Sam graduated from New Sharon High School in 1961 and married the love of his life, Jeanette G. Webster on Nov. 4, 1961. Together, they moved to New Sharon in 1965 where they built their home as it stands today to raise their four children. One of their biggest accomplishments was building their new 30’ X 50’ barn. Sam was fond of saying, “Nettie and I built this together” to anyone who visited.

Sam began his working career at the age of five, picking green beans with his mother in Starks. Upon graduation from high school, Sam began working in construction. In 1965 he worked for GH Bass hand stitching, and in 1970 he started driving school bus for SAD #9 where he spent the next 25 years. Sam retired from SAD #9 as the Director of Buildings, Grounds, and Maintenance in 1995. Sam continued to drive “trip bus” taking kids to sporting events all over the state. Sam watched every game he took young athletes to. He was awarded a state championship medal with the girls basketball team for his unwavering support of the team.

Sam was always thinking of ways to best support his family and with his strong work ethic he started Sam Adams Lumber, a company he began with his sons in 2000. Sam, his sons, and grandson, Michael, sawed over 6 times more wood than needed for the million board foot club with Woodmiser. Sam’s saw mill continues to be a working mill for the family to this day.

Sam’s life was full of family and gratifying hobbies. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He became a member of the Biggest Bucks in Maine Club in 2016. Sam began to think of bear season at the beginning of July. One of Sam’s favorite meals was Bear Meat Stew made from bears shot in the Chain of Ponds wilderness. Sam developed a love of old tools while working at Allen’s Auction House on Saturday nights during much of his adult life. This turned into a lifelong hobby of identifying, collecting, and preserving antique tools for the sake of history.

Tractor Pulling was another avid interest in Sam’s life. Sam and Jeanette spent many happy hours at fairgrounds throughout Maine and New Brunswick planning strategy on how to pull the drag out the door! Sam, Jeanette and, mentor, Burliegh Crockett always went and found strawberry ice cream to end the day. Sam finally got the win at Skowhegan State Fair, which for him was equivalent to the Daytona 500. Additionally, he spent numerous years as the Maine State Pullers Point Champion for the 8,000 lb class.

In recent years Sam and Jeanette spent much of their summers enjoying time at Natanis Point Campground owned by their son, Bob and daughter in law, Tasha. Sam enjoyed helping Bob run the campground, delivering wood, visiting campers in his Ranger with a smile and wave for everyone. He was a much loved member of the Natanis community.

Sam was very proud of his family and they meant the world to him. Even when his health was declining, Sam was so happy to have his family, friends, his dog Fred, and tractors around him. Sam spent countless hours scoring dives of his grandchildren at the pool. Every dive was a “cocker.” Countless chorus of “Hey Grampa! Watch me!” could be heard.

Sam is survived by his wife, Jeanette; his four children, Tony, Patsy, Judy, and Robert L.; his brother, Rodney; 11 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother David.

A private graveside service will be held at the Village Cemetery in New Sharon. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938.

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23 Comments

  1. Sam was a great friend,boss and all around person the world will be a little different from this point on RIP Sammy

  2. Sam was a wonderful man. Always friendly and helpful. Condolences to the whole family.

  3. My earliest memory of Sam came from watching him on the mound pitching for the New Sharon Rebels in the spring of 1961. He had one pitch: heat, which he threw by quite a few high school batters. We’d watch the games from the sloping ground between the ball diamond and the school building waiting for a foul ball to smash one of the school windows. Sam was one of the best! Fun loving, good natured with a ready laugh and a twinkling smile. He was so fond of children – everyone’s children. He could coax a smile out of the most taciturn toddler. We’ll miss him always but especially during games of Sixty-Three and High Low Jack.

  4. Sam had the best smile ever. That smile always put you in a better place. Working with Sam was a joy. He always made me feel very special. Sam definitely left big footsteps in this community. Keep those happy memories close to you heart Jeannette and family. They will put a smile back on your face.

  5. We were good friends from six grade on many nights playing at their house nights at auction house some crazy nights gona. Miss you buddy. Will never forget the times we had good by probably see you soon. Bill Thompson

  6. I always enjoyed seeing Sam, whether it was at the auction house, working for the schools, at his home, or around town. Always good for a smile and sharing a chat. He will be missed. Condolences to you, Jeanette, and family.

  7. Sam was one of the kindest drivers in SAD 9. I love going on trips with him. He was such a happy man. I am so sorry for the family’s loss.

  8. Sam your waves and smiles are certainly going to be missed up to camp. Fly high with the angels, my friend!

  9. Sam was the most kindhearted and generous person I ever met, Will sure miss you U clear Sam; rest easy

  10. Sam was the most kindhearted and generous person I ever met, Will sure miss you uncle Sam; rest easy

  11. Sam…when you meet my brother, Bob, be sure to give him a strong handshake. He liked you a lot. And he had some crazy stories about you and your activities. I don’t think he visited much in the past year, but he always thought of you as a great friend.
    RIP, Sam

  12. Everyone seems to have had the same opinion of Sam, and they are all right. Sam was one that we all enjoyed seeing and talking to.

  13. I visited with Sam many times to discuss old tools. We always had recent purchases to look over. The best visit with him was a trip to Elmer’ Barn Antique shop. He found some ‘much needed old tools’. My condolences to the entire Adams family.

  14. I send my deepest condolences to you Tony and your sisters. I remember Sam from Allen’s Auction house. Good times!!

  15. I worked with Sam for many years at Mt. Blue. Always enjoyed his pleasant outlook, sense of humor and his drive to get needed things accomplished. Agree with everyone above: Sam was a good man, and good friend.

  16. This man and Nettie as he called her are 2 of the nicest people that you’d ever want to meet!! Sam spoiled my Dog by feeding him doughnuts when they 1st started camping at Natanis! Never had to go look for the dog as he was always next door! Fe will be sadly missed to sat the least! Gotta love this picture as it’s exactly like I want to remember him!!

  17. Along with the thoughts of many others, Sam was just a great guy. Over the decades we shared many experiences involving OLIVER tractors and accessories, which we both owned.

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