Wayne Raymond Adams

It is with deepest sorrow we announce the passing of Wayne Adams. Wayne was born to Ernestine and Raymond Adams in Denver, Colorado. He spent his childhood in Bailey with his sisters, Laurie and Gayle. Winters were spent at the family-owned Geneva Basin Ski Area where he skied and worked. Summers were spent at Blue Mesa riding his dirt bike to a favorite fishing spot. He graduated from Platte Canyon High School in 1976. He attended 2 years at Mesa State College before marrying his high school sweetheart, Chris Burke, in 1980.

They moved to Montrose and, in 1984, they opened Park Avenue True Value with the help of his father in law, Walter Burke. Together, Chris and Wayne ran it for 38 years. In his spare time, Wayne built the family home and a cabin from the ground up. Wayne was a master of many trades, including construction, electrical, plumbing, woodworking, mechanics, and more. Customers shopped at True Value seeking his expertise and friendship, but mostly he will be remembered by the way he made them feel.

He enjoyed building furniture and classic car restoration, was a loyal Avalanche and Rockies fan, and loved the Grateful Dead. Wayne was an exceptional fly fisherman who tied his own flies. He loved the Lake Fork of the Gunnison almost as much as his best friend and fishing partner, Chris Adams. They remained devoted to each other for 44 years. He was a loving father who always put his daughters first and supported them in everything they did.

He is survived by his wife, Christine Adams; daughters Whitney Adams and Emily Adams; and son-in-law, Josh Schutz. His granddaughter, Juniper, adored him. He will be greatly missed by his sisters, Laurie Dahlman (Steve) and Gayle Blair (Dave). He shared a lifelong bond with his wife’s brothers and sisters, whom he loved as his own: Tim Burke (Rita), Steve Burke (Jackie), Pete Burke (Tammy), Joe Burke, Carrie Stephenson (Tedd), and Colleen Aller (Billy). He was especially close to his mother-in-law, Marril Lee Burke, and was “Uncle Wayne” to many cherished nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank HopeWest for their exceptional care, and extend gratitude to volunteers, professional caregivers, friends and family for their support. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Colorado Canyons Association or Hope West.