Larry Adams

September 14th, 1941 - February 26th, 2022

Memorial

Mementos

Larry Alvan Adams, age 80 died on February 26, 2022. Larry is survived by his daughters Cathy Balzer and Cynthia Brower, son-in-law Michael Balzer, siblings Rick Adams (Bonnie Adams) and Lorraine Conaway, grandchildren Lexi Balzer, Mikaela Balzer, and Miranda Miller, stepson Erik Carlson (Kimberlee Carlson), step Grandson Miles Carlson, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Born September 14, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan to Jack and Edyth Adams. Larry earned his Bachelor's Degree from Adrian college, and Master's Degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1969. As a young man, Larry taught English in Turkey for 3 years, inspiring his love for adventure, travel and service to others. Upon returning to the U.S., Larry continued his career in education as a school Principal for 30 years in Huron Valley School District. During this time, he married Susan and became a father to his daughters, Catherine and Cynthia. Together they explored the U.S. through countless road trips and adventures. Larry enjoyed his retirement from education at his peaceful home on Platte Lake in Northern Michigan, enjoying quiet mornings spent fishing and finding delight in every sunrise and sunset. For many years, he opened his home to his family, creating countless memories full of laughter and love. It was at this cabin that he later found love again when he met Jean Carlson who was visiting with a group of women on a ski trip. They married in 2003, and spent the following years enjoying Platte Lake as well as the home they built in Leesburg, Florida. There, they both became involved in their community's Theatre group, where he entertained friends and neighbors as the lead role in many of the productions. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, he found joy in nature walks with family and never lost the urge to dance to a good song. He will be lovingly remembered for his generous spirit, playful personality, appreciation for the simple things in life and genuine love of family and friends. To honor his memory, we ask that you share a story of how he touched your life.

Tributes

Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Larry’s life with a heartfelt message.

Nancy Honchell

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Published April 8th, 2022

Cynthia Adams-Brower

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Published March 9th, 2022

Suzy Jenner

The Adams house was my 2nd childhood house growing up. Cathy was my best friend, and our parents were great friends too. I have so many memories of our families together and all the great times. Just a few random ones that I recently shared in private to Cathy about her dad.... First and foremost, I remember him as an always kind, happy, funny person. I have so many memories of our parents' many nights together hanging out & laughing! I remember when he built his shuffleboard table in the basement, countless days in the pool, his khaki cargo shorts and tennis shoes, trips up north and helping Cathy practice for basketball. He hung a tennis ball from the garage ceiling to help park the car. To this day, I think that was genius!:) I remember I learned a Turkish song somewhere and knowing about his time in Turkey, I sang it to him, and I thought I was fully bilingual and very cool!:) I remember him asking me what my dad did for a living (Of course he knew the answer, but was quizzing me) "I don't know, he works at Pontiac Motors" I said. From then on, he would ask me the same question every time he saw me until I had a more detailed answer. I think that was the teacher in him! So many wonderful memories! I'm so heartbroken for you Cath! Sending you all lots of love!

Published March 7th, 2022

Bill Phillips

Larry and I lived across the street from each other for 17 years. Larry was always fun to be around. we had many good times together especially playing golf. Not only here at The Plantation on a regular basis but also at golf outings sponsored by my financial advisor. The picture was taken at one of those outings. In the picture with Larry is Wayne Blessing (next to Larry) then Ziggy Grochowski, then me. Wayne and Ziggy live on either side of Larry's house. You might say we had Larry surrounded to soak up all the joy Larry had to offer. We all miss him very much.

Published March 12th, 2022

Miranda Miller

This past week has been a struggle trying to come to terms with such a tremendous loss. My grandpa Larry was not only an A1 grandpa, but one of the best people anyone in his life had ever met. He blessed me with, hands down, my very best lifelong memories. He was there for me when I felt alone during the toughest times growing up. He made so much room in his heart for me, my cousins, parents, aunts, uncles... He loved selflessly, lived wholeheartedly, supported everyone well beyond expectation, and dropped countless dad jokes and papa-isms along the way. I'll never forget the huge impact you and grandma Jean made in my life. Thank you endlessly. Love you forever, beyond the boundaries of the blessed time I had with you. Here is something I wrote in 4th grade about our family's annual Platte Lake vacation - Grandpa Larry printed and framed it so it was always nearby <3

Published March 8th, 2022

Michael Balzer

My heart hurts for my beautiful bride for the loss of her Dad. At our wedding, he vowed to the memory of my Dad to be the best father he could be and he upheld that promise. He created so many memories for our family at the Platte Lake house he loved so much. He was at the center of all of the shenanigans - wiffle ball, tubing and of course he was the first to suggest a trip to Riverside for some ice cream. We built a shed in the backyard of our first home that due to a small miscalculation in roof pitch ended up being more like a church steeple. It is still standing. His beloved wife Jean loved hearing me tell that story and would follow with the time the bumper fell off the back of their motor home while driving. He would always just laugh along - always self deprecating and a good sport. He loved a good joke and a bad one even more. I will most miss his relentless positivity. My Facebook friends - time is so short. Hug your loved ones today. We thought we had more time with him.

Published March 6th, 2022

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