Elwin (Bud) Adams was born in Mount Vernon Washington on April 7, 1933 and left us on June 8, 2024 at the ripe age of 91.  Upon graduating Mount Vernon High School in 1952, Bud joined the US Navy and was assigned to the USS Toledo - a warship that was tasked with monitoring and protecting the waterways of the North Korean Coast.  Prior to joining the Navy, Bud met Betty Petty of Clear Lake while she was visiting his sister at his Mount Vernon home. Bud assuredly told his friend that he would one day marry "that girl" and throughout his four-year Navy career, he and Betty exchanged letters.  Bud was known to take a four-hour trek from Mount Vernon to Clear Lake to spend a couple of hours visiting Betty before 'skipping' his way back home.

Bud and Betty were married on April 14, 1956 and they moved to Anacortes in 1957, where they raised their four children.  Bud worked as a civil service employee at the Whidbey Island Naval Station, retiring at the age of 55. Not one to be idle, Bud soon after began working as the custodian of the church before reluctantly deciding to retire at the age of 88. In 1960, the Adams's became members of the Church of Christ, a church that was burgeoning at the seams and needed greater space. As an Elder in the church, Bud and his colleagues decided it was time to expand.  They bought land and from the ground up, built a new church with all the labor dedicated by a core of volunteers. It was a labor of love and Bud and his colleagues spent many hours hoisting joists and pounding nails. In 1971, the church was completed and after several years, the church was renamed the Anacortes Christian Church. As a member of the church for more than sixty years, Bud left an indelible mark on those who knew him--both as a mentor and a volunteer.  Bud volunteered many of his hours to the church, even after retiring.

Of all that Bud did in his life, there were two things he was most proud of.  His 68-year marriage to Betty was number one and they clasped hands until his very last breath. He was also very proud of his children and the fact that they all nestled in Anacortes. Bud raised Carol, Kathy and 'the twins' Brad and Brian, who all remain on Fidalgo Island. Carol married Jeff Waldron and raised Kyle Waldron.  Kathy married Bryce Melvin and raised Adam and Stephanie.  Brad is married to Ruthanne and between them, they have five children: Melissa, Megan, Brandy, Ben, and Ryan. Brian married Kecia and raised Che and Dylan.  Bud is also survived by Great Grandchildren Vedder and Forest.  Bud was very generous with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, never leaving his home without a bill stuffed in a coat pocket.

Bud touched numerous lives as a youth baseball coach in Anacortes, coaching for more than twenty years. This after his own illustrious career playing baseball, football, and wrestling for the Mount Vernon Bulldogs.  During his high school days, Bud was known for his infamous wrestling move he referred to as the 'scissor coil' to beat a legendary wrestler in the championship. Bud always believed in his team and his players, even when they were overmatched.  In his final year of coaching, he coached alongside his son Brian in leading his grandchildren's team to a victory over an undefeated and much more talented team in the championship. For many years Bud attended high school games and could often be spotted with his son Brad in the stands.  He was a staunch fan of the Mariners and until his dying day, could rattle off the names and stats of the newest players.  On Sunday afternoons, Carol and Kathy would huddle around Bud to share stories and laugh at his subtle yet keen sense of humor. Bud was with us for 91 years and although his absence has left an enormous void in our hearts, his legacy endures.

A service will be held at 4pm on Thursday, June 20 at The Anacortes Christian Church at 1211 M Avenue in Anacortes. To share memories of Bud please visit Evans Funeral Chapel website https://www.evanschapel.com/obituary/elwin-adams .