Mark Edward Adams died unexpectedly of a heart attack on October 31st, 2014, in Condon, Montana at age 54. He died with his wife Lenore at his side. He was born in Great Falls, Montana on May 4th, 1960, to Louie Frank and Rachel (Daniel) Adams; a much loved only son. They moved several times while his Dad served as a fighter pilot in the Air Force, but eventually arrived back in Montana and he helped his parents build a home in Condon. Mark went to Montana State University (Go Cats!), graduating in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science/Computer Science. He received his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in 2007.
Mark and Lenore married on June 7, 1980, in Simms, Montana after being sweethearts since 7th grade. After graduation, they lived in Salt Lake City (Utah), Middlebury (Vermont), Omaha (Nebraska), and then settled in Helena, Montana in 1990. Their two sons, Duncan Matthew and Shawn Michael, were his greatest treasure. While living in Helena, he served his community as a scout leader, school board member, and with search and rescue.
During Mark’s career with Northrop Grumman, he was lead in building the trunking radio system for Lewis and Clark County and did the planning and ground work to take that project statewide. During his tenure, the radio system was built on time and under budget. He was battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the time and undergoing chemo, but he still got the system up on schedule. The first responders and Sheriff that came to help when Mark died were talking on the system he helped build.
Mark spent 5 years on the Kessler School board and helped with their annexation into District 1. When that happened, the board was able to give teachers a raise, upgrade all the textbooks, and still lower taxes.
More recently, Mark has been a system engineer responsible for building 17 Air Force communications towers and running 2,269 miles of microwave and remote video communications for the 341st Missile Command Center in Malmstrom. He was proud his wing of the RVA system is up 99.6% of the time. He loved being outside in Montana. Many a photo of a glorious sunset, vista, or mountain top would appear in our inboxes from Mark.
He loved being science dad and teaching his boys everything he could. The cub scouts always all loved the fun ways he came up with to teach things. His family enjoyed scuba trips, adventures, camping, and hiking together. Mark could teach you all about computers, radios, or anything that plugged in, but we always joked, “Don’t let him anywhere near a gas engine.” He could drive them all, but fixing them was not his talent.
Mark was a great camp cook and chef. Family dinners, river floats, or camp outs with Mark were carefully choreographed; eating extravaganzas, complete with comfortable chairs, hors d’oeuvres, and wine.
While caring for his Dad during the last years of Pop’s life, he showed how to respect and honor your parents and take care of your family. Mark used his intellect and wit to improve things all over the State of Montana. He was a caring man who loved and provided for his family, his community, and his country. Mark organized, planned, worried, and took care of us all.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Lenore (Moffitt), son Duncan Matthew and wife Sarah (Mehl), son Shawn Michael, Aunt Becky Adams, and Cousin Darlene Morgan.
A memorial service celebrating Mark’s life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 6th at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 520 Logan Street, Helena. A pot luck reception will follow at the East Valley Volunteer Fire Department, 2694 Valley Drive in East Helena. If desired, memorial donations are suggested for Condon Quick Response Unit: PO Box 1196, Condon, MT 59826; Lewis and Clark Search and Rescue: PO Box 473, Helena, MT 59624, or the charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 5, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , MT 59601
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday November 6, 2014
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, MT 59826
Reception
Following the memorial service
Thursday November 6, 2014
East Valley Volunteer Fire Department
2694 Valley Drive
East Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 5, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , MT 59601
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday November 6, 2014
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, MT 59826
Reception
Following the memorial service
Thursday November 6, 2014
East Valley Volunteer Fire Department
2694 Valley Drive
East Helena, Montana
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Aaron Levie says
I worked with Mark for 4 years. My thoughts are for his family at this difficult time. I offer my deepest sympathies. He will be greatly missed.
Jack Spillman says
Mark was a co-worked of mine, but a much better friend. Helena lost a man who cared deeply for his family and for his City. A tremendous loss for his wonderful family, and for Lewis and Clark County, his home that he gave some much time and effort for.
Martha Payne says
I remember having a conversation with Mark fairly recently where he related how much he enjoyed a good haggle with a car salesman. He was very animated as he told how long the process took – even going so far as ordering a pizza to eat while the car salesman shuffled back and forth between Mark and the dealership manager. Mark made him work for his commission that day and I believe Mark enjoyed every minute of it. And of course, Mark got the deal he set out to get. Condolences to Lenore, Duncan and Sean.
Karen & Glen McKinnon says
I remember the very first dive trip we took out of the country, to Grand Cayman with you guys. Your boys were young and they were all diving, except me. I so enjoyed that trip and getting to know your family. We are deeply saddened by your loss. We will always remember those dives we did with your family.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your kids. We will always have fond memories of Mark.
Tom Naegele says
Lenore and Family,
So saddened to here of Mark’s passing. I worked with him on a couple of projects and at St Paul’s. Keeping you in my Sympathy & Healing Prayers as you will be supported during this difficult time and into the future.
Tom
Don Brostrom says
Mark was truly one of a kind. I was extremely fortunate to get to know him and even more fortunate to call him a friend. Mark was always there when I needed to discuss a problem, ask for advice, or just talk. Helena, Lewis & Clark County and the Bobcats have lost a truly great man. My deepest sympathy and condolences to Lenore and family.
Denny Espeland says
First, I am truly sad about Mark’s death. Mark worked for me for five years and I immensely enjoyed his optimism and sense of humor. I can greatly appreciate the car salesman’s perspective in Martha Payne’s story. My first performance appraisal with Mark took 6 hours and also required a break for lunch. 🙂 He was quite a debater, but we eventually arrived at a rating we agreed upon. Every appraisal thereafter went well as Mark loved his job and wanted to do his best for his clients. Like me, I am sure by the end, Mark and the car salesman walked away friends. It was hard not to like him. My sympathy to Lenore and the boys. Mark was a good man who was far more proud of his family than any of his many accomplishments.
Karen and Dan Moffitt says
Mark has been the best brother-in-Law anyone could ask for. Lenore, you and Mark have raise two amazing young men that will carry on his legacy. He did love his family so. We are glad that he was a part of our lives. He is missed.
Dan & Jo Hawkins says
Lenore, Duncan, & Shawn,
Please accept our deepest condolences. From the earliest days at Kessler School, through scouts, and into Lewis & Clark Search and Rescue, we were in awe of Mark’s tireless efforts to serve his family and community. Search and rescue clearly became a shared passion in the family and we admired the joint commitment you made as a family “so others may live”. We hope memories of your rich time together may bring solace during this time of tremendous grief despite your untimely loss. Mark’s wit, humor, natural insightfulness, and pride in his family were unmatched. He will be sorely missed.
Andy Nickol says
I first met Mark working at Blue Cross Blue Shield in 1991. Far too short of a time to spend with such a fine man. Over the years we did some work together and shared a lot of laughs every time we talked. I looked up to him for his parenting, his contribution to the community in which he lived and the genuine love he had for his family. The world would be a lot better place with more Mark and Lenore Adams in it. Lenore, Duncan and Sean, words cannot express the sorrow I feel at your loss, nor can they console the hole left in our world without Mark’s presence. I was blessed to have known Mark and be a small part in the life he shared so richly with us. It is my prayer you find strength in the shadow of his generous nature, his love for life and for his family. I will miss Mark tremendously.
Nora Bazuin says
I worked with Mark at Northrop Grumman and he was a great guy. Very passionate about his job and his family. He was a talker for sure and I enjoyed our debates, his quick wit and sense of humor. I was sadden to hear of his passing and will keep his family in my prayers. God bless!!
Roger Hays says
Lenore and Family,
In my ten years in Montana I cannot think of anybody who was a better friend than Mark. We worked together to help build the Lewis & Clark County radio system which grew into the state of Montana radio system. The Montana State-University of Montana games at the Swan River cabin will always hold a special place in my heart. Throughout everything Mark always showed his dedication to family and friends. I will miss Mark profoundly.
Tom Smith says
I worked with Mark at BlueCross BlueShield and at Northrop Grumman. My thoughts and prayers go out Lenore and Family! Mark will be missed.
Joe DeFilippis says
Lenore and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Although I never met Mark in person, I have known Lenore for years, working with her at the Capital building. My heart goes out to you and your family during this sad time. My thoughts are with you.
Howard Smith says
I give credit to Mark for helping me along after I retired from the USAF. Mark was a key part of me starting my new career, a great mentor and most of all a very dear friend. The memories I have of Mark will stay with me for the rest of my life, as many others have stated…I offer my deepest sympathies. Mark will be greatly missed.
Constance Taylor says
I met Mark at a meeting for the Intermountain Montana Radio project eight years ago. He was one the Project Mangers for our Northrop Grumman Corporation office in Helena. I spent time with him and his wife Lenore at their cabin and had many dinners at their home during my time in Montana during the deployment of our project. He always treated me as his peer and I will always remember him with fondness. Lenore, Sean, and Dunkin you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Crogan says
We’ve been ‘neighbors’ for 21 years, so reading about Mark’s passing was a great shock. Mark and I worked on different projects at TRW; I occasionally ran into Lenore in the basement of the Capitol; and I’m sure Sean was quite happy to be done working with me at Green Meadow many years ago. Mike and I will keep you all in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Carla Tevis says
I had the pleasure of meeting Mark when he was working on the Lewis & Clark radio system, he was a very nice man and I am sorry for his family and the community’s loss
Guy Halvorson says
I’ve worked with and alongside Mark for most of the past 4+ years. Always respectful, caring and giving. We had many converstions, sharing our “what if’s”, “should be’s” and “could’a been’s”. Late night work related runs to the tops of mountains, early mornings at the base…because it was the “right thing” to do. When he departed work this past Friday afternoon, he reminded me of the 20% off sale on wine at Albertsons (an annual opportunity not to be missed) and that I had the cabin number should a need arise…I kindly reminded him that what he needed was the four days he’d planned to take off, to do the things I knew he loved to do, where he loved to do them and whom he’d be sharing this time with. Planning to cut some wood, watch the “Cats” game (always excited about a “Griz” loss) and relax. I still hear his voice and morning greating in my head…and will for some time…in my memory chest…reserved for only those special people…never to be forgotten. What I’ll miss is the time we’d not yet shared. I extend my prayers, along with wishes for strength and peace to all of Mark’s family and friends.
john scherner says
I met and worked with Mark during the Lewis & Clark trunked radio system implementation. I enjoyed working with Mark very much. He was always very fun, clever, and fair minded, a joy to work with. I consider myself fortunate to have known him and know he will be greatly missed.
Terry Harris says
Lenore and family I am sorry for your loss. I did not know Mark that well but have worked with Lenore for several years and know that she has lost her soul mate. God bless and I will keep you in my prayers.
Debbie Holland says
Lenore, Duncan, Shawn and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Mark’s passing. I’ve always appreciated his quick wit, dedication and the support he gave when on the Kessler School Board. His true caring spirit will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this time.
Kirk Nelson says
My father always told me “you are judged by the company you keep” and as an air force Colonel, he set the bar pretty high. He would have been pleased with you my old friend.
You put in more than you took out, and you gave back better than you got.
Till we meet again…
Charles Gilmore says
My sincere condolences to Lenore, the Adams family and the whole SAR community here in Lewis and Clark County.
I was shocked to hear the bad news. Mark was the lead project manager of the system I now manage and maintain. If not for his efforts, things would be much more difficult in my world. He was extremely good at dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s and fun to be around at the same time. A rare combination in our field. 🙂
You will be sorely missed Mark. See you on the other side…
Charlie
Cheryl Gerstenberger says
I had the pleasure to work with Mark at Blue Cross Blue Shield. We didn’t always see eye to eye, but he was fun to work with and I enjoyed listening to him talk about his boys and how involved he was with the school district. We managed to give each other a hard time occasionally but always managed to find humor in it in the end. He was a great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Scott O'Connell says
Our thoughts are with your family. Mark was a great guy to know, always a smile somewhere under that incredibly manly ‘stache. Working on technical projects together was where I met Mark. Working on a variety of projects over the last decade helped me realize what kind of bar I needed to set when looking at trying to manage any kind of project.
More than that, Mark was there when I took on the daunting task of being a cub scout den leader. He provided me with some guidance, and a digital copy of a legendary ‘skit book’, from which my scouts provided much entertainment to the rest of the pack.
Getting to know Mark was a consistent lesson in balancing work and family, and prioritizing appropriately. Thank you for sharing Mark with the Public Safety community of Montana. He will be missed by all.
john ilgenfritz says
I met Mark when I worked for Montana Disaster and Emergency Services and met with him on the Montana Interoperability project. I was always impressed with Mark’s knowledge and ability to communicate so effectively with such a diverse group . . . and generally with a big smile on his face. He was a joy to work with. Sheena and I are saddened by his passing and offer our condolences to Lenore and family. We need more “Marks” in the world!
Michelle Van Nice says
Lenore – so very sorry about the loss of your husband. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Chuck Winn says
The world lost one of it’s bright lights with Mark’s passing. I had the rare pleasure and opportunity to work closely with Mark on the Interoperability Montana project. Mark’s unique perspective of emergency responder combined with brilliant engineer kept us focused and motivated. Mark was at his best when things were at their worst. He legacy is, and will continue to be, impactful and inspirational. Rest in peace, my friend.
Jamie Wren says
I had the pleasure of working with Mark on the RVA project mentioned earlier. Mark was a true patriot, great mentor to me, community volunteer and a great family man. I give my best to the family and wish the best for them. The world lost a great man with Mark.
Jan & Bill Orsello says
Lenore, so sorry to learn about your husbands passing. He sounded like an amazing person. You and you family will be in our thoughts. Jan O.
Dee Barfknecht says
Lenore,
I was so very sorry to learn about the loss of your husband Mark…. My thoughts, prayers and whole heart go out to you and your family. I’m thinking about you in this very hard and sad time. Dee