Mike Adams passed away on August 24th after a long battle with prostate cancer. He will be missed.
Raised in Boulder, Colorado, Mike attended Fairview High School, and graduated from the University of Colorado. As the oldest of four brothers he became a vital help to his mother when his father left the family when Mike was in college.
Mike is survived by his mother, longtime Boulder running phenomenon, Louise Adams; brother David, who works for Downtown Boulder; brother Stephen, who works for Sysco in Salt Lake City; and brother Ian who works with Troon Golf.
Mike was an accomplished chef and loved the restaurant business, working at Tulagi's, Gondolier and Tico’s in Boulder, Colorado. With his brother David, started Caldera, in Salt Lake City, in 1981. He went on using his skills in the food service industry and all four brothers worked together as part of The Epicurious Restaurant Group which included Café Central, American Grill, Casa del Sol, E.I.B.O.’S, Ferrantelli’s and Eat-A-Burger. He also worked for Sysco Intermountain Food Service in Salt Lake City for 11 years.
You couldn’t ask for a better friend than Mike, he was generous to a fault freely giving his time, energy and advice to anyone who had a need. He went out of his way to be helpful, from assisting in a school model project to singlehandedly catering an entire wedding. Then you would have to force him to take anything in return. A patient listener and thoughtful giver of advice, he touched many souls with his wisdom and saved a few along the way.
He loved to put together models, and in the past 10 years became internationally known as one of the finest experts in detailed, custom fire truck model construction. As a “kitbasher” he was included and befriended by the elite, small band of people who are experts in the art form. The many who were fortunate enough to get one of Mike’s creations will always treasure them and for the rest we are able to see his work on display at the Utah Fire Museum outside of Grantsville, UT.
He also loved hot cars, dragsters, and go-karts. A fine mechanic he was, a great day was a day spent around them. Mike was an active member of an NHRA Dragster team in Utah.
In addition, we all think perhaps no one has read more books the Mike read. It was like breathing for him.
All of his friends, his brothers, and his colleagues will miss his smile, his skill, and his wonderful sense of humor.
Mike was an active and supporting member of Alcoholics Anonymous with 24 years of sobriety. He left a great community of friends in AA. Mike would like donations to go to Alcoholics Anonymous in his name.
I think Bill said it all. Mike was a great guy. We spent hours reading and listening to records (remember them?) as we grew up. Hope everyone is well and you guys had a terrific weekend.
Bill, thank you so much for your post about Mike Adams. And I echo what Chuck Pachecho said about him being a great guy. I wouldn't have known about his career as a chef or his battle with prostate cancer if you ahd not shared his story.
Bill Coleman
Michael John Adams
October 8, 1946 - August 24, 2010
Posted: 09/09/2010 02:00:48 PM MDT
Mike Adams passed away on August 24th after a long battle with prostate cancer. He will be missed.
Raised in Boulder, Colorado, Mike attended Fairview High School, and graduated from the University of Colorado. As the oldest of four brothers he became a vital help to his mother when his father left the family when Mike was in college.
Mike is survived by his mother, longtime Boulder running phenomenon, Louise Adams; brother David, who works for Downtown Boulder; brother Stephen, who works for Sysco in Salt Lake City; and brother Ian who works with Troon Golf.
Mike was an accomplished chef and loved the restaurant business, working at Tulagi's, Gondolier and Tico’s in Boulder, Colorado. With his brother David, started Caldera, in Salt Lake City, in 1981. He went on using his skills in the food service industry and all four brothers worked together as part of The Epicurious Restaurant Group which included Café Central, American Grill, Casa del Sol, E.I.B.O.’S, Ferrantelli’s and Eat-A-Burger. He also worked for Sysco Intermountain Food Service in Salt Lake City for 11 years.
You couldn’t ask for a better friend than Mike, he was generous to a fault freely giving his time, energy and advice to anyone who had a need. He went out of his way to be helpful, from assisting in a school model project to singlehandedly catering an entire wedding. Then you would have to force him to take anything in return. A patient listener and thoughtful giver of advice, he touched many souls with his wisdom and saved a few along the way.
He loved to put together models, and in the past 10 years became internationally known as one of the finest experts in detailed, custom fire truck model construction. As a “kitbasher” he was included and befriended by the elite, small band of people who are experts in the art form. The many who were fortunate enough to get one of Mike’s creations will always treasure them and for the rest we are able to see his work on display at the Utah Fire Museum outside of Grantsville, UT.
He also loved hot cars, dragsters, and go-karts. A fine mechanic he was, a great day was a day spent around them. Mike was an active member of an NHRA Dragster team in Utah.
In addition, we all think perhaps no one has read more books the Mike read. It was like breathing for him.
All of his friends, his brothers, and his colleagues will miss his smile, his skill, and his wonderful sense of humor.
Mike was an active and supporting member of Alcoholics Anonymous with 24 years of sobriety. He left a great community of friends in AA. Mike would like donations to go to Alcoholics Anonymous in his name.
Bill Coleman
Chuck Pacheco
I think Bill said it all. Mike was a great guy. We spent hours reading and listening to records (remember them?) as we grew up. Hope everyone is well and you guys had a terrific weekend.
David Oldfather
Bill, thank you so much for your post about Mike Adams. And I echo what Chuck Pachecho said about him being a great guy. I wouldn't have known about his career as a chef or his battle with prostate cancer if you ahd not shared his story.