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DR. KENNETH MORGAN ADAM Obituary pic

DR. KENNETH MORGAN ADAM

Born: May 20, 1940

Date of Passing: Jul 11, 2023

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DR. KENNETH MORGAN ADAM

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, who passed away due to cancer on July 11, 2023. With his loss, we bid farewell to a remarkable individual whose life was an inspiration to all who knew him.



Kenneth Morgan Adam was born on May 20, 1940, in Elkhorn, MB to Florence and Wilbur Adam, the youngest of four children (siblings, Shirley Ferguson, Audrey Morrison, and John Adam). Ken grew up on the farm in Fleming, Saskatchewan, very proud of his prairie roots, and later attended high school in Moosomin. His world expanded from the family farm to the University of Manitoba where he completed Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Civil Engineering. It was in Winnipeg where he met the love of his life, Marilyn Stevenson, and they were married in 1961. Ken then pursued a PhD at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. He was a brave man pursuing advanced education while raising a young family.



Doc Adam began his career as a professor at the U of M before engaging in consulting engineering with various companies. He travelled the world, working in all seven continents including the Antarctic and our North. He specialized in winter roads and ice which led to him being sought out by the British Antarctic Survey to design and oversee the construction of the runway at Rothera. Previously, the only way in was by BAS ship, a harrowing experience he much enjoyed.



Ken spent his 83 years embracing every moment with grace and kindness. He possessed a rare combination of wisdom, compassion, and a genuine love for his family, friends, and community. Ken thrived meeting and conversing with people, telling stories and jokes. His hobbies included cooking, constructing as a true and talented DIYer, and beating family members at any game but particularly cribbage and poker. There was no greater sports fan than Ken, who enjoyed watching his Jets and Dodgers and played many years of hockey including with the Fort Richmond Oldtimers.



Ken truly relished travelling the world, but especially winter vacations in Hawaii and Florida where he and Marilyn enjoyed the beach and ballroom dancing. However, the family cottage at Moose Lake was his favourite place and was a source of pride for Ken. It remains a family gathering place where everyone shares in peace, relaxation and fun.

Marilyn and Ken have three daughters and their families who brought him immense joy and pride: Kendra Goertzen, husband Tim and children, Brenley, Delaney and Bodey; Heather Sdrolias, husband Peter and children, Alexandra and Stefan; Arlyn Filewich, husband Keon and children, Keylyn, Kyler and McKenna. He loved watching his progeny excel at their many academic and sport endeavours and was especially proud of his grandchildren and their remarkable accomplishments.



Since his passing, the family has been comforted by the many messages from extended family and friends who have shared memories of his warmth, kindness, and genuine friendly nature. He made the world a better place and it will not be the same without him.

Sincere thanks to his many doctors, nurses and caregivers through CancerCare Manitoba at the Victoria Hospital and the Riverview Health Centre Palliative Care Unit, and especially to Dr. Cam Lowden, Dr. Chris Ogaranko, Dr. Benjamin Goldenberg, and Shawna Castillo.



There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 15, 2023

Condolences & Memories (23 entries)

  • I was very sad to learn of Uncle Ken’s passing. My recollections of Ken begin way back to when he boarded with our family on Sunset Boulevard in St. Vital and on through more recent times when we spoke periodically. As outlined by so many above, Ken’s sense of humour, his caring and compassionate nature and his love of sports was only eclipsed by his love of his wonderful family. He was very proud of the sporting exploits and especially the outstanding life accomplishments of his daughters, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, second cousins, brother-in-law and friends. Having known Ken my whole life I am not at all surprised to read of the reverence, respect and love expressed by others above. While sorry to learn of Ken’s passing, I am proud to have known him and I celebrate his outstanding life. Finally, I want to pass along sincere condolences and best wishes to Aunt Marilyn, cousins Kendra, Heather and Arlyn and your families on behalf of my family. - Posted by: Douglas Ferguson (Nephew) on: Dec 05, 2023

  • Heather and family I have recently learned of your fathers passing. The love and fond memories will always remain and in time will offer you peace in these difficult times. With Sincerity Danette - Posted by: Danette Benjamin- Hunt (attended highschool with Heather ) on: Oct 23, 2023

  • Ken was a wonderful young man and my parents thought the world of him. We went "steady" for several years while we were in high school and he was always welcome in our house. I am so pleased to read of his happy life--his loving wife and 3 girls and an exciting fulfilling career. You have had one of the best as a husband and father. Ken dropped in to see my Mom several times in later years long after we had gone our separate ways. I thought that was so kind--the gesture of a very lovely man. My sympathy to all who loved Ken. God Bless you all, Marie Surrridge Everett - Posted by: Marie Surridge Everett (School mate) on: Aug 14, 2023

  • I just read the article regarding the passage of your father. My deepest condolences to you and your family. He was obviously a caring, impact player in your life and in many others. Stay well and look after yourself as you navigate through this chapter in your life toward happiness and contentment. - Posted by: John Fast (Former colleague ) on: Aug 12, 2023

  • My sincere condolences to the entire Adam family. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Doc Adam at ID Engineering on the Rothera Point project. I learned a great deal from Ken ,much of which helped me through my entire career. He was an excellent engineer, intelligent, dedicated and a true gentleman with a wry sense of humour. I last enjoyed Docs company up in Whitehorse for the 25th anniversary party for the Rothera project hosted by Pelly Construction. Ken along with Gil Mourant, myself and wives had a marvellous weekend, thankfully he hadn’t changed a bit. At Ken’s insistence we went on a road trip to Alaska, he was positive he could convince the Border patrol to let us into the US without our passports, after all we’re innocent engineers. Unfortunately, even with a few witty one liners and the best of intentions they told us to get lost! All that said it was an enjoyable 5 hours in the car listening to Ken’s stories and bad jokes. He was an outstanding man and will be missed by all that knew him. - Posted by: Dale Emerson (Colleague, mentor, friend) on: Jul 24, 2023

  • Adam Family, I extend my heartfelt condolences for the passing of your beloved Ken. He was not just a former boss, but a wonderful person, a mentor, someone I deeply respected and most of all a friend. He had a profound impact on my life, teaching me so much and guiding me with his wisdom and kindness. We travelled many roads together, accompanied always with laughter. In this time of grief, please know that my thoughts are with you. May you find strength in the beautiful memories you shared with Ken, and may his legacy continue to live on through the lives he touched. - Posted by: Colin Ledger (Friend ) on: Jul 18, 2023

  • Sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. My Mom, Marion, and Ken’s family were very close. As a child I recall meeting Ken, Marilyn and family at family reunions and celebrations. Recall his hearty laugh and good visit as a teenager when I was in Wpg for a diving competition. Rest in Peace! - Posted by: Laura (Boland) Bechard (Cousin) on: Jul 18, 2023

  • I am deeply saddened and sorry to learn of the passing of my favourite cousin, Ken. We were the same age, same grade, grew up a few miles apart, and shared wonderful family times. Ken and I went through high school together, and he boarded with us for grades 11 & 12. We were best friends, "study buddies" sharing our notes, same friends and interests. There was never a cross word and many, many laughs and practical jokes! He was always helpful, congenial and respectful, and a great "big cousin" to my brother, Morgan. Although busy families and lives as well as many miles were obstacles over the years, we had a very close bond. We always exchanged Christmas letters and kept abreast of family news, sharing the love and pride for our families. To Marilyn and family, I'm truly feeling your sorrow and sharing your pain. I know, first hand, what a wonderful person you've loved and lost, but we also know there's a special place for him. Deepest sympathy, and God Bless! - Posted by: Jean (Adam) Holowaty (First cousin) on: Jul 18, 2023

  • 1 was privileged to work at I.D. Eng. When Ken worked there. He was always very friendly and had a great sense of humer. He was a very intelligent and entertaining speaker. Ken was a very good hockey player. I had much fun playing hockey with him on our I.D. team. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Ray Morris. - Posted by: Ray Morris (I work at I.D. Engineering when Dr. Adams worked there. ) on: Jul 17, 2023

  • Sincerest Sympathy to the Adam family - We were honored to have Ken and his sons-in-law attend the golf tournament in memory of our son, Dale, every summer. We so enjoyed our chats with him...an interesting and remarkable man. He will be missed this August. Thinking of you all. Don and Erna Iwanoczko (Selkirk, MB) - Posted by: Don and Erna Iwanoczko (Friends of Peter and Heather) on: Jul 17, 2023

  • I worked with Ken at I.D. Engineering for many years. Ken had a great sense of humor, was very talented hockey player and interesting and knowledgeable speaker. Played a little hockey with Dr. Adam. I fully enjoyed his story telling. My sincere condolences to all family and friends. Ray Morris. - Posted by: Ray morris (Worked with ken) on: Jul 17, 2023

  • Sorry to hear of Ken's passing. He was one of my Profs and ultimately employed me to be one of his staff at Rothera, an experience I will not forget. Hockey as well as cribbage were where he excelled. Rest in peace, Bruce Piercy - Posted by: bruce piercy (friend) on: Jul 17, 2023

  • My all time favorite Prof in Civil Eng. Always remembered me and challenged his students to do their best in the nicest way. - Posted by: Dwight Gibson (Student at U of M) on: Jul 16, 2023

  • Dear Marilyn, So sorry to read of Ken’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you and your family, with warm memories of the days with the church Discussion Group and the wonderful dinners we shared. Sincerely, Garth and Mae - Posted by: Garth and Mae Stone (Friend ) on: Jul 16, 2023

  • A truly remarkable human being and a wonderful role model as a husband and father. Sleep well, Ken. You were well-respected and adored. - Posted by: Darren Johnson (Friend of the family) on: Jul 16, 2023

  • I am so very sorry to hear about your dad’s passing, Arlyn. My condolences to your whole family, especially your mom. Your dad sounds like a remarkable man. My dad too, was an engineer. How fortunate we are to have had the time with them that we did. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Karen Wiebe - Posted by: Karen Wiebe (Friend to Arlyn) on: Jul 16, 2023

  • I am so very sorry to hear about your dad’s passing, Arlyn. My condolences to your whole family, especially your mom. Your dad sounds like a remarkable man. My dad too, was an engineer. How fortunate we are to have had the time with them that we did. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. - Posted by: Karen Wiebe (Friend to Arlyn) on: Jul 16, 2023

  • I was sad to learn of Ken’s passing. Dawn and I pass along our condolences to Marilyn and family. While it has been several years since Ken and I ‘caught up’ on each others life, I recall his friendship, and intellect during our years in Moosomin High School. Ken had a great sense of humour. Canada has lost a great citizen. Sincerely Ken Fyke, Victoria B.C. - Posted by: Ken Fyke (Friend) on: Jul 16, 2023

  • Ken was a good friend to me, and I enjoyed his stories and bad jokes. He will be missed. - Posted by: Steve Redman (Worked with Ken (Antarctic)) on: Jul 15, 2023

  • Our deepest sympathies to the entire Adam's family at this time. Ken was a kind man and will be missed. Kindest regards, Maria, Morgan, Taylor, and Steve Mackenzie Lot 9 Block 14 Moose Lake - Posted by: Steve Mackenzie (Moose Lake friends) on: Jul 15, 2023

  • Ken was a most kind, gentle man. He and Marilyn and their three girls were wonderful neighbours. (and babysitters for Michelle) I remember the countless hours Ken spent enjoying basketball on the driveway with his lovely girls. Also memorable, the amazing slides of his work trip to Antarctica. My condolences to the family. Marilyn Clarke - Posted by: Marilyn Clarke (Neighbour) on: Jul 15, 2023

  • Kendra, Tim and family - my condolences on the loss of your father. I remember him as such a kind man. - Posted by: Kathy Strachan (Standing) (Friend) on: Jul 15, 2023

  • My father Lawrence Schmidt worked with Ken many years ago and valued him greatly as a colleague. In addition to sharing professional interests in the world of civil engineering, they were both very proud fathers to three daughters and spent hours comparing notes on the accomplishments of their girls. Condolences and best wishes from the Schmidt family. - Posted by: Jillian (Schmidt) Lamothe (Daughter of Colleague) on: Jul 15, 2023

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