Harmon Fredric Adams

passed away peacefully at his Bainbridge Island home on March 1, 2008 after a cruel yet short battle with pancreatic cancer.Harmon was born at home in Syracuse, NY on May 27, 1936. He was the first child of Frederick George and Esther Harmon Adams and was named after his two grandfathers. Harmon's family moved to Los Angeles in the winter of 1945. There he was introduced to thoroughbred horse racing through regular excursions to the Del Mar and Santa Anita racetracks, starting a life-long passion for horse racing.The family moved to Seattle in 1948 where Harmon graduated from Highline High School in 1954. He entered the University of Washington, working his way through school. During dental school, he met and married Patricia Jean Benson. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1960. Harmon spent the following two years practicing dentistry for the US Air Force, stationed at Hill AFB, Ogden, Utah.Harmon and Pat moved to Bainbridge Island in 1962 and he established his dental practice in the old "Village" across from the Sears & Roebuck's Catalog Store.In 1974, he began teaching at The University of Washington, School of Dentistry. For ten years, he taught restorative dentistry and directed student clinical activities. During this period he was named outstanding instructor and was well published on numerous research topics. He was a founding member and long-time mentor of the Yakima Valley Crown and Bridge Study Group for dentists.In the mid-1980's, he returned to a full-time dental practice on Bainbridge Island, later practicing with his son, Todd Harmon Adams, also a graduate of the UW Dental School. Harmon practiced, on a limited basis, until his cancer diagnosis in December of 2007.Harmon was an avid philanthropist, supporting numerous local programs and charities. He chaired the St. Cecilia Catholic Church Finance Council, credited with "burning the mortgage" following the church's last major renovation. He was a board member of the Bainbridge Island Park and Recreation District, BI Swim Club, a Little League Baseball coach and long-time member of Rotary Club.Harmon adored his family, friends and countless patients who honored him with their patronage during the past five decades. He was noted for his exacting dental standards and thorough approach to all he treated and called "friends."Harmon was an artist with many passions. He enjoyed painting, creating mosaics, woodcarving, woodworking, photography and gold, silver and bronze sculpture. His hobbies also included fly-tying, skiing, hiking, gardening, travel and horse racing, but his favorite was fishing with the boys.Harmon was predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Esther, and youngest brother Tom Adams. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Patricia; Sisters: Judy Corcoran (Brian) of Ukiah, CA, Dale Dhoore (James) of York, ME, and Susan Vaughan (Ted) of Lake Lure, NC; Brother: John Adams of Newfield, NY; Sons: Michael (Mary) of Bainbridge Island, Jeff (Karn) of Grand Rapids, MI, and Todd Harmon Adams (Yaroslavna), of Bainbridge Island. Harmon so enjoyed his loving grandchildren Jeremy Young (24), Jane (15), Peter (12), Quincy Harmon (6) and Nora Adams (4) as well as his special niece and nephews.Harmon was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church on Bainbridge for 46 years. Fitting for him, Harmon's final message to his family following his Last Rites was "I love you."Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Recitation of the Rosary on Friday, March 7, 2008 at 8:15 PM at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 1310 Madison Avenue NE on Bainbridge Island [Map]. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 9:00 AM, also at the church. A reception will follow the Mass at Conger Hall at St. Cecilia. Interment will be private.The family suggests that any remembrances be made to Helpline House of Bainbridge, 282 Knechtel Way NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110.Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.