Donald F. Adams
September 25, 1935 - December 22, 2022
Dr. Donald F. Adams, Emeritus Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wyoming and President of Wyoming Test Fixtures, Inc. Salt Lake City, passed away at his Millcreek home of complications from COVID-19.
Donald was born September 25, 1935, in Streator, Illinois, the oldest of three children to Margaret and Fred Adams. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1957, and married his hometown sweetheart Roberta Rush on June 22, 1957, at Immaculate Conception Church in Streator, Illinois. The newlyweds moved to Southern California where Don worked as an engineer at Northrop Aircraft Corporation in Hawthorne. While working he also attended the University of Southern California, and received his Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1960. Donald and Roberta then returned to Champagne, Illinois, with their two children David and Daniel, where he received his Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from the University of Illinois in 1963. After graduating, the family moved back to Newport Beach, California, where Don worked at the Aeronutronic Division of Ford Motor Company for four years. They moved up the California coast to Malibu in 1967 when Don joined the Rand Corporation in Santa Monica. During this second stay in Southern California, the family expanded with the birth of Douglas and Jayne.
In 1972, Don joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wyoming, and the family moved from Malibu, California, to Laramie, Wyoming. Don started the Composite Materials Research Group (CMRG) shortly after his arrival, and served as its director for 27 years. During those years, he led an interdisciplinary group of students, staff, and faculty researchers in a broad range of government and industry research programs. He greatly enjoyed working with both undergraduate and graduate students, and mentored over 160 students while at the University. In 1988, Don started Wyoming Test Fixtures Inc., an engineering business specializing in the design and fabrication of mechanical test fixtures for the composite materials community, which he worked at until his passing. He and Roberta were both avid supporters of both the cultural affairs and athletics at the University of Wyoming. He also became an avid fisherman, and spent many summer evenings on the lakes of the high plains and in the Snowy Range west of Laramie catching trout for tasty dinners.
Upon retirement from the University of Wyoming, Don and Roberta moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to be closer to family. Roberta passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2011. Don was given the gift of a second love and married Valerie Moenich on May 19, 2018. They enjoyed many years of the opera, concerts, the ballet and traveling the world. They especially enjoyed cruises to Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Mexico and Germany. Often the highlight of their week was Sunday dinner at the home of Valerie’s daughter, Christine, and her spouse George and Grandson August who fed their body and soul.
Don is survived by his wife Valerie, children Dan (Cate) Adams of Salt Lake City, Doug (Bridget) Adams of Denver, Colorado, and Jayne Adams (Gary) of Cheyenne, Wyoming; grandchildren Annie (Tom), Cassie (Brandon), Adam (Becca), Brian (Alex), Elena, and Jack. His step-grandchildren are Amalia, August and Step-daughter Christine( George) Salt Lake City. His great-grandson is Beckham. He was preceded in death by his wife Roberta Rush Adams and his oldest son the Reverend David A. Adams.
Don lived a prosperous life and was a believer in giving back, as witnessed by his generosity and philanthropy. Among his favorite charities were his Catholic parishes, the Laramie Plains Museum, and the Salvation Army.
In lieu of flowers, please be a philanthropist by donating to your favorite charity in his honor.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at 11 a.m. at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 2315 Redondo Avenue, Salt Lake City. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the church.
In Loving Memory
So sorry to hear of his passing. I went to UW the same time as Doug and remember his father as an initial mentor and guide into solving problems from first principals rather than finding "textbook" solutions. He was a giant to many in the fields of composite materials and education and will be sorely missed. I am unable to attend due to family visits and holiday season commitments and send my sincere condolences.
Valorie am saddened by the passing of my dear friend Don. Peace and love to you and your family......Margaret Besso
Don walked softly but carried a big (intellectual) stick. He was a gentleman. I was fortunate to have him as a professor at The University of Wyoming, as well as get to work for him, Scott and Ronda Coguill as part of the Composite Materials Research Group (CMRG). His and the Coguill’s influence left a lasting impression, later providing an opportunity to work in the field of composite materials for many years. During that time, I would see Dr. Adams at various technical conferences and enjoyed visiting with him. We almost always got a photo together and I have uploaded one to share. We affectionately called him the Godfather of Composites. I am one of likely thousands of former students that would be less of an engineer had I not been given the opportunity to observe and learn from one of the best. My sincere condolences, Jason Gies BSME 1998; CMRG 1997-99
I am so sorry for the loss of Don. He was a wonderful man and a kind hearted soul. He will be missed by all who knew him. My best to his loving wife, Valerie and I hope she finds comfort with his unexpected loss. They were in love with each other tremendously. I wish her the absolute best of everything during this time of hardship.
Dr. Don Adams has always been a "contributor engineer" in the field of "composites technology" whether teaching composites testing, design or manufacturing of today's leading edge structural systems. As a well-known SAMPE (Society for Advancement of Materials and Process Engineering) member and personally by me as SAMPE Global Technical Director for the past 25 years, I have had the pleasure of seeing Don achieving numerous awards for his well-earned expertise and communication skills in the "composites world." He was awarded the "SAMPE Fellows" award at a time when fewer than 45 preceded him. That was in recognition of his composites testing, design and resolution of key challenges in the world of applying his solutions to composite aircraft design, space launch vehicles, satellite structures, bicycle and golf recreational products, and numerous other aplication we currently take for granted now. He (and son Dan) team-taught many SAMPE "composites testing and design" seminars, tutorials, and lively (well-attended) events for SAMPE -- growing a host of new "composites materials and test engineers". His well-referenced publications are still used today, even several decades past their first development. Don was always approachable, extremely well liked, and one of the best teachers (and listeners) within the world's composites technology industry. Our thoughts go out to his family and a host of his students of the past. May he rest in peace and his work be well remembered and utilized. Scott & Shauna Beckwith Taylorsville, UT
Don Adams was my colleague for the last fifty years and he joined as co-author of the third edition of "Characterization of Advanced Composite Materials" where his contributions brought clarity to complex test methods and test apparatus used in testing composite materials. His greatest contribution to our field has been the voice of intellectual integrity that he brought to the profession. His student have reflected his values of truth and honesty and his enthusiasm for gettin it right, while helping others. Early in my career and before Wyoming Test Fixtures was founded, Don generously offered complete plans for the ITRI compression test fixture so that our machinest could build one for us. During the fourth edition revision, Don suffered a major medical set back while living in Utah. By chance, my visit to Brigham Young University brought me to Utah and I was able to visit him at the hospital. His complete recovery followed, as did all the revisions for the book. Don and I shared an interest in growing the academic community in composites and he sent his student, David Walrath, to work with me for the PhD. David returned to Wyoming where he continued Don's research and teaching in composites. To say that Don will be missed, understates his role in the field of composite materials and the importance of the field to future light-weight vehicles. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner could not have been build without the work of Don Adams and his students. What a remarkable scholar and friend he was. His life was an example of a life worth living! Byron
Donald Adams was an instructor and mentor to our generation. He was one of the last of a group of researchers and professors whom we may call the "true gentlemen generation.” Don was a great composites test method developer. Whenever ASTM committee D30 debated technical details in a draft standard, Don would end the debate by going back to the lab to try out some options, then come back to the next D30 meeting with a recommendation that had been well vetted. Don was a regular attendee of our committee meetings, and a longtime leader within ASTM D30. He contributed to the development and revision of many ASTM D30 standards. He also served on the board of editors of ASTM Journal of Composites Technology and Research for many years until the journal was terminated in 2003. Don was the recipient of the Wayne W. Stinchcomb Memorial Lecture and Award and the ASTM Award of Merit. A true giant in our area, he leaves us with a tremendous legacy of test methods. He will be greatly missed.
I have known Dr. Donald F. Adams, through his Wyoming Test Fixtures, He will be greatly missed and his legacy will continue. I greatly inspire by him and wish to start a similar testing fixtures lab at my university here in India, Bangalore. My prayers for his soul and his family. I'm sure his legacy will continue for years to come.
I feel a real loss. Others have described his many contribution but imbedded in their comments is their memories and mine are of a friend with a sense of joy about his work that makes this business fun. He will be greatly missed.
Our deepest condolences to Jayne and all of Don's family. What a lovely tribute to this wonderful man, the father of my dear friend. Love and prayers to you all.
John and I were saddened to learn of Don's passing. He was always dynamic, knowledgable, and outgoing...and a wonderful friend and colleague. He will be missed.
My heart reaches out to express deep condolences on Don's passing. He was a great man. I was very fond of reading his contributions to SAMPE Journal, particularly with regard to composites testing. He made significant contributions towards testing, designing, and manufacturing composite structures. His contributions shall be remembered in the annals of composites. My wife joins me to pray to God for his departed soul to rest in peace in the heavens eternally. We all are visitors to this planet earth in the same time window. Everybody has to sink into obliviousness sooner or later. Let us make the best of whatever we are left in our kitty. I also pray to God to give you and Cate the strength to bear this shock and enjoy life.
My heart reaches out to express deep condolences on Don's passing. He was a great man. I was very fond of reading his contributions to SAMPE Journal, particularly with regard to composites testing. He made significant contributions towards testing, designing, and manufacturing composite structures. His contributions shall be remembered in the annals of composites. My wife joins me to pray to God for his departed soul to rest in peace in the heavens eternally. We all are visitors to this planet earth in the same time window. Everybody has to sink into obliviousness sooner or later. Let us make the best of whatever we are left in our kitty. I also pray to God to give you and Cate the strength to bear this shock and enjoy life.
In Loving Memory
