In Loving Memory of Beverly Joan Adair
August 15, 1942 – May 9, 2025

Today we honor Beverly Joan Adair—a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Bev had a quiet strength, a love for music and nature, and a spark that never dimmed.

Bev was born in Denver, Colorado, the second of two daughters to John and Evelyn Nimmo. Her father pursued many interests, and her family was often on the move, but her fondest childhood memories and stories came from Elmira, Oregon. Despite being very poor and living in a home with a dirt floor, Bev told many stories about running and playing in the woods with her dog, Pat.

She also had the opportunity to learn to play the accordion, and was good enough that her mother was determined to get Bev her own. Evelyn worked a part-time job to earn enough to buy an accordion, and Bev played it frequently at weddings and community events. She guarded it carefully and kept it in good working order for the rest of her life. Her musical talent didn’t stop there. Later, Bev picked up the banjo, guitar, and organ, and often lead music in church services and sang in church choirs.

Bev deeply loved her sister, Janice. She told stories of hot air balloon rides with her, and chatting for hours at Elmer’s Restaurant. They loved to get a table right by the fireplace, and enjoy the cozy crackling fire and the Norman Rockwell paintings.

Bev was first married at 17 years old, and though the marriage didn’t work out, three great kids came out of it: Sherri, Greg, and Deanne. In 1978, Bev met Mike and asked him to dance, and in 1979, he asked her to marry him. Along with Mike came his son, Randy, who was often mistaken for Deanne’s twin. The family moved in with Mike and Randy, and they built a beautiful home, yard, and garden together.

Bev loved the outdoors. She and Mike camped, hiked, and explored every chance they could, especially in August when they celebrated their birthdays and anniversary. Their favorite place to visit was Mt. Rainier. They both often spoke of the beautiful meadows and wildflowers there.

After Mike retired from teaching, he rode his bike across several states, one each summer. Bev enjoyed driving ahead a set number of miles and waiting for Mike with a snack and water, and exchanging stories of the things they had seen. They both valued their health and strength and prioritized healthy food and exercise so they could keep going on adventures like these.

The adventures continued with their grandchildren, who have magical memories of playing in their yard, picking corn from their garden and eating it for dinner, camping next to beautiful rivers, and singing around the campfire while Grandmother played the guitar. Bev brought joy to the simplest things.

Bev’s legacy is one of resilience, humor, and heart. She lived an imperfect but beautiful life. She loved fiercely, she forgave, she stood strong in hard times, and she never lost her spark, literally to the very end. She always gave warm hugs and kisses, told unforgettable stories, and passed down a strength of spirit that lives on in her family today. She leaves behind countless memories of laughter and love, and a family who will love and miss her forever.

Bev is preceded in death by her husband Mike Adair, her sister Janice (Nimmo) Baker; her children Greg Wilcox and Sherri (Wilcox) Larkins; and her granddaughter Jadie (Pedersen) Sykes. She is survived by her daughter Deanne (Wilcox) Murray; grandchildren Christopher Thompson, Amber (Thompson) Ah Chin, and Tia (Pedersen) Haycock; and great-grandchildren Nathyn Thompson, Kamanao’pono Ah Chin, Ryan Thompson, Kulike Ah Chin, and Christian Thompson.