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Philip Dean Adamson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A well-loved and respected life-long member of the Lower Lake community, Phil was called home on Dec. 19, 2024.
Born Oct. 7, 1937, in San Francisco (as there were no hospitals in Lake County at the time), and baptized at the Lower Lake Community Methodist Church, Phil lived a life filled with love, laughter and generosity.
Raised on the family ranch in Lower Lake, Phil’s life story is a testament to his hard work, kindness and unwavering devotion to his family. He spent his time on this earth taking care of the land and preserving the family farming legacy. The Adamson Ranch, founded in 1880, is still in operation today.
Over the years, Phil worked the ranch with his mother Luella Adamson, siblings Mary Jean Cremer and John Adamson, brother-in-law John Cremer and nephew Russell Cremer.
After graduating from Lower Lake Union High School in 1955, Phil began working at his cousin Don Parker’s service station. He eventually started his own business, Clearlake Tire, with Howard Wolfgram. The partnership continued until Howard retired and Phil’s longtime friend Ken Shaul took over.
Phil later began a new career for Epidendio Construction, where he drove truck and operated heavy equipment for an impressive 34 years before retiring. He was known affectionately for his humorous nicknames and practical jokes.
Shortly after high school, one of his best buddies, Lorn Fredericksen, introduced Phil to his sister, Crystal. Phil and Crystal married in the local Methodist Church on March 21, 1959. They resided on the family ranch and welcomed daughter Karen in late 1960. As his only child, Phil was especially proud and supportive of her. He was also blessed with a granddaughter, Grace, in 1999. Grandpa adored little Grace — the world stopped when she came to town.
Phil was a generous supporter of his community. He was a long-time member of the Lower Lake Volunteer Fire Department where he served as a firefighter, engineer and fire board commissioner.
Eventually, Phil proudly served many years as chief of the department and loved telling stories about his great team members. He also volunteered in youth sports, managing little league baseball teams and umpiring games for both youth and high school teams. He was especially fond of his time serving as manager of the Standard Oil team with his business partner Ken Shaul as coach.
When Lower Lake High School coaches had a wild idea for a fundraising event, Phil was more than happy to help by providing the Adamson Ranch as the venue (and himself as the emcee) for the now legendary Cow Chip Bingo. Phil was also a 50-year member of the Native Sons of the Golden West and the Elks Lodge.
With his wit and love of the old days, Phil perfected the art of storytelling over the years. He kept history alive with tales about family members, friends, the ranch, learning to farm and many other moments of his life. His love for off-roading, camping, hunting and fishing with those close to him provided much of the humorous source material for this favorite pastime.
Phil is survived by daughter, Karen Suenram and her husband, Darrell; granddaughter, Grace Suenram; nephews and nieces, Russell Cremer and his wife Joan, Sandra McCosker and her husband Neil, Gary Fredericksen and his wife Shelly, and Kelly Valine; and many grand-nieces, grand-nephews and cousins. He also had countless co-workers and friends around Lower Lake who affectionately called him “Uncle Phil.”
He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.
Phil was predeceased by his parents, Russell and Luella Adamson; wife, Crystal; sisters, Mary Jean Cremer and Rita Poutre; brother, John Adamson; brother-in-law, Lorn Fredericksen; sister-in-law, Elaine Little; and grand-nephew, Greg McCosker.
A celebration of life will be held at The Brick Hall in Lower Lake on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at noon. Family and friends are welcome to come and share stories, celebrate his memory and support one another.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lower Lake Historic Schoolhouse Museum.
Phil will be deeply missed, but he will always be remembered for his spirit, community service, sense of humor and the laughter he brought to everyone around him.
