Steven Clarence Adams' Obituary
A graveside service is scheduled for Thursday, June 4, 2026, 10 am, at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon. A gathering for family and friends is planned directly afterwards at 18807 S. Ferguson Road, Oregon City.
A much-loved husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend, Steve Adams, of Oregon City, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on May 21, 2026, he was 75 years old.
Steve was a master craftsman, mechanic, carpenter, and builder of all things including puzzles most people wouldn't even start, let alone finish, and he did, each and every one. His commitment to hard work, his focus, thoroughness, and steadfastness showed up in everything he took on, stepped into, cared about.
Steve's love and affection of automobiles started at an early age, inspired through the building of model cars and by his two older brother's participation in the local Portland car club scene.
Steve's many years in the Heavy Truck Tire industry helped fuel his son's involvement when Steve decided to resurrect Hurst Racing Tires, a collaboration that brought father and son together building vintage automotive racing tires at their Oregon City shop. Steve and Cody's partnership was recently reborn developing and innovating a new product at the time of his death, a transparent vintage motorcycle racing slick.
Steve, along with his mom, Delight, created and built custom cabinets and furniture inspired by early American and Colonial designs. Their attention to detail and pride in their craft was unwavering. Steve served in the U.S. NAVY from 1968 through 1972 which eventually led him to his most recent passion, restoration of a WW II LCI. Working on the restoration of a WW I| US NAVY Landing Craft, the LCI-713, as well as serving on their board of directors, gave him immense pleasure and pride. His involvement and interest was also a way of honoring and feeling closer to his late father, Howard Adams, who served on an LCI in the Navy during WW II in the South Pacific. Steve, forever a Jimmy Buffet fan loved Buffet's songs about his love for adventure and sailing. His lyrics in so many ways reflected Steve's own interest and extensive knowledge of the endless variety of ships and boats - from galleons, clippers, Viking ships, steamships to ironclads, naval vessels and more.
Steve is survived by his wife of 53 years, Brenda, his son Cody, his mother, Delight, his brothers and sisters: Del (Dianna), Barry (Mari), Roger (Debbi), Kate (David), Laurie (Bob), and Julie (Mark), and his many nieces and nephews.
Along with his many friends, from every walk of life, and far too many to mention, know like the rest of us that Steve left the world a better place and all those he touched, better people.
From his son Cody: My dad was a best friend to so many, and one of the strongest men I have ever known, to say he was a good man would be an understatement. He was more than an extraordinary man, and acted like an ordinary one. There are so many ways to express how he influenced the lives around him. He was always willing and excited to give advice, share his knowledge, help out, or volunteer, always the first to show up and the last to leave. I'm proud he was my dad, and feel fortunate I was his son.
In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate in Steve's memory to the ongoing restoration ofLCI-713, located on Swan Island in Portland, Oregon. Any donations can be directed to Amphibious Forces Memorial Museum, 5331 S. Macadam Avenue, Suite 258 PMB 1085,Portland, OR 97239-3871.
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