Norman C. Adams

Norman Clyde Adams, 82, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away in his sleep Sunday, January 14, 2018. Norm was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on March 10, 1935, to William F. and Helen Adams. He was the third child of four. Norm graduated from Roosevelt High in 1955 and served in the Army during peacetime. He returned to Minnesota to receive his Associate of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Cloud State University. Upon taking a trip to the Southwest with an army buddy, he fell in love with New Mexico and purchased land, planning to return. A few years later, after meeting and marrying Sonja Marcene Swanson on February 12, 1966, the couple ended their Rocky Mountain ski honeymoon in Albuquerque. Sonja was sold. A year later, the newlyweds moved to Albuquerque. After Norm completed his NM teaching certification, the couple settled in Paradise Hills in 1968, on the west side of Albuquerque during its infancy. Norm taught math to 100s of kids for Albuquerque Public Schools for 30 years, both at the middle school and high school levels. He spent his final 15 years at West Mesa High School, retiring in 1997, often volunteering to teach the basic math and intro to algebra classes. Many times, a former student who recognized him would stop Norm while in the community. Norm took the opportunity to take classes in archaeology to renew his teaching certification in Socorro, New Mexico, loving the raw beauty of the Land of Enchantment.

Norm and Sonja were founding members of All Saints Lutheran Church in 1969, and Cross of Hope Lutheran Church in 1982. They were active members of both communities, and many of their church friends were like their extended family. As Minnesota transplants, their adventurous move out of the North took them far from their own large, extended families, but they always had amazing support from the right people at the right time. Both Norm and Sonja value their relationship with Jesus Christ as the most important part of their lives. They lean on Christ for all of their decisions and guidance.

Norm and Sonja have three children, Kristen Lea, Kenneth Norman, and Kevin Harold. They raised their family to love God, love and respect the outdoors, respect others, and eat healthy, organic, and whole food. Norm loved to sing, both during his university career and sang baritone for many years in his church choir. He led Sunday School worship for over 25 years. Always the gardener, he learned by trial and error to understand the harsh southwest conditions to become a prolific tomato and green chile grower. His cheerful, melodic whistling could always be heard as he worked in his garden under his trademark straw cowboy hat.

Many have said that Norm touched their lives through his soft-spoken kindness, his light-hearted humor, and patient teaching skills. He will be greatly missed by his family for his steady, loving reason, his integrity and commitment to his family, and his optimistic outlook on life, even through some very challenging times. A child of the Great Depression and the ration times of WW II, Norm never wasted anything: from water to food, or shoelaces to socks. He saved and reused things when he could. If it wasn’t broken, no need to replace it, and if it was broken, fix it. He lived within his means, and saved when he could. He will always be remembered for his frugal ways that led to him and his wife being able to build the house of their dreams on the west side overlooking the scenic valley of Albuquerque and the Sandia Mountain range that he loved so much.

Norm’s steady physical decline after an undetected stroke 6 years ago never took away his sharp mathematical mind, or his love for life and positive outlook. Norm is survived by his is wife, Sonja Marcene Adams; his daughter, Kristen Adams of Denton, Texas; his son Kenneth Adams and his wife Lori Ann and two grandchildren, Olivia and Zephaniah of Albuquerque; his son, Kevin Adams of Albuquerque; and his sister, Jeanette Sandahl of Apple Valley, Minnesota. Norm is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be on Monday, January 22nd at Daniel’s Family Funeral Home, 4310 Sara Rd. SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. A viewing open to the public will begin at 11:00 a.m., the celebration of life at 1:00 p.m., and burial at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family is taking donations toward a Tree Memorial program with the City of Rio Rancho Parks and Recreation. The tree(s) will be planted in the spring. Please make your donation payable to Rio Rancho Parks, Recreation and Community Services, and send to 6309 Casa Blanca NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.