Darold Adamson, 84, formerly of Libby

Darold Adamson, beloved husband, father, family man and friend passed away Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, with his wife and children by his side.

Born Feb. 24, 1929, in Libby, Darold grew up here, hunting, fishing and playing sports. A gifted student athlete, Adamson decided he wanted to be a teacher and coach when he was just a sophomore in high school.

He continued his education at the University of Washington in Seattle, Wash., where he met and married Shirley LaFavre in 1952, and had a daughter, Sandy.

In 1955, Darold moved to Bakersfield, Calif., to take a position in a small elementary school, teaching fifth through eighth grades.  There, he met Peggy McClelland, who he married in 1956.

Adamson, whose career in education, coaching, athletics and administration spanned more than 40 years, began teaching at Chester High School in 1957. Longing to return to the mountains, Adamson accepted a position teaching six sections of history and math and coaching basketball at newly formed Chester High School. He continued coaching basketball at CHS for 15 years, and coached baseball, football and track as well.

In 1970, Adamson became vice principal at CHS, and four years later assumed the role of principal, where he remained until 1984.

A tribute to his profession, Adamson has inspired many others to pursue careers in education and coaching.

His positive influence, leadership and commitment to students was honored in 2010 when the newly remodeled CHS gym was dedicated as the Adamson Gymnasium.

During retirement, Darold worked on his golf game, traveled throughout the United States with Judy, and spent time with family and friends.

He also loved fishing and the outdoors and, of course, the 49ers.

Acknowledging a life well-lived, Adamson once humbly remarked, “If I had been able to draw a perfect blueprint for my life, I couldn’t have done any better.”

Darold is predeceased by all of his brothers, Robert, Norman, Dwayne, Eddie, Ronald, Richard; and his sisters, Donna and Delores.

He is survived by his best friend and love of his life, Judy Adamson; and the children he was so proud of, Eric Adamson of Chester, Jodi (Chuck) Adamson Mansell of Lakeport and Sandy (Glen) Hasstedt of Bonnie Lake, Wash.; stepsons, Richard (Julie) Wann,  and David (Laurie) Wann; and grandchildren, Tanner and David Mansell, Sadie (Pete) Benny, Corey (Dan) Pargee, Kalah Wann, Keith and Brian Wann, Larke and Adam Hasstedt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 A celebration of Darold’s life will be held at the Butte Creek Country Club at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013.