On Saturday August 13, 2022, we suddenly lost a father and great friend - Samuel J. Adamski (Sam, Big Sam, Uncle Sam, Sammie).

Sam was born on February 19, 1962 to Nancy and Cliff Adamski of Manistee.  Sam was raised in the Oak Hill neighborhood and was soon well known as a big personality, good athlete and genuinely fun person to be around.  He carried these attributes with him throughout his entire life.  He loved competition, and the banter that sports and games provided space for.

After high school Sam joined the Marine Corps and served his country for three years.  He was employed soon after and would move around Michigan for work and college, going on to graduate from Grand Valley State University in 1999.

In 2000 Sam moved back to Manistee because he had met the great love of his life, Wendy (Crummel) Adamski.  Together, they enjoyed an exceptional and fun life.  Active in the outdoors, Sam and Wendy took full advantage of Northern Michigan's beautiful four seasons.

Throughout his years Sam loved the magic that children brought into his life.  He made it clear that children, or "little people" were the most important thing, and what this world was all about.  In 2003 Sam became a father to Mason and Caleb, twin sons who became his life's crowning achievement.  Whether it be in their performance in school, on the field, at work or with nature, he marveled at the contributions they brought to their community.  Sam found tremendous joy in teaching his boys golf, tennis, hunting, fishing, and the value of work.  Central in all of these activities was instilled the importance of family, faith and caring for others.

Understanding the importance of moments both large and small, Sam found great joy in his every day.  From the joys of Christmas morning to quiet evenings on the front yard, he felt and exuded love and contentment.  Camping trips with family and friends were especially enjoyed as opportunities to connect and celebrate the gifts that exist in simply being together.

Sam was an honest and transparent man, and would give all of himself to those that were lucky enough to be in his life.  As a father, brother, friend, uncle and employee Sam would consistently give his full and complete self.  He brought life and humor with him wherever he went.  Not one for lengthy anecdotes, everyone immediately knew exactly where Sam stood on an issue through a quick turn of phrase, gesture, look, or sound effect.

In serving others, Sam served the Lord.  He made it a point to take great care when those closest to him needed help, especially his Mother. Day or night, if help was needed, Sam would be on his way.  He gave fully without the expectation of receiving, and would devote himself to any job entirely, seeing it through until it was complete.

While Sam looked forward fondly toward his retirement, he modeled a life well lived in the moment, and celebrated regularly with his family and friends.  Sam enjoyed cooking and sharing good food and stories with those that gathered in his home and around his fire.  He had a great many friends, all who will miss his laugh, confident sense of self and competitive spirit.

Sam is survived by his wife Wendy and sons Mason and Caleb of Manistee, sisters Heidi (Mike) Dunlap and Holly (Brian) Rutka of Anchorage, Alaska, brother-in-law Jeff Seng of Manistee, sister-in-law Janis Adamski of Stratford, Iowa and many nieces and nephews.  Sam is preceded in death by his sister Eva Seng, brother Nick Adamski, mother and father Nancy and Cliff Adamski.

Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee on Sunday August 28th from 7:00 - 9:00 pm with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:30 AM on August 29th with Fr. Richard Bartoszek celebrant.  The family will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral mass on Monday to receive friends.  Immediately following the mass, friends are invited for a time of food and fellowship at Seng's Marina in Manistee.

Following Sam's passion for both children and sport, memorial donations can be made to the Armory Youth Project of Manistee.  Envelopes will be available at the church.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.