In Celebration of

Dr. Adam L. Coulson

July 8, 1968 -  July 31, 2024

Dr. Adam L. Coulson, 56, of Toronto passed away on July 31st, 2024 after a heart attack.

Adam was born on July 8th, 1968 to Patricia and Thomas Coulson in Loughborough, England. After graduating from Burleigh high school in 1987, Adam completed his undergraduate degree in Mining Engineering from Camborne School of Mines in 1990, his Master in Mining Engineering (Rock Mechanics) from Queen’s University in 1996 and his PhD in Civil Engineering (Rock Mechanics) from University of Toronto in 2008.

Adam spent his career working for mining companies, consulting and academia. His places of work included Agnico Eagle, Wood E&I, Amec Foster Wheeler, AMEC, Noranda (now Glencore), ESG Canada, Anglo American Corporation (South Africa), University of Toronto, and Queen’s University. Over the course of his career, Adam helped develop and mentor teams of rock mechanics to deliver studies for investigation and design projects in mining, civil engineering, and the nuclear industry. One of his biggest achievements was helping to develop and support one of the top rock mechanics testing labs in North America – a proud legacy to have left.

Adam had many interests and hobbies. He was an avid kayaker, paddleboarder, sailor, skater, skier and cyclist. He started learning to snowboard in winter 2024. He was an enthusiastic chef and always timed his cooking to perfection. Adam started painting as a teenager and during COVID he became an accomplished artist. In his younger days, he was focused on rugby, caving, rock climbing and surfing. He loved the outdoors and lived his life to the fullest.

Adam is survived by his partner, Julia Martin, his son Zachary (Anja), his mother Pat, and Helen.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Old Mill (Toronto) on September 28th 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Guestbook 

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Doug Savery (Cousin of Julia)

Entered September 8, 2024 from Oakville

Very sorry to hear of your loss. Although I had only met Adam a couple of times he has left an impression. Now after reading his obituary I can see why. He has certainly left his mark on this world. Many of us could only dream of accomplishing as much in such a brief life.
My sincerest condolences. Unfortunately I will not be at the celebration as we have a family wedding that day but please know the Savery family will have all of you in our thoughts, but most especially Julia and Zachary.

Piers Wendlandt (Peer)

Entered September 11, 2024 from Denver, CO

I will never forget the first trip I took with Adam to a gold mine in NV. His enthusiasm for his craft was only outdone by his expertise of it. He was a pleasure to work with and learn from and swap stories with.
My sincerest condolences and regards to his family.
Piers.

Paul G Ivancie (Worked with Adam)

Entered September 11, 2024 from Laramie, Wyoming USA

Adam will be missed, an amazing resume of work and relationships. Rest in peace. Respectfully, Paul Ivancie

Aldo Katragjini (Worked with Adam)

Entered September 18, 2024 from Toronto

It was a real pleasure to have known and worked with Adam. He had a significant impact on me and the people around him, and I wouldn't be where I am without him. Adam was very passionate and was always willing to share his knowledge and experience. I will miss him very much. Unfortunately I'll be out of the country during the celebration and won't be able to attend.
My sincerest condolences to his family.

William Frederick Bawden (Former Graduate Supervisor)

Entered September 18, 2024 from Toronto

Ms. Julia Martin:
Julia: I am writing to express my deepest condolences at the loss of my former student, colleague and dear friend Dr. Adam Coulson. I was deeply shocked at the terrible news of his passing, as was every colleague that I have been able to inform.
I don’t believe that I have had the pleasure of meeting you Julia, although if I have then please forgive me and take this as just a reflection of my aging memory issues. I so wanted to attend Adam’s celebration of life. Unfortunately, my eldest granddaughter is getting married that exact day in Niagara Falls and hence I am unable to attend.
As I’m sure you are well aware Adam did both his MASc (Queen’s Mining, 1996) and his PhD (UofT Lassonde Mineral Engineering, 2009) under my supervision. Adam was one of my top graduate students, a select group all of whom have gone on to stelar careers in industry and academia and who I hold in my highest esteem. Adam was a wonderful student – exuberant, intensely curious, and very demanding of himself, seeking perfection in his work almost to a fault (although I always found it very difficult to fault a good student for that!). His career path was always on a steep upward curve, and it is the worlds, and particularly Canada’s and our Profession’s loss that it has been cut so tragically short.
Adam was an extremely capable, innovative and creative geomechanical engineer. He was of course much more than that. I do not remember ever seeing Adam without that infectious and uplifting grin. His enthusiasm, his great intelligence, his humor and his infectious laugh could win over anyone – and did! I am grateful to have had the privilege of having him as a post graduate student and even more so as a personal friend.
Over my long life I have lost many close family and friends but not under the extreme and sudden circumstances of Adam’s passing and hence cannot pretend to understand your pain at this time. If there is anything that I could do to be of assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out – it would be my pleasure.

Photos 

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Martin Camp on Manitoulin Summer 2023
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