In Celebration of

The Reverend Dr. William James Adamson

July 25, 1924 -  August 29, 2020

It is with sorrow but gratitude for a long life well lived that William entered into his well-deserved rest in the Lord at Trillium Hospital on Saturday, August 29th. Beloved husband and best friend of Brenda, father of Jim (Cindy), grandfather of Jamie and Katherine (Jean-Michel), great grandfather of Novak. Survived also by brother-in-law Randy (Elizabeth) Moncrieff as well as many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by first wife Grace. Bill grew up in Oakville, was a graduate of Queen’s University, Kingston and Knox College, Toronto studying theology. He graduated from Knox College in 1948 and spent 2 years in Manitoba before returning to Toronto. He, along with a team of 5 men, helped establish St. Giles (later St. Giles Kingsway) Presbyterian Church in Etobicoke. He then went on to minister in that congregation for 40 years, retiring in 1990 after which the congregation presented him with the title “Minister Emeritus”. He served on many Boards/committees of the National Church as well as Presbytery and Synod. For his faithful service, Knox College conferred on him an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 1978. Bill was truly a ‘gentle’man, quiet and humble in spirit, a man with a strong faith who served His Lord and His church well. Due to COVID 19, there will be a private funeral service at St. Giles Kingsway. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Living Trust Fund, St Giles Kingsway Presbyterian Church, 15 Lambeth Rd. Etobicoke M9A 2Y6 or a charity of your choice.

Guestbook 

(4 of 4)

Elizabeth Westgarth (parents were friends)

Entered September 6, 2020 from Kingston, Ontario

Bill and our father, Rev. Gordon Hamill, graduated together from Knox College. They remained friends, and when we moved to Markham (St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church), they reconnected. Bill, Grace, and our father and mother, Anne, enjoyed spending time together. Both men were truly good, and positively touched so many lives. We honour Bill's life in memory of someone who was a valued colleague and friend of our Dad. It is the legacy of lives like theirs that continues to give us hope.
Liz (Hamill) Westgarth and Susan (Hamill) Blainey

Karen Smith (previous congregational member of St. Giles Kingsway)

Entered September 6, 2020 from Haliburton, ontario

I am the daughter of Lorna and Carleton Smith - who were a committed part of St. Giles Kingsway Presbyterian Church for 30 years...Carleton was both an elder and member of the choir and both parents were passionately involved in Reverend Adamson's beautiful congregation. Our whole family had respect and love for Bill and Brenda. It was a joy to be around Rev Adamson and all of the special work he was involved in. My family united with the congregation to help the 'boat' people and that was a wonderful part of Rev Adamson's kind vision. He was one of the most special people we have ever known as a family. Love to all of his family.

Barry and Irene Walker (Former members of St. Giles-Kingsway)

Entered September 7, 2020 from Ottawa, ON

We started attending St Giles-Kingsway when Barry's father was appointed as the organist in 1977. Dr. Adamson was a thoughtful pastor with a liturgical bent which suited Barry's Anglican heritage and Irene's Calvinist roots. He led us through our marriage preparation in 1979 - setting a foundation that has lasted over 40 years. His pastoral care had the same effect on Irene's sister when she was married in St. Giles 2 months after us.

When Barry's mother passed away in 1994, Bill was the unanimous family choice to conduct her funeral, even though the family had moved further afield and were no longer attending St. Giles. He graciously agreed to our request, and his caring nature brought much comfort to us all We were truly blessed to know him.

Our deepest condolences to Brenda, Jim and all who mourn his passing.

Barry and Irene Walker
Ottawa, ON

Brian MacINNES (Friend)

Entered September 15, 2020 from TRENTON

Brenda, I'm very saddened to find the news that Bill has died. Please accept my sincerest and most affectionate condolences.

He was someone I really knew all my life. Firstly as a friend and colleague of my parents and then through curling where it was always a pleasure to chat to you both. He was always a leader in the pulpit and certainly a competitor in the hack.

My thoughts and support go to you through these coming days, weeks and months. I send virtual hugs!

Brian MacInnes
Trenton, ON

Photos 

(1 of 1)

Help Extend the Memorial
Order a Keepsake Book

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Report an Issue