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Arza Paul Adams - 8/18/2004

Class of 1943

Dr. Arza Paul Adams, 78, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, August 18, 2004. Born September 17, 1925 in Pleasant Grove, Utah to Martha Paul and James Arza Adams, Paul will be remembered for his hard work and service, love of family and education, and his affable, wanderlust nature. An animated storyteller, Paul spun yarns that interlaced generations–whether they were of driving to California with blocks tied to his twelve-year old feet so that he could accelerate and brake as his half-blind grandfather navigated the way or simply dark tales of the wood cellar or capturing rattlesnakes on the hot sunny days and starry summer nights of his youth. Paul had many accolades. After attending Pleasant Grove High, he earned a B.S. in bacteriology from BYU; a doctorate in soil microbiology from Iowa State University; was professor and chairman of the bacteriology department at N.D.S.U. in Fargo, North Dakota; and served in various research and administrative capacities at Deseret Test Center and Dugway Proving Grounds. He served as trustee on the Salt Lake Suburban Sanitary Board and was a trustee on the Holliday Water Board for many years including up until the time of his death.. Paul was also a great missionary and loved his church. He served in many LDS callings–some of which included elders' quorum president, branch president, bishop, temple worker, and faithful home teacher. In 1988-89, he and his wife, Ruth, served in the Leeds, England Mission. He felt particularly rewarded these last few years with his work in the branch presidency of the Holladay Healthcare Branch. According to Paul, however, his greatest achievement was his partnership with Ruth Wilson. They were married December 20, 1945 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they had thirteen children, 46 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Besides teaching service, integrity, and hard work–the two of them fed a hunger for knowledge. Paul and Ruth sent all of their children to college, with nearly half earning graduate degrees. Paul is survived by his wife, Ruth Wilson Adams; sons Wilson (LeeAnn), John (Lisa), Harold (Marie), Steve (Michele), Bob (Lynne), Bruce (Lynnette), Dan (Jennifer); daughters Marty (Michael DeBloois), Ruth Ann (Neil) LeBaron, Mary (Steve) Mahoney, Andrea (David) Moesser; and brother, Dale W. Adams. Preceded in death by daughter, Susan Kay; son, David James; and daughter-in-law, Janet Adams Andersen. Services held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 21, at the Holladay South Stake Center (4917 Viewmont Street).
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune from 8/20/2004 - 8/21/2004.

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