As the rain fell gently, mourners gathered at the Christ Church Cathedral in Grafton on July 8 to farewell a man loved, admired, and regarded by many, as a true gentleman.

A life that spanned 95 years, eight months, nine days, and approximately eight and a half hours (or just over 34952 days), John Adams OAM, passed away peacefully on June 25.

A man who had always worked through each task at hand in a logical sequence from beginning to end, his unwavering kindness, sense of community spirit, deep love for his late wife and former Mayor of Grafton Shirley Adams OAM, methodical character, and sense of compassion endeared him to everyone he knew.

Born on October 15, 1928, in Annandale, the second son of John and Barbara Adams, he was raised in a home where love was plentiful and family values were always respected.

After leaving high school early in the 1940s, because of, quote “immaturity on his part”, he completed his studies at home prior to commencing work with the Sydney Water Board as a Cadet Draftsman in the survey division.

Indirectly, the appointment set him on a path towards a lifelong surveying career in the Lands Department where he was awarded the esteemed title of Emeritus Surveyor in 1993 for the achievements he brought to the profession.

His appointment to the Kempsey Lands Office took him from the Hastings River at Port Macquarie to Grafton, and west across the Great Dividing Range.

On August 23, 1954, he gained his surveying qualifications and was subsequently appointed to the Maitland Land Board Office as a Staff Surveyor.

One year later, he was also certified as a Mining Surveyor.

On his 27th birthday, he married the love of his life Shirley Margaret Young after meeting her while lodging at Grafton’s Eversley Guest House in Oliver Street.

Describing her as a breathtakingly beautiful young red headed girl, she left an indelible impression on his memory.

The couple settled in the Hunter Valley community of Kurri Kurri where they welcomed two children Virginia and Simon.

Amongst his most important achievements while residing in the Hunter Valley was his dedication in completing surveys of 3000 acres of the Gloucester Tops National Park, including the first section of the township that was to become Fingal Bay.

National Parks regularly featured in his career.

He loved being outdoors and chose surveying as a profession so he could do just that and not be hedged in an office.

Ironically, as his career progressed, he became a Regional Manager for Lands based out of an office before his retirement in 1988.

At his initial Public Service Board interview on March 16, 1949, aged 20, Mr Adams was informed that the Lands Department was the only Government department in which surveyors held the senior positions, with prospects for real advancement.

This proved true for him as on more than one occasion throughout his career he enjoyed the privilege of occupying the position of Acting Surveyor General in Sydney, the highest office within the Lands Department.

Mr Adams assumed the role of Senior Surveyor at Tamworth in 1963 and was later appointed District Surveyor at Hay in far western NSW in 1968.

He also became an Examiner for the Commonwealth Institute of Valuers and was subsequently made a Fellow of the Institute.

Grafton would be his final posting as a District Surveyor in 1971, and the place he and his beloved Shirley chose as their final resting place.

In 2015, Mr Adams received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his contributions to the region through historical, environmental, and youth organisations, which he described as a great honour.

As she officiated the funeral service for Mr Adams last week, Naomi Cooke, Dean of Grafton, respectfully addressed those in attendance and said they had come together as a community of love, family, and friendship, to commit his body and spirit into God’s care in the tradition of the Anglican Church.

Mr Adams is survived by his two children, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Following the service, attendees were invited to share light refreshments with the family of Mr Adams at the Alumy Creek School Museum and Reserve, which he was instrumental in creating during the 1980s.