Obituary of Walter Murray McAdam

August 24, 1928 - Fredericton, New Brunswick

July 7, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

With gratitude for a life well lived, the family of Walter Murray McAdam, formally of Fredericton, NB, wish to announce his passing on Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Calgary, AB. Born in Fredericton, NB, on August 24, 1928, he was the son of the late Donald and Dorothy (McGuire) McAdam.

Walter’s career began in earnest in the mid-1940s when he joined the family business, McAdam’s Funeral Home. During the next 44 years, he attained the position of funeral director and ownership of the family business. Walter retired in 1989 with a legacy of dedicated service, undertaken with care, integrity, and compassion. Walter was a life-long advocate for and lover of animals and was a proud member of the Fredericton Kennel Club. Walter also enjoyed dancing and music, in particular early jazz and gospel. Many fun times were had at Base Gagetown.

He is survived by his children, Nancy Gibbs of New Maryland, NB, and Michael McAdam (Wendy) of Nanoose Bay, BC; six grandchildren, Craig McAdam of Airdrie, AB, Andrew McAdam (Melanie Racette) of Montreal, QC, Stacey Clarke (Richard) of New Maryland, NB, Erin Gibbs of Fredericton, NB, T.J. McAdam (Kristen Olson) of Hanwell, NB, and Josh McAdam of Fredericton, NB; five great-grandchildren, Peter and Jamie McAdam of Calgary, AB, Rylan Clarke of New Maryland, NB, and Roman and Nova McAdam of Hanwell, NB; his stepchildren, Beth (Raymond) MacEachern of Calgary, AB, Marie Thomas Janes (Richard) of Calgary, AB, and Mark Thomas (Lori) of Bahrain; and his four stepgrandchildren, Jill MacEachern (Chris Thomson) of Fairmont Hot Springs, BC, Tara Janes (Keith Wilford) of Edmonton, AB, Matthew Thomas of Austin, TX, and Mackenzie (Eden Gough) Thomas of Kitchener, ON.

He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, Donald McAdam and Patrick McAdam; his son David Timothy McAdam, his first wife Sylvia Clark, and his second wife Ruth (Thomas) McAdam.

Visitation will be held at McAdam’s Funeral Home (160 York St. Fredericton, NB) on Friday, August 30, 2024, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

The Memorial Service will be held in the J. A. McAdam Memorial Chapel (160 York St. Fredericton, NB) on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Greg Gildart will officiate. A private interment will be held in the Rural Fredericton Cemetery.

In recognition of Walter’s enduring love of animals, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Fredericton Kennel Club, www.fredkc.weebly.com, The Calgary Humane Society, www.calgaryhumane.ca, A.A.R.C.S. – Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society, www.aarcs.ca/donate, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Walter’s family here.

In living memory of Walter Murray McAdam, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.