Obituary of Robert Nichols Adair

Out Beyond Ideas of wrongdoing and right doing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there. When the soul lies down in the grass, the world is too full to talk about (Written by: Rumi, 13th century) Robert Nichols Adair Jr. beloved husband of Julie Rowney of Calgary, passed away on Saturday, July 14, 2007 at the age of 85 years. Robert Nichols Adair Jr. was born to Robert Nichols Adair Sr. and Zorayda Cochrane Adair in Maysville Kentucky. His early childhood already reflected his progressive social attitude in his fully integrated sandbox south of the Mason-Dixon Line that was open to all. At the age of 12 he entered the Kentucky Military Institute in Lyndon, Kentucky where he completed two years and excelled in history. He then entered a college preparatory program at The Hill School where he graduated in 1941, earning a varsity letter in track and field and the nickname “Smoky”. His years at the Kentucky Military Institute allowed him to enter Officer Candidate School at Cornell University. Robert chose Cornell because of its diverse student population and liberal education. He interrupted his formal education when he gained the rank of First Lieutenant in the US Army and joined the 753rd tank battalion then fighting in Northern France. Robert received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and an Army Commendation Ribbon during the invasion and occupation of Germany. He finished the war as Adjutant in Berlin during the occupation. Robert was the last surviving Officer of the battalion and remained strongly supportive of its legacy. Following his first trip to the Canadian Rockies in 1946 he completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Cornell University. He began his career in the oil industry in 1946 as a roustabout in Alvin, Texas and subsequently with a permanent move to Calgary with Stanolind Oil in 1950. Robert continued his career with Pathfinder Oil and Gas and the formation of his own company, R.N. Adair Oil Management and Zorayda Oil Co. Ltd., in the mid 1950’s. Bob started writing the R. Adair Oil Memorandum in 1964 for a special client and on June 28, 1968 he issued Oil Memorandum No. 1. This weekly publication, distributed to a varying number of clients over the years, reached No. 1999 on July 12, 2007. Bob Adair was known to all as a gentleman who loved family, nature, gardening, poetry, music, the arts, and traveling. He embraced a balanced and healthy lifestyle, while he explored the many avenues of life’s opportunities and adventures. Bob was as comfortable listening to progressive rock artists at New York’s CBGB’s Nightclub as he was listening to concerts at the Lincoln Center. Gardening was a particular love and his legacy continues in the many trees and plants he faithfully tended. These diverse passions were embraced to his final hour. Bob was truly a renaissance man. Robert is survived by his loving wife Julie; first wife, Doris; daughter Diane; sons, Stuart, Robin, and David; grandchildren, Maggie, William, Isabel, Paul, Andrew, Kaitlyn, and Patrick; stepdaughters: Susan and Carolyn and grandchildren Erin and Jonathan. He was predeceased by his daughter Katharine, second wife Helen, and granddaughter Katherine. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Thursday, July 19, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice. The family wishes to recognize and gratefully thank the compassionate care-givers that faithfully provided support and companionship. In living memory of Robert Adair, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.