NORTH BRANCH — Louis Adams had a favorite saying, “If I can make at least one person smile today – then I’ve had a good day!”
Recently, there were a million reasons to smile at the North Branch Area Schools Board of Education meeting, which follows a long history of Louis Adams creating smiles across the North Branch community.
Lou grew up in Vassar and upon graduating from Vassar High School, attended General Motors Institute. He was a veteran who bravely served his country by enlisting in the Army and serving in Korea. After returning, he attended Ferris State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Lou moved to North Branch in 1964 and owned and operated Adam’s Apotheke for 30 years. He was extremely grateful to his friends, loyal customers, and the North Branch community for supporting him and his business throughout the years.
Louis was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in 1993 and was hospitalized for five months and then had extensive rehabilitation for years after. You could see him, walking with his leg braces, around the streets of North Branch. He always had a smile, a wave, and a great positive attitude.
Lou loved to participate in race walking events and was a proud owner of numerous medals. He won two gold medals in the 1993 Senior Olympics. He was an avid golfer and bridge player. You always knew if Lou was in the room because of his loud, booming laugh.
Without fail, Lou is remembered for his kindness, compassion, and love for his community. He quietly, and humbly, provided financial support to those most in need.
Lou made sure that upon his death, he could continue to support the community he called home. Through his estate plans, Lou has gifted $1,000,000 to the Lapeer County Community Foundation to create two endowment funds. This transformative gift provides support specifically for North Branch Area Schools. One fund will support North Branch Area Schools educational programs, equipment and supplies. The second fund will provide scholarships for graduates of NBAS.
“Mr. Adams provided an incredible gift to the North Branch Area Schools. We are humbled that he placed his trust in the Lapeer County Community Foundation to manage these endowment funds.” Said Nancy Boxey, LCCF Executive Director. “They will be transformative for students at North Branch schools for generations. Through these funds, Mr. Adams has provided a permanent source of capital to meet student needs in the classroom as well as post-graduation as they pursue continued learning. We are honored to work with charitable minded individuals like Mr. Adams who are committed to making a lasting impact in their community. Whether it is a gift today, or a planned gift through a trust or estate, we can assist people in reaching their charitable goals. We hope that the legacy Mr. Adams left may inspire others to consider a planned gift to support those causes that are mean the most to them.”
To learn more or discuss how a planned gift can help you achieve your charitable goals, visit: www.lapeercountycf.org or contact Nancy Boxey at 810-664-0691.
