Glen Adams, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Feb. 22, 2026, at The Samarkand in Santa Barbara. He was 91.
Glen was born Jan. 25, 1935 at Saint Francis Hospital to O.G. “Bud” and Mildred Adams. Glen attended Harding Elementary School, La Cumbre Junior High, and Santa Barbara High School (class of 1952).
He graduated from Pacific Bible College (now Azusa Pacific University), majoring in biblical studies and music. His graduate studies focused on American History, leading to an M.A. from Arizona State University and a doctorate from USC.
Glen began his academic career teaching history at Azusa Pacific. It was there that he met his future wife Eleanor. She had enrolled a week late for classes, and to help her catch up he offered tutoring. As he liked to say, “the rest is history.”
They were married for 56 years, and he demonstrated his faithfulness in caring for Eleanor in her long journey with Alzheimer’s, being recognized as Caregiver of the Year by the local Alzheimer’s Association chapter in 2014.
His career at Azusa Pacific progressed from teaching into administration, and in 1977, Glen returned to Santa Barbara to start his 24-year tenure in the administration of Westmont College.
Long immersed in the Santa Barbara community, Glen held membership and board roles at the Rotary Club, YMCA, Santa Barbara Club, Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and the Central Coast chapter of Young Life.
He was a member of El Montecito Presbyterian Church for nearly 50 years.
He also served on two international boards World Missionary Radio Fellowship and the International Leadership Group, an advisory body to a graduate level Christian studies program at Peking University.
Glen’s hobbies included piloting his own small airplane, fly fishing, travel, reading, and most importantly, golf. A true golfer’s golfer, he played twice a week to age 89.
Beyond his accomplishments and credentials, those closest to Glen will forever cherish his genuine warmth, interest in people, quiet leadership skills, and abiding faith in God.
He is survived by his daughter Alyson McKenzie (Steve); son Trent Adams (Sandy); and four grandchildren Graham and Sarah Grace McKenzie and Claire and Carson Adams.
He was preceded in death by his brother Bill Lee Adams; wife Eleanor; and grandson Andrew McKenzie.
Glen’s memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 11 at El Montecito Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westmont College or the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission.