Ross Douglas Adams, beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend, passed away peacefully on Aug. 22, 2026 at his Mission Canyon, Santa Barbara, home of 56 years.
In keeping with his wishes — and thanks to the tireless dedication of his loving wife Mary and his daughters Amy and Katie — he was able to live out his days near the trees and gardens that served as the backdrop of countless family gatherings, first with his own children and later with his grandchildren Annie, Jack, Livi, Drew and Will.
Ross was born Nov. 7, 1943, in Montreal, Canada, to William and Frances Adams. The family moved to Ventura when Ross was four.
He graduated from Ventura High School in 1961, serving as senior class vice president and a member of the school’s football and baseball teams. He played football his freshman year at UC Santa Barbara, where he was also a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and earned a degree in English in 1966.
That same year he married Mary Bury, a fellow student and graduate of UCSB, who would be by his side for six decades.
Plans to attend graduate school were halted by the Vietnam war and Ross’s service in the Navy. After Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, he served two tours of duty in Vietnam aboard the USS Magoffin and the USS England.
Ross served as a naval reservist for decades while working tirelessly to establish a career as a stockbroker. He persevered through challenging early days and a historically difficult market to ultimately build a successful 50-year career in Santa Barbara with stints at several well-known firms, all of which were eager to have his services.
His steadfast integrity, honesty, determination and hard work were reflected in his roster of long-time clients and the fact that he didn’t have a single complaint on his record over five decades. He retired in 2019.
Ross loved Santa Barbara and gave back to the community through years of service on the boards of Hillside House and La Vista Foundation for the Blind and Disabled.
Ross “The Hoss” Adams was a mainstay on the Santa Barbara athletic circuit, participating in numerous triathlons and countless Nite Moves swims and Reef and Runs.
He completed the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon and the Tour of the California Alps – Death Ride multiple times with close friends, who called him unique, loyal, and tough as nails. He was a fierce, gifted, and good-natured competitor and athlete.
Despite humble beginnings, challenges, and several life-threatening injuries incurred during his time as a competitive triathlete, Ross lived his life with undaunted optimism, joy and positivity.
He was never without a smile, a song, a good-natured ribbing, or a laugh at his own expense.
He was full of knowledge and wisdom and was often the first person his daughters, sons-in-law, nephews, nieces and grandchildren would turn to for advice, help or encouragement, which he offered freely and without ego. Ross was generous with his time, his resources and his love.
He appreciated a good vacation, but was equally happy at a daughter’s volleyball game, which he never missed, or taking a run through the neighborhood or on the beach. If family was there, Ross was all in, and he loved every minute of it.
Ross Adams is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary; daughters Amy Bacon (Joel) and Katie Parks (A.P.); and his five grandchildren Annie and Jack Bacon, Livi, Drew and Will Parks.
The family will hold a private celebration of life this fall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Cycling Without Age Santa Barbara or Hillside House Santa Barbara.