Peter Adamson III
Obituary
Peter Adamson III (Pete) passed away on January 17, 2019 at age 77 after a 4 ½ year battle with multiple myeloma. Pete was born in Tulsa on June 17, 1941. A graduate of Okmulgee High School, Pete became the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a B.B.A. from his beloved University of Oklahoma in 1964. At OU Pete was a proud member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Pete began his career as a CPA before embarking on a career in the securities brokerage business in 1968. In 1980, Pete cofounded Houchin, Adamson & Co., Inc., a registered broker dealer, with his friends and longtime colleagues Larry Houchin and Jackie Irwin. Along with partner Jana Shoulders, they would go on to form Adams Hall Asset Management, a wealth management company that grew to over $2 billion in assets under management at the time of its sale. Pete ended his career as Chairman of Autumn Glory Partners, an independent investment advisor, which he ran alongside his son Jonathan and Jackie Irwin.
Pete served on the Board of Trustees of the Tulsa Community Foundation, where he was Chairman of the Finance Committee; and the advisory board of the Michael F. Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma. Pete was a recipient of the 1995 University of Oklahoma Board of Regents Leadership Award. He chaired several community organizations including Tulsa Zoo Friends, The Salvation Army’s William Booth Society, Holland Hall School and Tulsa County City Jail. He was also a past President of Southern Hills Country Club, serving in that role in 2001 when Southern Hills hosted the 101st U.S. Open.
An avid golfer, Pete enjoyed playing with new friends and making memories with old friends. He held very dearly his time spent at Southern Hills, The Patriot and Old Baldy Club in Saratoga, WY, where he was affectionately known as “Bad Dude” and any lucky bounce was known as a “Petey.” He loved traveling the world, and did so with many of his friends and family over the years, having visited all 50 states and numerous countries. No matter where he was in the world, every Fall Saturday was centered around his cherished Sooners football team. But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was an accomplished fisherman and enjoyed sharing his expertise with his many grandchildren.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Mary Jane (Jere) Adamson. He is survived by his beloved wife, Penny and their four children: daughter, Niki Santos and her husband, Paul of Great Falls, VA; daughter, Susanne Blaya of Greensboro, NC; daughter, Brittainy Fink and her husband, David of Keller, TX; son, Jonathan Adamson and his wife, Brooke of Dallas, TX; brother, Phil and his wife, Suzanne of Denver, CO; and 11 grandchildren who adoringly referred to him as “Papa Petey.”
A memorial service will be held 3:00 p.m. Monday, February 18, 2019 at Asbury United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tulsa Zoo or the American Cancer Society.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Dear Penny, Mary and I send our love to you, Niki, Susanne, Brittainy and Jonathan. We will all miss Pete, but cherish the many wonderful memories of happy times spent with you and Pete. Please know that you are in our thoughts. All of our love, Mary and Joe
Mary and Joe Rockett
I came to know Pete at Holland Hall. Jonathan and my son Tanner were classmates. They played football, basketball, and baseball. Pete loved watching Jonathan play. I don't think Pete missed a game. I really got to know Pete when we floated the Colorado River together. Pete came up with the idea. He made all the plans and 7 fathers and sons were in. We were on the river for seven days and nights. Pete kept me under control from falling out of the raft. I'm so glad that our paths crossed. Pete's outlook on life was so positive. He enjoyed everyday. He brought joy and laughter into our lives. God bless. Nelson
Nelson Rice
Pete was a long-time friend, business partner and financial advisor. As a friend, Pete was delightful----always interested in the world around him. As a partner, Pete was inquisitive and focused on doing our business well, both financially and socially. As an advisor, he was interested in protecting your funds and investing carefully and wisely. I will miss Pete's influence in many areas of my life.
John Nikkel
I am sure going to miss Pete, as a partner, mentor and friend. He was my first stock broker over 40 years ago. Since we began working closely together about nine years ago, he has been a constant source of encouragement. He also added a lot of fun to our work together. Thank you, Lord, for putting Pete in my life.
bob nikkel
A fun day in the oil field with friend, John Nikkel. Photo dated September 20, 2016
bob nikkel
Penny and family, So sorry for your loss. I know he will be greatly missed. I am a cousin of Peter and Phil. There were 13 cousins from the Adamson clan. We spent many wonderful holidays at our Grandmother and Grandfather Adamson's home. I think all of us had fond memories of growing up there. Going to basement where there was always a pool game going on. Of the 13 cousins only 5 remain now, I also enjoyed our Adamson family reunions at Pete and Penny's house. Praying for all the family for peace and comfort, Love, Barbara Ann
Barbara Ann Henson Norris
Penny, Jonathan and The Adamson Family. You have my deepest and most sincere condolences over Pete's passing. I came to know him via Richard Moore and The Sooner Nation decades ago. We enjoyed many annual OU/ut weekends in Dallas, especially over lunch and adult beverages at The Stoneleigh P. We were good-natured rivals when the Sooners played my Horned Frogs, but otherwise enthusiastically rooted for the other's team (especially when playing those Orange Bloods from Austin!). Pete was a great gentleman and a true friend who will be sorely missed by all who knew him well. God Bless Pete and ALL of You!
David Hardin
Penny, I’m so sorry for your loss. This caught me totally off guard. I got to know Pete when we were starting Western National Bank in 1977. He will be missed.
Asa Adamson
Penny, again I am so sorry for your loss. He fought a courageous battle and it was my sincere pleasure to get to know him the last few years. May peace remain with you for now and ever more. Respectfully Doug Hamilton
Doug Hamilton