Small towns often enjoy having a small group of people who, over a long time, become an important part of the fabric of that town. Bryant Adams was one such person for Andover.

Many of us often looked forward to spring and the beautiful grounds and flowers that were his home. His exceptional care of the lake and the dam we have taken for granted for many years. Anything Bryant did, he did well.

Many years ago, when the East Andover precinct was planning the new fire station, Bryant offered to do the electrical wiring and plumbing to help save money. As his deputy, I was recruited to help. Bryant and I had previously spent many hours working on fire equipment so I had a good idea of what to expect.

Bryant was a craftsman. He had a genuine gift for using tools and understanding the complexities of  his craft. He gave and expected nothing less than perfection from any project he managed. Every wire I strung had to be straight, with no twists, even when our work was covered by a wall.

Bryant valued his tools and, though he used them hard, he respected their limits and expected them to last a lifetime. I too very much value the skill of a craftsman and would often watch Bryant. He was lucky; his talent was a gift he was born with.

Bryant was also a fire chief. For many years he took care of the fire station and the equipment as if it was his own. We spent many late nights working on the trucks, making sure that everything was in order. Good enough was never the accepted rule.

Bryant often drove the first engine out, as he lived next to the station. We would arrive at the fire and find the engine ready to pump water. Bryant was an old-school chief who was concerned that small towns would not be able to deal with changes in the fire service that we all knew were coming. He was right.  The changes required a tremendous effort.

Bryant never backed away from a challenge, and he inspired us to do the same. We are today a better department for his inspiration.

Bryant mattered to our town; he did not just live in it. There are many of us in Andover who have been helped in some way by Bryant; he generously shared his skills with others. We will all in some way miss Bryant. He has left behind a strong thread in the fabric of Andover.

Bryant Adams died on December 28, 2013. A graveside funeral service was held on May 23, 2014, in Lakeside Cemetery, East Andover.