Frater Dick Adamek Passes Into Chapter Eternal

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - It is with a heavy heart that the Offices of the Grand Chapter reports the passing of Frater Richard (Dick) Adamek (Zeta-Kappa, Portland State Univ.) into the Chapter Eternal Thursday. A Life Loyal Teke, Frater Dick served the Fraternity in many capacities as a volunteer. From the Board of Advisors, Alumni Association President, Chapter Advisor, Faculty Advisor and more, Frater Dick was selfless with his time. He was also open with his treasure, donating to the TKE Educational Foundation continuously starting in 1971 and his alma mater Portland State University.

Frater Dick's activities, however, do not end there. Often Fraters from around the TKE Nation would visit with him at Regional Leadership Conferences and Conclaves. A recipient of TKE Volunteer of the Year Award (2004), Volunteer of the Month (2003), Key Leader Award (1990) and, most recently, an inductee of the Advisory Hall of Fame (2007), this Frater believed whole-heartedly in the phrase, "Fraternity for Life." In addition, he recently served the Fraternity as Grand Province Advisor for the Pacific Northwest Province and was President of the Columbia-Williamette Alumni Association.

"TKE was family to Dick," Frater Bryston Cutter (Region 4 Director) said. "He would do anything for any Teke. He treated Tekes from all over the TKE Nation as a true brother. He was a talented and competent volunteer for many years, who will be greatly missed by many Fraters from many generations. As a great historian, he would share the history and values of our great Fraternity. He served as a perfect example of what a Teke should be."

In the Spring 2008 edition of The TEKE Magazine, he credited Frater Patrick Resen for getting him back involved with TKE after a short hiatus at the 1988 Bay Area Regional Leadership Conference. He said of his most recent gift, "The reason for the TKE Educational Foundation gift was on the occasion of Patrick's ordination into the priesthood of the Catholic Church. 'What do you give a guy when he becomes a priest?' I knew he supported the Foundation, so I directed Frater Reed to put the money into something that Patrick already supported."

Frater Todd Farmer (Region 1 Director) had similar comments on the life of Frater Dick. "Even in times of disagreement or frustration, Dick would flash a smile. He was truly a pleasant person who you enjoyed sharing time with."

The Offices of the Grand Chapter sends our condolences to his immediate family and to all of the Fraters that considered him a part of their extended family. Funeral arrangements are being made and this story will be updated when those plans are set. If you would like to send in your thoughts, please email them so we can pass them along accordingly.