Justice For Adam

Our beloved son, brother, and friend Adam Anhang was tragically killed in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 23, 2005 at age 32. Over a decade later, our hearts still ache with the devastation of his loss.

Memories

“Adam took his commitment as a big brother extremely seriously. He signed every card to me, “Big Bro,” and surprised me for more special occasions than I can count. For my tenth birthday, he got me the most ladylike gift he could think of: my first pair of pantyhose in a shade called “blueberry,” true to a long-standing tradition of buying blue gifts for his blue-eyed sister.”

“Adam made us better friends, better partners and better family members. He taught us compassion, wisdom, bravery, loyalty, integrity and love. He taught us that anything worth doing is worth doing exceptionally well. He taught us that we could each achieve greatness in our lives.”

“Adam had a zest for life. He put 100% into everything he did. One of my fondest memories of Adam is when we learned to scuba dive together. He could barely stand up with all of his equipment on, but the moment we hit the water, off he went as if he had been doing it all his life. Whether it was the flying trapeze, a week of army basic training or climbing one of the world’s seven summits, there was very little that could slow him down, much less stop him.”

“Adam had this uncanny ability to make you feel like what you were doing with him at that moment was the most important thing in the world.”

“For fourteen years, Adam was like a brother to me. That was how deeply I felt, and still feel, about him. Adam was an extremely warm and compassionate person who loved his family and friends deeply. He always gave of himself and never asked for anything in return. As an example, I remember telling him about my decision to propose to my wife. He was so excited for me. He helped plan every detail of my proposal – lent me his apartment which he set up with lit candles and a set table, roses and a bottle of champagne.”

“Adam made life feel safer, more secure than it is, because in our most vulnerable moments, there was Adam to call.”

“Adam and I were friends for 27 years. I will always remember Adam’s passion, his competitive spirit, his contagious laugh, his generosity, and his sense of adventure. The last time we got together, Adam wanted to go snowmobiling. Neither of us had ever operated a “sled,” but Adam embraced the opportunity whole-heartedly.”

“Adam was a special person who was caring, generous and strong. I admired his determination, forthrightness, inner drive, ability to speak his mind, and follow through on his commitments and promises. He believed that if he devoted his energy, effort and time to any challenge, he would succeed and overcome obstacles. Losing was not acceptable unless he knew that he had tried his best, and then he knew that he had tried his best and then he would try even harder the next time.”

“The thing that stands out about Adam was how kind and generous he was. When I first met Adam, I was quite ill. Adam took it upon himself to cheer me up, by taking me out to shows, or other fun things to do. If you knew Adam, this was not a strange thing for him to do for someone he only knew for a few months.”

“I know I will never meet anyone like Adam again; I consider myself lucky – some people never get the chance to meet someone of that caliber. I realize how many lives he touched, how many of us loved and admired him, how much he meant to everyone, and most importantly, how much he is missed.”

“I first met Adam around 1990. He humorously urged me to take walks with him in the zero below Winnipeg weather so that we could argue about religion and philosophy. Adam sat with me for hours – on many occasions over several years – teaching me how to enhance and embrace my best abilities.”

“I still remember the day you brought Adam home from the hospital – a tiny bundle all red and wrinkled and howling. Who knew that this little guy would make such a mark on the world?”

“At such a young age, Adam accomplished so much and was a mentor to many who wanted to pursue the entrepreneurial path in life. He had the vision and the confidence to act on his own business ideas and dreams, a trait many people spend their whole lives honing.”

“No man or woman could ever ask for a more loyal and trusted friend, or a harder working and smarter partner than I had the privilege and joy of having. You came into my life during very challenging times, full of joy, promise and brilliant ideas, and remained the same way until the very last day.”

About Adam’s Life

Adam was a caring, adventurous, and generous soul who loved to care for his family, laugh with his friends, and explore the world.