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THE JOURNAL - AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION BY THE ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION
MAY 2026 | WWW.ALASKAMINERS.ORG
H oward Adams spent a lifetime digging into the earth and tinkering under the hood — but what he really uncovered was a life full of stories, laughter and a legacy that’s anything but buried. After a short battle with a variety of compounding health issues, on Wednesday, April 1, our beloved mountain man became part of the strata — yet remains a gem in all our memories. From a young age, Howard — or Joe(y), as he was known through childhood and college — was never one to sit still. His work ethic took shape early, delivering newspa- pers in the quiet hours before dawn. Years of paper routes led to his first great love: a 1957 grey convertible Chevy. That ’57 Chevy sparked a lifelong passion for muscle and classic cars. If you knew Howard, you knew his classic car enthusiasm was contagious — he could happily talk your ear off about his latest project or prized find. His most treasured ride was his 1968 Dodge Charger, once the family car and later lovingly restored in retirement. Wheth- er cruising around town or showing it off at Reno’s Hot August Nights, it was a reflection of his hands-on spirit. Howard had a mechanical mind — whether rebuilding engines, outfitting Hard Rock Wheels trucks, or working in the field, his hands and mind were always in sync. Geology proved to be the perfect fit. It fed his curiosity, challenged his problem-solving skills, and gave him a life outdoors that truly grounded him. With a remarkable 44-year career in geology augmented by 42 years building Hard Rock Wheels, Howard lived a life that was nothing short of rock solid. After earning his Bachelor of Science from Kent State University in 1969 — putting himself through school by moving furniture — he began a journey that would take him across mines, mountains, and continents. From his early days at Homestake Mine in South Dakota, to roles in Washington, Montana and Idaho (Inspiration Development), Nevada (Battle Mountain, Turquoise Ridge and Bald Mountain), and Alaska (Union Carbide & Taiga Ventures), his career was rich with adventure and dis- covery. Like many geologists, his work also took him to international borders to include Mexico and Myanmar. But it was in Alaska where inspiration struck bedrock. In 1984, while working at Taiga Ventures in Fairbanks, recognizing the rugged demands of the mining industry, he transformed a simple F-150 into an off-road solution — launching Hard Rock Wheels. What began as a single cus- tomized truck grew into a thriving business that continues to roll forward today, carried on by family in his honor. Even when the geology field hit a fault line in the late ’80s, Howard never stayed sedentary for long. He returned to Ohio for a stint to work alongside his father at Adams Brick Howard Joseph Adams July 6, 1943 – April 1, 2026 IN MEMORIAM
Howard and the late Mike Tolbert of Taiga Ventures
& Stone before ultimately settling in Reno in 1989, where his career continued to evolve. His final projects included Bald Mountain and Turquoise Ridge, where he “retired” in 2013 from Barrick — though, like any true geologist, he simply shifted layers rather than stopping altogether. In later years, he focused on growing Hard Rock Wheels and restoring his beloved ’68 Charger — proof that his drive and passion never eroded. Howard was a man of strength, depth and quiet generos- ity. A husband, father, grandfather, and brother he loved traveling — especially to national parks and destinations abroad — though he could also be persuaded into family trips to Disneyland and Disney World. He showed up for life’s important moments, attending graduations and cherishing time with his grandchildren, including a special summer spent mostly outdoors together with his grand- son during COVID in 2020. Though he was larger than life in presence, those who knew him best understood his softer side — steadfast, kind, and always there when it mattered most. He didn’t know a stranger and treated everyone with genuine respect, often turning acquaintanc- es into lifelong friends. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Sandi Adams; his daughters, Teri Whitmore (Michael) and Niki Adams; his grandchildren, Kiersten, Kimberly, Katherine (Teri), and Chase (Niki); and Daisy, his shared loyal cattle dog–border collie companion. He also has four sisters, Rita, Linda, Susie and Marsha and one brother, Steve, who all reside in Ohio. Please join us as we celebrate a life well-lived — full of grit, heart and a legacy that will stand the test of time. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, May 17 from 1-4 p.m., followed by Famous Dave’s barbecue catering. The event will be hosted at the Western Heritage Interpretive Center at Bartley Ranch Regional Park, 6000 Bartley Ranch Road, Reno, Nev., 89511. Please RSVP by Thursday, May 14 with your name and number of guests through one of the following methods: https://evite.me/ZTCzvptsXy; hardrockwheels@yahoo.com; or call 775-852-2622 (feel free to leave a voicemail). While Howard knew rocks inside and out, it was his humor, grit, character and heart that made him a true gem to all who knew him. Join us as we honor a man who truly left his mark — layer by layer — on the world he loved.
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