Robb "Rollie" D. McAdam
April 25, 2012
Robb “Rollie” D. McAdam, 57, passed unexpectedly Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at his home. He was born December 6, 1954, in Des Moines, to Ray and Jeanne (Heisey) McAdam.
Robb graduated in 1973 from Tech High School, where he was on the swim team and football team. His summers were spent as a lifeguard, working for his father at Teachout swimming pool in Des Moines. Robb’s passion was EMS. His career in EMS began in his early teens, when he cleaned and stocked ambulances for Mr. Bob Hutt at Capital City Ambulance. He was a 1982 graduate of the first paramedic class at Mercy Medical Center.
He went on to work as a paramedic for his dear friend, Jay Shaff, owner of LifeLine Ambulance. From there, he was able to fulfill his lifelong dream of owning his own ambulance company, Capitol City Ambulance, from 1998 to 2000. In 2001, he changed careers, somewhat, becoming an emergency dispatcher for LifeFlight. After retiring in 2006, Robb delivered meals on wheels for Wesley Retirement Services.
Robb was best known for his sense of humor and his huge heart. The compassion and care he provided to his patients was second to none. In addition to being an outstanding paramedic, he was a loving son, husband, father, papa, brother and friend. One of his proudest moments was seeing his daughter, Tiffany, become an RN, following in his footsteps of providing patient care. His granddaughter, Kayleah, was the light of his life, and he spent many hours judging her gymnastic routines and playing “store” with her.
Robb is survived by his wife of 18 years, Elizabeth; daughter, Tiffany (Tim) Hostetter; granddaughter, Kayleah Hostetter; former wife & dear friend, Stephanie McAdam; mother, Jeanne McAdam Hoffman; brother, Scott (Nancy) McAdam; sister, Darcy (Jeff) Potter; nephews, John Potter, Sgt. Scott (Mizuki) McAdam, Jr., and Drew (Kayla Russell) McAdam; nieces, Taryn McAdam and Tamera (Jeffrey) Bonczynski; great-nephew, Parker McAdam; his loving dogs, Lily and Gracie; and a host of extended family and beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Ray McAdam, Jr.; step-father, Lt. C. Delbert Hoffman; and stepson, Jeremy Harden.
Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m., Saturday, April 28, 2012, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. A graveside service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, at Brethren Cemetery in Panora. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Curt Dalrymple
04/29/2012
To Jeanne, Scott, Darcy and family.
I wish to express my condolences at the loss of Robbie. We had many good times back at Tech and Teachout when we were young and foolish. Robbie followed his passion and lived his dream in doing so helped many people over the years. After many years we met at Mike Macurio's funeral a WDM firefighter EMT a few years back and he introduced me to Tiffany. They met my family, Brenda my oldest was a ER nurse at Lutheran and they knew each other. It is a small world and we will all miss Robbie. Our prayers are with you all. Peace
"TECH 73 Swim Team"
Scott Barkve
04/28/2012
When I moved to Des Moines from Northwest Iowa, I got to know Rollie. I got to work with him. I also got to meet his family. What a family. I was twice blessed getting to work iwth both the nmaster and then then with Tiff on squad. later we worked the Civic Center shows, State Fair, and skills coached at Mercy School of EMS. What an honor to have known and worked with this man.
Alysen Mace
04/28/2012
When robb was at Methodist on my floor he was one of the most caring and nicest patients I ever had .. It was a pleasure taking care of him and talking with him every day while he was here and I am so sad to hear of his passing... My condolences go out to your family during this hard time .. May he forever rest in peace
Jeff Tollari
04/28/2012
I have known Rollie off and on thruout the years I was in EMS.
Rollie was a kind and caring person.
My condolences go out to his family, and Rollie, may you rest in peace in Heaven.
Michael (Hoopie) Middleton
04/28/2012
I first met Rollie when I was a young EMS Explorer. He was a great person, excellent partner, and a terriffic mentor. His infuence and guidence helped me become who I am today. My sincerest condolences to all of Rollies family and friends. Rollie, you will missed. Peace be with you.
Bob Cook
04/28/2012
I also was on the swim team with Robb and am greatly saddened by his premature death. My prayers are with his family.
Sara (Leib) Hughes
04/28/2012
Liz,
Thinking of you and your family during this time. May your memories help ease your loss over time. Take care.
Shari (Eblen) Shinn
04/28/2012
Robb and I were on the swim team together at Tech, My prayers are with the family. My prayers are with the family. So sorry to hear about his early passing.
Tony Grazziano
04/28/2012
Rollie was a friend of mine from the early 70's when EMS was a first aid class and transport. Rollie was one of the first para medics that became the new EMS and the former Cadallic ambulance's were updated to todays modular units. When a call went out and Rollie's unit was dispatched Rollie's para medic skills took over. Rollie knew how to make a patient and the patient's family feel up beat by his skills. I can only picture Rollie playing store with his granddaughter. Besides his family Rollie's friends are going to miss him. RIP Rollie. I will not be able to attend his funeral but my thoughts and prayers are with the family
Jon Rech
04/27/2012
When I started in EMS Rollie was one of my first mentors. In addition to being one of the funniest guys I know he was a great medic. He taught me a lot about patient care. A very sad day for the EMS community. My thoughts and prayers are with the McAdam family.
Luanne & Mike Dwyer
04/27/2012
Thoughts and prayers to the family. Always remember at work or play Rollie was great.and the fireworks in Murphysboro,TN.
Phil and Donna Bottorff
04/27/2012
Our deepest sympathies to Rob's entire family. We are grateful to have known Rob and we hold you all in our prayers.
Chris Hewitt
04/27/2012
I was lucky enough to have Rollie as my first partner at LifeLine, and we had so much fun together. He truly was an excellent medic, and an inspiration to me during my EMS career.
To his family and friends, you have my heartfelt condolences. Rollie, I will miss you, but you live on in my heart and through the stories I still tell about you! Rest easy, my friend.
Patrick Waldorf
04/27/2012
It was a pleaseure to have known Rollie. His compassion for EMS is an inspiration to all of us. Rest in peace.
Tracy Thorpe
04/27/2012
My heart felt condolences to Rob's family,co-workers and friends. I was fortunate to have met Rob at Teachout pool in the late 60's. Wether it was swimming, riding bikes or just hanging out Rob was a great buddy.I have not seen Rob for a few years but I will always hold onto what a great person he was and good times we had.