Sherman Adams Eulogized as an Inspiring Leader

Sherman Adams, the powerful aide to President Dwight D. Eisenhower who was forced to resign for accepting a vicuna coat and other gifts, was remembered Friday as an inspiring leader and avid outdoorsman devoted to his state’s natural beauty.

Adams, who died Monday at age 87, was buried here after private and public funeral services held in the shadow of the mountains he loved.

The former governor was mourned by top politicians, friends and family members, gathered at the Governor Adams Lodge at Loon Mountain, who recalled Adams as a friend and confidant to everyone from forest rangers to national leaders.

Adams “has left his mark all around these mountains,” said George Hamilton, former hut master at the Appalachian Mountain Club.

‘Never See His Like’

“Sherm’s passing leaves a void in these great white hills. We’ll never see his like again. He was a leader, he had vision, imagination and common sense. He was direct, clear and reasonable,” he said.

Former U.S. Rep. James Cleveland recounted projects on which he had worked with Adams and called him “one of my greatest inspirations.”

“I’ve admired him all my life,” Cleveland said. “I’ve tried in some small way to follow his footsteps.”

Adams became counselor to Eisenhower in 1952 after engineering Eisenhower’s victory in the New Hampshire primary. He was dubbed “assistant President” by columnists who said he was the second most powerful man in the country; and, when Eisenhower was hospitalized with a heart attack in 1955, a committee of top-ranking officials led by Adams ran the country.