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| - MacAdam Website - (Descendants of Alban Bertram and Margaret Tena - MacDonald - MacAdam) Morell, PEI, Canada |
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| 1916 |
| 1967 |
| BIOGRAPHY - ALBAN JOSEPH (A.J.) MACADAM (Born: August 20, 1920) A.J. was born the forth of twelve children at the family home in Morell. After finishing high school in Morell he went on to St. Dunstan's College in Charlottetown. He excelled on the sports field, and he achieved a 'Golden D' as a varsity athlete. This award recognized his superior ability in the sports of: Rugby, Basketball, Hockey, and Track and Field. He would later be inducted into the Island Sport's Hall of Fame as the only athlete ever to achieve this distinction at St. Dunstan's. The sports field at U.P.E.I. and a division of the maritime university hockey league are named in his honour. He graduated from St. Dunstan's with a degree in Arts and Sciences. He eventually completed a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Ottawa. His teaching career began at Loyola college in Montreal for one year. He then returned to St. Dunstan's where he taught Physics. He became the Athletic Director for the University and coached a variety of teams. A few of these teams won maritime championships. To supplement his income, he became involved with the University Naval Training Division for cadets. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He met Ethel Kelly while she was working at C.F.C.Y., Charlottetown's radio station. They were married at the Charlottetown Basilica in 1952. Their marriage was officiated by their good friend Father Landrican and by Ethel's brother, Father Jim Kelly. Their honeymoon was a four day trip to Moncton. After one year they had their first child, Gerry, who was born in Halifax. They would eventually go on to have nine children. A.J.'s life was very busy as he coached many evenings in addition to his work in the Navy Reserves. A.J. and Ethel lived in student housing for the first year of their marriage. A.J., his dad, and John Joe Perry began building the family's home on land adjacent to the University. The house was completed in stages as money and time to work on the house became available. While growing up, A.J.'s kids frequently went to the university to watch football, hockey, and basketball games and practices. Sometimes, A.J. would bring one or two kids into the team dressing rooms. During the winter months A.J. organized skating for the children of the faculty. Each child would develop an interest in sports, whether as athletes, coaches, or players and these interests would continue to guide their recreation time as adults. A.J. tried to save money so that he could take Ethel for a well-deserved trip. Once a year he would take the kids on a camping trip to St. Peter's. This must have been an ambitious activity with so many kids in one tent. Mom stayed home, probably with the newest baby. A.J. loved spending time with his parents, brothers and sisters. He made it a point to take the family to Morell each Sunday. The kids would make their way to each of the uncles, aunts, and cousins for a day of laughter and fun. This tradition would continue for many years after A.J. passed away. The family in Morell would continue to support Ethel and the children in countless ways in the years to come. A.J. and Ethel created a home environment where each member of the family would go on to complete one or more post-secondary degrees. Like their dad, some would travel extensively, some in search of work, others for adventure. Six of his children followed in his steps to become teachers. A.J. was well respected in the community and this reverence was reflected on Ethel and their children who were supported in many ways throughout their years in school and university by A.J.'s colleagues, his family and his friends. Each child can recount many instances where people have stopped them in order to share a story or sentiment of A.J. and the positive effect that he had on them. |