Adam Donathan was a lifelong resident of Wilmington, lover of the waters that surround us and spent his life on the Intracoastal Waterway as a commercial fisherman. The only thing he loved more than being out on the water was being a father to his two boys Cole and Reece. Cole started his freshman year, turning 15 on the day his father passed, September 16th. Reece started third grade this year. It will be a void for both of them that can never be filled. This account is set up for them.

 

Adam cared for others and was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was a wonderful son, brother, father, athlete and friend. He never complained about his battle with Type I Diabetes that took its toll on his body. Despite his nearly lifelong dealing with diabetes and preference to work on his own, Adam was also a talented athlete. He was an amazing soccer player and shining member of Varsity Soccer for JT Hoggard High School and the  ‘79 Hammers travel team.  He checked on his friends during difficult  times, worked hard because of his passion for the waterways and made sure he offered his time to his boys- sports, camping, skateboarding, water sports and knowing they were loved. Like all of us, the thought of being gone after just 42 years on this earth was unfathomable.

 

On August 27th, EMS was called because he was having trouble breathing. He was diagnosed with pneumonia. They removed 1.2 liters of fluid from his chest and upon further examination of the fluid found infection and cancer cells. The cancer had taken over his left lung and it had collapsed. He was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. Within 2 1/3 weeks his battle was over.

 

Adam will be missed by so many. There will never be another oyster season that we don’t mourn the loss of this phenomenal fisherman. Our memories of him will be at every oyster bed sighting, roast and every time we look out at the ICW.