Richard (Dick) Adam Sr., who grew vegetables in California's Santa Maria Valley for more than 50 years, died at his home Thursday, Oct. 23. He was 84.

The fourth-generation grower farmed with his brother Jack until 1994, when he and his sons struck out on their own. At Adam Bros. Family Farms, the fifth generation continues to grow broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, celery, Romaine, red leaf and green leaf.

Mr. Adam acquired two patents and invented many aides and process improvements to make farm work easier for those working the fields for him and others producing and harvesting the same crops. He also served his community on the Santa Maria Valley Water Conservation District board and was a member of numerous agricultural and civic organizations. He was instrumental in the adjudication of the Santa Maria Groundwater Basin, ensuring that his grandchildren and future generations would have water to farm with.

Mr. Adam was born Aug. 14, 1930 in Berkley, CA, to John and Hester Adam. He was a great-grandson of William Laird Adam, one of the founders of Santa Maria.

Mr. Adam attended the University of California-Davis and University of California-Berkley, where he graduated with a degree in agricultural economics. He also served in the Air Force before returning to Santa Maria to farm and raise his family.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Bernadette; sons Peter (Amy), Kerry (Diane), Richard Jr. (Carrick) and Dominic (Hala); and grandchildren Victoria, Joseph, Olivia, Mattie, Meryl, Audrey, Kate, Henry, Jacob, Austin and Luke. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jack and his grandson, Carl Peter.

A Mass will be held Oct. 28 at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church in Orcutt, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Wounded Warriors Project in his name.