Adam Pulling

Some people live long lives scattered with accomplishments here and there. Others, like Adam Pulling, are granted a short time on earth, but are able to fill every day of the their lives with positive energy, life and love. He had a great outlook on life and tried hard to always do the right thing in the everyday trials of living. Adam never asked “Why me?” He was content to live in the moment, appreciating the family and friends that brought his life incredible joy.

The year was 1984 and America was in the midst of the Reagan years. Pac Man busily munched the quarters of teenagers everywhere while Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” blasted from the radio. The Soviets were still our archenemies and defense spending was at an all time high. Amidst all of these events, Michael and Carmela (Barton) Pulling of Kalamazoo, Michigan, were anxiously awaiting the birth of their first of four children. On November 21, 1984, their son Adam made his arrival, weighing in at 8 lbs. 4 oz. With red hair and blue eyes, he was a perfect angel. As the first grandchild and nephew on both sides of the family, little Adam seemed to be blessed from the moment he was welcomed home on Thanksgiving Day.

It was obvious from a young age that Adam was destined to make his mark in the hearts of his cherished family and friends. A happy child, he bounded through life with an unending energy and positive spirit. From an early age, Adam had an innate sense of right from wrong and always chose to do the right thing. For instance, in the 5th grade, he turned in a classmate for having cigarettes, and when confronted by the student of why he did it, Adam earnestly told him it was because he cared. As a strong advocate for the underdog, he was nicknamed the “Big Papa Pulling” in high school while his fellow classmates often sought out his astute advice and guidance. His thoughts were for the betterment of others.

Adam went all through school in Kalamazoo, attending St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School and graduating from Hackett Catholic Central High School in 2003. One of the greatest passions in Adam’s life was for scouting. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and he spent many summers working at Camp Rota-Kiwan as a counselor to instill in other young boys, including his younger brothers Justin & Jarod, the merit of scouting. Recently his brother Justin received the rank of Eagle Scout, to whom Adam was a mentor.

Starting at the age of six, Adam played soccer for the local AYSO and later became a referee when he was eleven. Adam knew the game and rules well, and as a referee, always gave positive encouragement to the players no matter if they won or lost. He was also not afraid to reprimand an overly aggressive parent who put to much emphasis on the game and not the fun. Just recently, the National Board of Directors of the AYSO honored Adam for his dedicated work with the young soccer referees while the local Kalamazoo AYSO established the Adam Pulling AYSO Referee Recognition Award in his honor.

Although mature for his age, Adam also bore the mark of a typical teenager. He loved eating, listening to music, particularly the Eagles, while his car and cell phone were his most prized possessions. Of course, his friends were equally as important in his life. When Adam got sicker, his friends would come by to lift his spirits and take his mind off of things by playing poker (Texas Hold'em). A doting big brother, Adam was an excellent role model and protector of his younger brothers and little sister, who affectionately called him “Bubby.” He sweetly gave Meghann flowers every year for her birthday, which always brought a smile to her face. One of the greatest goals in any teenager’s life, including Adam's, was entering the rite of passage into adulthood, by moving out of his parents’ house and living independently.

Selfless and giving, Adam sought no fanfare, no praise or admiration for the ways in which he served others. He simply had an unending drive within his heart to help others and did this through his volunteerism. His enthusiasm in this work will live on through the “Adam Pulling Memorial Scholarship” at Hackett Catholic Central High School, which will be awarded to students who serve others through volunteer work and scouting.

In his sophomore year in high school, Adam’s life took a tragic turn. What started out as a football injury that wouldn’t heal, it was discovered that he had osteosarcoma, a childhood bone cancer. Despite this setback, Adam did not give up on life, and instead began to pursue his selfless works with even more fervor. In fact, from his hospital bed, he spent countless hours working on his Eagle Scout project and was determined to fulfill his life’s work. Adam’s dedication to life and ardor for living was a great inspiration to his many doctors and nurses that cared for him throughout his illness. Not long ago, he was quoted as saying, “You can’t give up. Right now, they are measuring my life in weeks; I don’t care. I’m not going to give up until the last breath.”

Through a lifetime of accomplishments, Adam’s parents were always very proud of him. They took great pride in the way he positively affected people’s lives and the way he treated everyone with respect. Adam held himself up to a high standard, and because of his zestful pursuance of life, he made a difference in this world. His dedication, his accomplishments and his convictions will live on in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His life and his work are an inspiration to all.

Adam Pulling of Kalamazoo, MI, died peacefully at his parent’s home on Monday, November 8, 2004, surrounded by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harry and Marjorie Barton. Adam’s family includes his parents, Michael and Carmela Pulling; two brothers: Justin and Jarod Pulling, and his sister Meghann Pulling; along with Carl (Cheri) Barton; Gloria (Rich) Beery and their children Brandon, Aaron and Jordon; Tom (Sheila) Barton and their son Harry; Sarah (Keith) Stone and their children Andrew and Matthew; David Pulling, Ted Pulling and his children; his grandparents, Ben (Sue) Pulling, his best friend, Dan Ballock; along with numerous other friends.

To learn more about Adam’s life, friends may visit with his family on Wednesday, November 10, from 3-8 p.m. at the RDMG Life Story Funeral Home - Portage. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 11, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church. Please visit Adam’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to the Adam Pulling Memorial Fund at Hackett Catholic Central High School.