Oregon Media Insiders

I had the pleasure of working with Ada up until I left KXL recently . . . she was a total class act . . . great at her job, friendly, upbeat . . . She knew the business inside and out and always looked for a win-win situation . . . Ada's a real gem . . .

Tim McNamara delivered the eulogy with tremendous compassion. It was unbelievable and a wonderful tribute to a great soul.

I first met Ada May almost 20 years ago when I was new to Portland's advertising and marketing community. Mr. Zanger is correct--she seemed always to have a smile, along with enough positive energy to fill the room and spill out onto the street for the benefit of fortunate passersby. I'll never forget her.

I still can't believe that she is gone and we all don't know why. When I would go to Portland she was one of the reasons why I would be there in the first place. She was always trying to get me over there and if I didn't have the funds to do so she would always say "don't worry about it I'll give you money when you get here". She always did have a smile on her face that was unless she was yelling at the boys to pick up there things at the house ;) It's going to be so different without her in Portland when I go visit. I'm just glad that she had such good friends that were around her to keep her going besides her boys that would always keep her on her toes.
Her boss' eulogy was priceless. Words can't describe.

*If you don't know I'm Ada May's niece "little" Ada whom I was named after and am very greatful that I was. Thanks to everyone who attended her services it shows those boys how many peoples lives that she touched.

I Love You Auntie Ada

I just got back from vacation to see the post about Ada -- what a shame. I worked with her briefly at KXL and liked her so much -- her enthusiasm and smile I will always remember. I remember we did have an disagreement over the merits of the whole whale hunting issue...but it was interesting to learn a first hand account of what blubber tastes like!

She will be missed -- a real professional in every sense of the word.

kc cowan

I knew her as Ada Smith. She was only a teen and I was a couple years older. She loved cruising the town, sitting next to me in my 1967 Mustang. As I have read in other blogs, it was true she was always happy with a smile on her face and full of energy. What great memories I have of her. What a terrific person. And what beauty she had even back then. Than you god for my short time knowing her. I wish now I had kept in touch throughout the years. My thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends. I love you Ada. Mark Curry

Here is a poem that was written by one of Ada's co-workers and friend that Tim receited during his eulogy.
Ada May McCormack
I’m 15 minutes late she says when rushing for the door
It’s Tuesday morning sales meeting, I wonder what’s in store
Her cell phone always hot from use her smile perma-grin
To miss a day of working out to Ada is a sin
Don’t ask about my age she says as young men watch her glide
Her age about the only thing that Ada May does hide
A football game, another run down Hood’s majestic peaks
A brand new suit a pair of shoes…but only twice a week
It’s tough to have the best damn job that anyone can find
It’s tougher still to do that job and keep a peaceful mind
Yet toughest yet is raising boys and keeping them in line
But Ada May she loves both jobs and does them all the time
We share a fear within these walls that on a sunny day
Sunshine could strike her crystal plaques and blow us all away
Damn summer just will not arrive and rain just won’t relent
Yet Ada says her time on skis…the best she’s ever spent
The color of her hair I’d have to say that I don’t know
For style to her was born innate her life’s a fashion show
I glanced at time last Tuesday morning waiting for “Miss Late”
She’ll burst in speaking fast and loud at an alarming rate
Quarter past the hour came without Miss Late’s arrival
I would have thought a Starbucks run, not fighting for survival
In a flash it’s Thursday now and Tim requests the staff
I bet he wants to let us know “The Game” is kicking ass
We come together like the group that only we can be
And look to him to hear his words…our futures tied you see
I watched the coolest man I know return to childhood
Tears welled up…the mark they left, confusion only could
Ada May is sick he says it’s happened very fast
The doctors made me understand that Ada might not last
The day wore on and after close our families got us back
And as the day turned into night the sky turned gray to black
I must have checked my e-mail nearly half a million times
The hours rolled but as I checked I never got the lines
Cell phones have the loudest ring when you don’t want any calls
When mine went off my hair stood up, I felt like climbing walls
It’s Ash I see when glancing down upon the small display
I know at once I will not like what he has called to say
The only peace I found last night was in my wife’s soft arms
It’s late I thought and I don’t think that I’ll set my alarm
Somehow I drifted off to sleep but when I woke to rise
June has finally found this place, but Ada May has died