Wade died peacefully on April 12, 2024, in Victoria BC, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Ivy, son Dan (Alicia), daughter Heather (Eirik), brother Gary (Lynda), and sister Cheryl (Mel). He was predeceased by his parents, Harvey and Velma, and sister Trudy (Gord).
Wade was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan. From a young age, Wade had a talent for fixing things and enjoyed working on engines (large and small). In the early days of their marriage, Wade and Ivy travelled often so Wade could participate in go-kart, snowmobile, and motorcycle races. Wade started working with Roll-O-Flex in 1970, and then accepted a position in prosthetics at Wascana Hospital in 1973. The family settled in Lumsden shortly after.
In 1985, the family moved to Victoria, where Wade eventually purchased his dream home and property. Wade enjoyed watching Dan play hockey and Heather play softball. He spent time at Western Speedway where he sponsored sprint car drivers, and attended Victoria Cougars hockey games to cheer on the players billeted by the family.
Wade opened his own Prosthetic Clinic in 1986, and the whole family pitched in over the years: Ivy managed the office, Dan worked as a technician, and Heather provided janitorial services. Wade loved helping others and greatly enjoyed interacting with his patients. It was difficult to convince him to retire, but he finally decided he was ready in 2014, at age 68. Wade donated his prosthetic equipment and supplies to the Compassionate Resource Warehouse, and the items were shipped overseas to deliver prosthetic services to those in need.
In his retirement, Wade enjoyed puttering around the yard on his mini-excavator, working on his project vehicles in the garage, travelling with Ivy, visiting Dan and Alicia in Nova Scotia, and spending time with his cats.
Wade was a kind man who loved to make people laugh, and he often shared stories about the many adventures he had throughout his life. The family is grateful for these memories.
Thank you to all of the medical professionals who were involved in Wade’s care. A special thank you to Dr. David Woodley for his kindness, compassion, and support for Wade over the years.
No service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Parkinson Wellness Projects (PWP) or an animal welfare organization.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Lisa Macquisten
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Patrick Connor The staff and particularly myself at Victoria Coal & Heating will miss Wade’s kindness and friendship during the many years of servicing his heating oil needs. Myself as the heating oil delivery driver, Wade would always take the time to say hi and have a brief chat, so I continuously no matter how busy I was, made the time hear is many stories about his racing days and our fondness for Jeeps! When the holiday season rolled around Wade always graciously give me a “tip” saying, “this is for a coffee”…lol. Thank you Wade, with heavenly wishes from all of us at Victoria Coal & Heating.
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Tom Templeton Ivy, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear Wade. He and I had a special connection right from the start when I was lucky to have worked with Wade at Roll-O-Flex. The four of us, you, Wade, Sherilyn and I had many good times and many, many laughs hanging out together. I introduced him to the game of hockey and like all his endeavours he embraced it,loved it and tried to perfect his skills. He will be missed by all that knew him
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Geoffrey Hall I will miss Wade’s friendship and gentle presence and I wish Ivy and family my most sincere condolences as they adjust to life without him. Wade and I shared much time together both in our profession as Certified Prosthetists, and in social occasions with friends and family. Some of my memories of Wade include his skill in close-up magic, to entertain friends and family, and how he also earned his private pilot’s licence and chocked up many hours in the air flying his small airplane.
I had the honour of having Wade in our classes at PWP. He was such a gentle, kind man. We had exercise stations and if he didn’t like one of them he just sauntered up with a smile and shook his head to say ‘not gonna do that’. But then he would chat during the whole duration about his evil knievel days – he was really there more for the social aspect, but humoured us occasionally by doing the task at hand. He was always personable and asked about our personal lives. I am sorry for you loss, he was one of the good ones!