It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Anthony (Tony) Wade on Sunday, September 13, 2015. Tony is survived by his loving wife, Joanna; his son, Alexander, daughter in law, Jacqui and grandchildren, Leopold and Winona of Sydney, Australia; his step-son, Kingsley Longman and daughter in law, Lyndsey and three grandchildren: Jack, Ruby and Matilda of Wodonga, Australia and sister, Penny Sargent and husband, John of the United Kingdom.
Tony was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1947 to John and Isabel Wade and spent the first seven years in Belfast. He and Penny moved to Newcastle to live with their paternal grandparents. Eventually his academic and professional life led him to Australia in 1972. Once there, he established himself as an accountant and worked for the Ford Motor Company. In 1975, he moved from Ford to help create a new government agency called the Trade Union Training Authority in Melbourne and Wodonga. This new organization that was built from the ground up, served to fund statutory authority providing education and training programs for union officials. However, Tony’s most significant and defining career was that of Director of Programme, Budget and Evaluation for the Food and Agricultural Organization with the United Nations in Rome, Italy starting in 1981. He was an extremely gifted leader, blessed with remarkable organizational, administrative and negotiation skills. During his 25 years at the UN, he was the architect of budgetary systems, policies and procedures and information technology systems that laid down the foundation for effective departmental functioning for years to come. Tony earned the respect and admiration of everyone with whom he came into contact – his extreme intelligence, coupled with his acute sense of humour, was an unbeatable combination. It was in Rome that he met and married the love of his life, Joanna and along with their three Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, had 31 years of happiness.
In 2003, Tony was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, a condition that despite heroic efforts by many, many medical professionals, experts and scientists, he was unable to overcome. He and Joanna relocated to Canada in 2006 and over the last 10 years, Tony challenged the disease and the medical profession with his detailed research and investigations. Every treatment, medication and therapy was pursued with his characteristic intelligence and vigor. He and Joanna were bold and courageous beyond measure and true to form and he died with his elegant mind and dignity intact.
His family wish to extend heartfelt thanks to Tony’s devoted caregivers who lovingly tended to him over many years: Denise, Stephanie, Kym, Nikita, Amber, Annie, Tina and Dale – each and every one became part of his family as he battled the disease. By all who knew him, Tony will continue to be loved and remembered for the remarkable man he was.
A viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at McCall’s Downtown, Johnson & Vancouver Streets. A service will be held on Thursday, September 17 at 11:00 a.m. in McCall’s Floral Chapel. Following the service and thanks to Jo and Peter Zambri, family and friends are invited to a reception at Zambri’s Restaurant: 820 Yates Street corner of Blanshard Ave. Donations in Tony’s memory would be appreciated to the Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Centre, Suite 202 – 1640 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria, B.C. V8R 1B2, Telephone: (250) 475-6677. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
110 Responses
Joanna, i am sorry to read this per chance. You were the one who helped me find our apartment in via tomasso da celano. Tony was a lovely man, indeed. Sincere condolences to you and your family.
Joanna
Dear Joanna,
Thank you for letting me know about Tony. I remember him as being a very kind and gentle person and am sorry that such a person is no longer in this world. I am sorry too that the last years of his life were so compromised by his illness. Isn’t it incomprehensible and seemingly unfair how life can go? Though one who had you as a wife certainly had something very positive going on in his life. Several other friends my age have lost their husband to terrible diseases. On the other hand, I have a friend here who is in his late seventies. He is an ex-journalist and an illustrator and has recently published a book of scenes a Rome seen from its roofs and balconies and is now working on a new book. When I visit him I think how wonderful it must be to live like that and hope that when I am his age I will be that active and happy.
How are you doing now? When Tony died I am sure that you were surrounded by help and support, but as time moves on life returns to what passes for normal, except there is a big hole in it. And a feeling of relief that he can’t get any worse and is no longer suffering, mixed with loneliness. What are your plans for now? Will you remain in that area? When you have a moment do let me hear from you. All the best to you for finding serenity and some measure of happiness as your very changed life goes on.
Sincere affection,
David
Cara Giovanna,
ho appreso della morte di Tony solo oggi.
Vogliamo offrirti le nostre piu’ sentite condoglianze.
Mi recordero’ sempre la simpatia di Tony ed il suo bel sorriso.
Sei nelle nostre preghiere
Giovanna e Domenico
Ti ricordi di noi? ci ha presentato il simpaticone di Franco che anche lui ci ha lasciato l’anno scorso…
chiamami 250-474-5416
I have only just heard the news of Tony passing away after a long and courageous struggle. I have fond memories of you both during my years at FAO and especially of Tony who was always calm in a crisis (and there were many) but had a smile and a good word to say to everybody at all times. Please accept my condolences, Joana, at this sad time.
Marie
Dear Joanna,
Words cannot express my sadness over Tony’s passing. I think we would all hope for a good death and it sounds like Tony’s was peaceful with you beside him as he left this world. I have always admired the two of you together, you both had a sense of deep love and laughter together. I know that Tony’s lovely spirit will always be with you.
My thoughts are with you, Recel
Dear Joanna,
I was so sorry to hear about Tony’s passing. I only worked for him for a short time, but found him to be a lovely man, intelligent and a real gentleman. A rare breed, especially these days!
Thinking of you at this difficult time and sending you deepest sympathy.
Sincere condoleances,
Gillian
(Trisha’s Scottish heathen friend)
Dear Joanna,
Hearing Tony passed away prematurely saddened me — my deepest condolences to you and the family.
Tony was a remarkable man, very intelligent, a mix of strength and gentleness. I remember his expressive blue eyes and wit. You complemented each other and I’m so sorry these latter years brought such suffering to you both.
Just as you took loving care of him in this life, I am sure that he will oversee and protect you from aldilà.
A big hug. Joanna
Al Di La (1961 song written by Italian composer Carlo Donida and lyrics Mogol)
Non credevo possibile,
Se potessero dire queste parole:
Al di lá del bene più prezioso, ci sei tu.
Al di lá del sogno più ambizioso, ci sei tu.
Al di lá delle cose più belle.
Al di lá delle stelle, ci sei tu.
Al di lá, ci sei tu per me, per me, soltanto per me.
Al di lá del mare più profondo, ci sei tu.
Al di lá de i limiti del mondo, ci sei tu.
Al di lá della volta infinita, al di la della vita.
Ci sei tu, al di la, ci sei tu per me.
Dear Joanna,
Dhan and I are extremely saddened to hear of Tony’s passing, and your loss of the love of your life.
We remember with fondest memories that we became acquainted within days of our arrival in Rome in 1983.
Tony lived a rich and full life combined with great generosity and integrity.
We grieve and pray with you .
Bridge.
It was with great sadness that we received word of Tony’s passing.
What an accomplished life Tony lived. Filled with notable professional accomplishments, an abundance of family and a long and noteworthy list of friends who regarded him as a gentleman and quick witted fellow. It was always a pleasure to share in Tony’s company and I will fondly remember the many occasions we had the pleasure of celebrating side by side as the only two/three “Irishmen” in the midst of all those Italians!
May each passing thought you have of Tony bring a wave of peace to you; knowing that the life you devoted to each other was good and true and limitless. No time will remove the ache and void that will now occupy a place in your heart; however, with time I will pray that the ache will ease to a bearable tremble and the void will be nourished by the lifetime of wonderful memories you made together.
In all of our sadness, our sincerest condolences on the loss of your love,
Vivienne, Joe, Kristen and Justin
Dear Joanna,
I am so so sorry to hear the sad news. I know you will miss him greatly and I hope you have people around you who will support and love you and give you big hugs when you need them.
Tony was a wonderful person and loved and respected by so many people – I am glad I had the chance to meet him and glad too that you were there with him through all the good and less good times.
A big hug and if ever you feel like coming to Rome please do let me know – maybe you Barbie and Adri could plan a trip together.
Lots of love
Lucinda xxxxxxx