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
Joanne I’m so sorry to hear the very sad news about Tony. My deepest sympathy to you and family. Corina
Dear Joanna,
So, so sad to learn of Tony’s passing.
Our most deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Adriana and Jean.
Dear Joanna
So very sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. May every cherished memory of your precious time together bring you comfort during this time of sorrow and the days ahead.
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Joe, Sally Baldesarra
Chiara Altobello
Caledon, Ontario, Canada
My deepest sympathy Joanna to you and family. He was one of the finest guys around. Tony will always be remembered.
Janice and Mario
Dear Joanna,
I am sorry. Your grief is shared by many who Tony has touched through his gifted personality. Watching Tony working and presenting his work throughout my time in FAO Rome has been a coaching for me both professionally and personally… and I assure you I am not alone.
The last I heard from Tony was a light-hearted complaint on how disappointed in Victoria’s weather, for which I apologized whole heartily having been one of those recommending Victoria as your retirement destination.
I am sure with you and his loved ones by his side nothing would have been more peaceful and gratifying during his last days. Please accept my sincerest condolences. You are in the thoughts of many who were touched by Tony.
Nabil
My dear Joanna,
Tony put up an almighty battle that would not have been possible without your unstinting, generous and loving support.
I had hoped that the battle might have taken place in Australia, in fact, in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales (Bowral, perhaps?) but it was not not be. You both made the sensible decision to take the best medical practice available for Tony’s condition – in Canada – and while I lamented the loss of our friends to Canada ( you too Joanna!) nevertheless I understood. Furthermore I appreciate the devoted attention Tony received from the Canadian medical practitioners.
I have missed you both. Tony was a great guy and I have only happy memories of my association and friendship with him.
You may recall our voyage together on Sydney Harbour in the Tawarri. What a great day!
More importantly – for me – was your hosting of a visit by us in Italy when you extended enormous hospitality to me, my friends (Derk and Kevin) and to Jillian, Sally and Jono. A lunch never to be forgotten and a culinary experience never to be matched! It enabled me to have some very meaningful discussions with Sally (my daughter) that has ensured a renewed and lasting relationship. I truly appreciated the contribution you and Tony made to this which has probably remained unknown to you both. Sally and Jono have married and I am now the proud grandfather of Harry.
Joanna you have some great friends In Australia and I hope you may see your way forward to come and visit us soon.
I will never forget Tony and I will continue to cherish my memories of him.
Thank you for looking after him so well.
Michael Johnston
Dear Joanna – I was so sad to hear of Tony’s passing. He was such a talented person and a pleasure to be acquainted with. My heart goes out to you at this time of grief. Blanche
Dear Joanna, heartfelt condolences & you are in my thoughts. Tony’s & your spirit & courage throughout such difficult times has been astounding & an admiral example for us all.
Nous sommes désolés d’apprendre la disparition prématurée de Tony. Je conserve de lui le souvenir d’un collègue aussi gentil que compétent. Nous vous prions d’accepter nos sincères condoléances
Michel Savini
Dear Joanna, so sorry to hear of your sad news, our thoughts and prayers are with you, Martin and Angela, Folkestone, England