Gary Arthur Wade, 76 years old, of Loveland, Colorado passed away very peacefully on 3/15/22 at his home. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Diana Pendleton Wade; his beautiful daughter, Jennifer Lynn Rose and her terrific husband Michael of Longmont, Colorado; and two incredible granddaughters, Abigail Elise Rose of Des Moines, Iowa, and Sarah Elizabeth Rose of Longmont, Colorado.
Gary was born in Peoria, Illinois to William David Wade and June A. McDaniel who pre-deceased him by a number of years. He had one brother, Bill. Gary received a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois, and a Master of Education from Prairie View A & M University of Texas. He served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1975, spending two years of active duty working with soldiers injured in the Viet Nam War at Fitzsimons General Hospital in Denver, Colorado. He was honorably discharged, having attained the rank of Captain. In 2001, after 30 years of service as an Occupational Therapist and faculty member at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, Gary retired, and he and Diana moved to Loveland, Colorado to be near their daughter and her family.
Gary was a talented photographer, avid lover of music of all genres, and a life-long reader. He was a strong, wise, loyal and honorable man. His 60-year love affair with his wife Diana and the intense pride he had for his daughter and granddaughters were the hallmarks of his life.
The family will privately celebrate Gary, each wearing one of his trademark headbands, as they place his ashes in the columbarium while listening to “If I Should Fall Behind” by Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band. They ask that you raise a glass of good red wine, or drink a robust cup of hazelnut coffee in Gary’s honor.
Memorials may be made to either:
University of Illinois Foundation –
UIC Barbara Loomis Scholarship in OT Fund 770340
PO Box 734500
Chicago, IL 60673-4500
Art Center of Estes Park
517 Big Thompson Ave, Unit 245
Estes Park, CO 80517
