Growing up Wade was a force to be reckoned with. His intelligence, charming personality, and affectionate nature helped get him through many of life’s challenges. He was a star player in sports and skateboarded with a passion, but basketball was his favorite and continued to play throughout his life. He didn’t like anyone telling him what to do or how to do it-just ask his coaches :) When HE was ready he taught himself how to ride a bike and swim and each only took him one day!

He was also a talented artist, drawing mostly elaborate fantasy characters and later he used that talent to design websites. After Madeline’s passing he had to give up his career as a location manager since he could no longer travel extensively when he became a single father to Mateo and Nico. He was also a dedicated and loving step father to Madeline’s daughter Ernestine. He worked on several movies and had interesting stories to tell. Nicest actor? Charlize Theron. Biggest creep? Shia La Beouf.

 When he finally got to meet his daughter Shaylee from a previous relationship he was over the moon. Even though she was already a teenager he told me they bonded quickly and he constantly bragged about her accomplishments. It’s unfortunate they only had a few years together.

 My favorite memory of him was when he was 6.  I threw a huge party and was dreading the awful mess I knew was waiting for me in the morning to clean up. What a surprise when I discovered he had already cleaned it up and did an excellent job! He also gave me great neck massages and never spoke harshly to me or cussed, even in the heat of an argument.

 His younger half siblings Jordan, Indigo, Ariel, Austin, and Nicolle hopefully have fond memories and will share some for you here.

Until we meet again Wade

Love Mom

Wade was my first born child. As a baby he couldn't get enough of life. When he was put to bed in his crib he would fight sleep and try to keep his eyes open so he could enjoy more of his day. He loved life and he was loved by his parents.

Wade did not like the name he was given and he made several changes through the years. He went by his nick name Spike when he was very young and when he was in preschool he decided that he prefered the name Storm Shadow :) I dropped him off at school one day and said "good bye Storm Shadow" to him in front of his friends. HIs face lit up like the sun with a smile from ear to ear. When Wade started a new school after a move to Milwaukee he chose the name Brad and everyone at school knew him by that name. By the time Wade was in high school he was ok with just being Wade. He finally liked being himself and he began to blaze his own path through life.

Wade set his own course, he did not follow the crowd he went his own way. Wade's best attributes were that he had a kind heart and he was a loving person. He was loved by his friends and his family. When he started a family of his own he loved his wife Madeline and two sons very much. When Madeline passed away his sons became his entire life and he was devoted to them. He loved them and they will love him forever. Wade also had a daughter who he did not meet until a few years ago, Shaylee. Shaylee is a beautiful wonderful girl and Wade also loved her very much. Wade's second wife, Shaylee's mother Jennifer, was also a loving wife and caring step mother to the boys. 

Wade was looking forward to a new, more prosperous, life in Colorado with his sons and partner Alma. He was in the final stages of making the move when his life abruptly ended on the evening of July 4th, my birthday.

Wade is in a new life now and I hope he is happy and at peace. I will love you forever my son.