Bryan WADE

WADE, Bryan Al from "Underground" (1975) a play by Bryan Wade: "Words mean so many things to so many people … I do believe in what I'm doing now… That's all I know. This is all I can believe in. My voice. My words." Born in Sarnia, Ontario, in 1950, Bryan Wade, husband, father, friend, educator, mentor, coach, volunteer, supporter of the arts, and accomplished Canadian playwright and dramatist, passed away on February 3, 2022 due to an unexpected and brief battle with coronary artery disease. For the man of words that he was, the words here seem too little and insignificant to the rich life of words he really lived. Bryan grew up primarily in Esquimalt and had his first play produced in Toronto before even finishing his time at U.Vic. Degree completed, he moved to Toronto, living there for 12 years, where he was productive and successful as a dramatist writing for theatre, television and radio. He did his MFA at UCLA in film, and eventually settled at UBC teaching in the now, School of Creative Writing. For over 30 years, he mentored many to professional writing careers and founded the Brave New Play Rites Festival where his students could see their plays in production - an invaluable experience allowing students to take the playwriting process beyond the page. He lived what he loved, and loved what he did. Tsawwassen was home for him, his wife and two children for over 30 years as well, where he played the role of 'Coach Bryan', volunteered for youth sports programs in a variety of ways over the years, and was competitive in the local Tomato Contest. Many will mourn the loss of our beloved Bryan and his creative and caring voice in theatre, at UBC, and at home in our own community. Heartbroken by his sudden passing, his wife, Johane, sons Harrison and Duncan, sister, Debbie, and a collection of brother and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews and many good friends from home, across the country, and abroad. We will miss his time with us, his laugh, his stories, keeping an eye on his counting at cribbage, his homemade chocolate chip cookies, and his words - his wise, sometimes wild, wonderful words. Some of us will feel the curtain came down too early, but the play was so good, we just didn't want it to end. Online condolences can be made at deltafuneral.ca Delta Funeral Home 604.946.6040