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Gary Douglas Wade

Gary Wade Obituary

WADE, Gary Douglas, age 48, of Richmond, passed away on September 10, 2007, while hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains. A native of London, England, he lived in Richmond for 17 years and was greatly loved by all. He was continually involved in area activities as an avid soccer player, actor in local theatre and in the art and music community. He achieved the ultimate success in life by bringing fun, laughter and love to a throng of friends in the U.S., the U.K. and Australia. He lived life to the fullest. He was predeceased by his father, Douglas Wade. He is survived by his beloved mother, Muriel Wade; a brother, Brian Wade and his wife, Beccy; nephew, Daniel Wade; and niece, Sarah Wade, all of England, as well as a nephew, David Wade and his wife, Nicky of Australia. He also leaves behind a multitude of friends far too many to list. He will be forever missed by all, and he will remain eternally in their hearts. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, September 23 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Artworks, 320 Hull St., Richmond, Va. Condolences may be sent to his family in care of [email protected]

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Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Sep. 16, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Wade

27 Entries

John Yarbrough

September 26, 2007

I came to know Gary through two of his friends. First, I met him at their wedding reception. The second time, and sadly the last time, was about a year later (August 2007) while helping take down tents and bring in other items used for the Byrd House Farmer's Market. Though it was just a short time to know him, it was a pleasure to be acquainted with Gary. After viewing the previous entries in this guest book, it has become apparent to me that he has been influential to many people on both sides of the pond.

To all surviving family, friends, and former colleagues: All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Granville Scott

September 23, 2007

"In the firmament of Theatre, there are stars, and lesser luminaries, nothing else."
---Sarah Bernhardt

Gary, you were a star.

Gary had that rare talent for performances that always put his role first, and his ego second. I directed Gary in his performance as Sherlock Holmes for OTARP's production of "The Adventure of the Tolling Bell." His Holmes was brilliant, and the recording I have will be treasured always.

Gary also played the alien Starship Commander Kaanzii (yes, a very British alien!) in a radio play I wrote for the While Reason Sleeps series. That play, alas, was never released, but I will always remember Gary's line:

"Dreadlocks….interesting….tell me, Lieutenant, do you think I could get my hair to do that?."

Working with Gary was always a pleasure. I will miss him greatly.

John Reinhold

September 21, 2007

Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can say: all of them make me laugh.
-W. H. Auden

I was proud to say I worked with Gary Wade on a few projects at Lions Den Studio. And we all here loved his enthusiam and jovial humor. He had a way of making imidate friends with people, and bringing a special humor into every situation. He will be missed greatly.

Rest in Peace my Friend.

John Reinhold

Nicole Wade

September 19, 2007

Gary, you will be so missed. As part of your family I only spent a short time in your presence however, you had a massive impact. A man that never did anything by half, you showed a true commitment to living every minute. Any place you had been was left full of love, joy and enthusiasm. What an amazing gift you were to the world. A very very sad loss to our family and friends. I will always hold happy memories of you.

Carson Grebas

September 19, 2007

It still hasn't sunken in what really happened. You were kind of like a second father to me. I've known you my whole life, and will continuously remember everything you have done. I will miss you and hope to see you again in the future. I do not think that if I hear a british accent from anybody, I will be able to keep from remembering your voice and jokes. You are missed greatly, and were loved by all.

I miss you..

Michael Shapiro

September 19, 2007

I worked with Gary on several shows, both at the JCC and at OTARP. He was a warm and caring person and I miss him greatly. Rest in peace, Gary.

Jim Barbour

September 18, 2007

I've been searching for words for days, since I heard of Gary's untimely passing. I have found none that seem to suffice in describing how deeply I will miss him. The depth of our grief is equal to the depth of our love for him. I will treasure his smile, laughter, and unflinching friendship for the rest of my days. Cheers, my friend. You will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts.

Michelle Mayo

September 18, 2007

All the clients and staff will miss you greatly at the Greater Richmond Arc.

Darcy Warren

September 18, 2007

Gary gave the Jewish Family Theatre a lot of his spare time when we first started our community theatre. he designed our entire set and spent so many of his free hours on it. He was a favorite actor to many of our audience members and i truly enjoyed getting to know him and workign with him. My thoughts are with his friends and family.

Debra Berry

September 18, 2007

Gary, Gary, Gary. You have popped in and out of our lives for at least a dozen years, and we just always expected more. I cannot help but wonder if on that beautiful September evening as you and I sat on the deck and star gazed, if you had an inkling of what was to come. Perhaps the topic of conversation was coincidence, but as a believer, I am suspect that you knew what was to be. As you had hoped for and as you will see from the other side, you have been loved and adored and will continue to be loved and adored—even though your physical presence is gone from us. We will miss your silly antics, your creativeness, and your smiling face, but the spirit of Gary Wade will continue to live on in each of us that have known you— you cannot ask for more than that! See you on the other side!
Debra & Kenneth Berry Prince George, Virginia

Bob Dutton

September 18, 2007

To the Wade family:
Please know that your loss is our loss as well. Our hearts and prayers go out to you, that the Lord may give you comfort in the deep of night when the pain of Gary's death hurts so bad.

I enjoyed working with Gary in/on On The Air Radio Players productions for the last several years. His comedic timing and brilliant mind generating new ways to create old sound effects will be greatly missed. Alas, we'll never be able to recreate The Goon Show, which we've both delighted in for many, many years.

Blessings,

Stephanie White

September 17, 2007

Gary was an amazing person. He was so hilarious. When I workes on "Fools"with him in 2005 we had a very fun time. I miss Gary so much. May he rest in peace. My dearest condolences are for the family.

Susan and Danny Lindsey

September 17, 2007

Ah, Gaz, you crazy Birt! I enjoyed every minute we spent together -- on the phone or in person. Our dogs were best friends, and then we became quite close. I will miss your cerebral wit, your charm, and warm smile. My deepest sympathy to the Wade family. Please know that Gary was loved by many, many people. He had a way of lighting up a room and getting a party going. Gary was like the brother I never had. I will miss his friendship, immensely. He will always be in our hearts.

annette mcneill and family

September 17, 2007

I only knew Gary through my sister and her husband,and we only met at partys and holidays.But when gary got to the gathering it were as if a bright star had entered the room . He could fill your heart with joy and warmth with every cherrie word.My blessings to all of his family ,he will be sorely missed.

John Cejka

September 17, 2007

I will always remember playing soccer with Gary in the 90's for CASA. Good times were had on the field and off the field, when we celebrated a win (or loss). I raise my glass to heaven for you, Gary. My condolences to the Wade family.

TRACY MCNEIL/GRARC

September 17, 2007

MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY IN THE PASSING OF GARY, WE WORKED TOGETHER FOR MANY YEARS HE WAS ALWAYS PLEASANT AND A SMILE WAS ALWAYS ON HIS FACE. I WILL TRULY MISS HIM.

Carol Knight

September 17, 2007

Gary was truly a great friend and former neighbor. We lived in the same apartment complex for 10 years and you could not have asked for a better friend. He was always willing to help out and go the extra mile. Even tho the flame of his candle is extinguished and he has gone to a higher place, his memories will always burn bright in our hearts.

Mike Sullivan

September 17, 2007

Gary, I'm gonna miss you, brother. Thanks for all the wit, humor, and warmth you brought to life around here. Your performance in Fools on that last Sunday of the run will always bring a smile and laugh. It was brilliant! I'm going to hoist a Guinness in your honor.

Saverio & Tina Morea

September 17, 2007

Our sympathies go out not only to Gary's family and loved one's but to all who have ever had the opportunity to meet him. We only knew Gary a few short year's but he provided us with a lifetime full of great stories to tell! Thank you Gary for so many special memories!

Jim Scott

September 17, 2007

Gary worked with me on my earliest acting ventures, starting in 2005, and was very supportive. I miss him dreadfully.

Elaine Graham

September 17, 2007

When did you ever not see a smile on Gary's face. He loved life and adventure. A challenge was what he lived for. But he gave so much of himself to his community and to his friends. I was blessed to have known him. May his family have closure and peace to know they brought a special person into our lives.

Dolores Poe

September 16, 2007

Gary, you will be truly missed. The years we've known each have been too short. The soccer fields won't be the same. All our love, Dolores and Chris Poe

Gary was always at his best in front of an audience!

September 16, 2007

Barbi and Steve Partlow

September 16, 2007

Gary was a wonderful person and so full of life, love, and laughter. We will all miss his quick wit, crazy humor, and loving spirit. Rest in peace, friend. Our deepest sympathy to the family.

Steve Graham

September 16, 2007

Gary's passing is a dramatic loss to all who had the opportunity to experience the genuine warmth of his friendship. I will personally miss the vibrant passion he brought to the artistic community and the diverse activities he truly loved. The intensity Gary brought to everything he did made the short time I knew him (only a few years) seem deeper and more meaningful than I would have imagined. And that of course, makes his loss, at such a young age, so much greater. I will miss him, and I'm comforted by the knowledge that his indelible mark will live long in the hearts of everyone he touched.

Sue Heckel

September 16, 2007

I am heartsick, even though I had only met Gary a few times through friends. He made everyone around him smile, each time I saw him. I truly feel lucky to have known him even for a short time. May God bless his family and friends.

cheryl weston

September 16, 2007

Mrs Wade, Brian and family so sorry for your loss. Gary and I had been best friends for a long time and I will miss him greatly and so will my husband Dallas for they had become very close. My prayers are with you , Cheryl Weston

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