Verne Elwin Wade

Verne E. Wade of Bainbridge Island

12/01/1928-09/29/2021

Mr. Wade was born December 1, 1928 in Regina, Saskatchewan to George M. Wade and Elise C. Wade (Johnson). After graduating from Regina Central Collegiate Institute in 1946, he secretly stowed away on a Canadian merchant ship in Vancouver, B.C. Once far enough out so the ship could not return, he announced himself and began to work as a seaman. He worked and visited ports all over the world for several years and never lost his love of the sea. Returning to Vancouver, he worked at Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada for eleven years in export shipping. Mr. Wade moved to Seattle, Washington in 1959 attended the University of Washington receiving a B.A. in Physics, and in 1969 a M.A. in Teaching from Seattle Pacific University. He taught for five years at Canyon Park Jr. High School in Bothell and 16 years at Bainbridge High School until retirement in 1986. He was the cross-county coach at Bainbridge High School and the advisor for the photography club; many students have stayed in contact over the years. Truly a renaissance man, Mr. Wade was a published author, painter, woodcarver, and who designed and built his own home. He was a brilliant mind, and continued to be excited about learning and staying current- even as he approached 92 years of life….sitting in his chair surrounded by multiple science and physics books, gazing out at the Puget Sound and further out to sea.

Mr. Wade is survived by his wife, Marilyn, daughter Stephanie (Kim), sons Warren (Diane) and Russell, stepson Richard Allen (Cynthia), brother Lionel, five grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. In remembrance of his life and spirit, the family invites people to do something special for their own family or friends, or donate to a worthy cause of their choosing…and have a bowl of ice cream.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA