Donald Allen Wade Obituary
With heavy hearts, the family of Donald Allen Wade of Brooklin, Ontario, announces his sudden passing on Thursday, December 5th, 2024. Born in Oshawa, ON, on November 27, 1964, Don was the cherished first son of the late Donald and Rita Wade.
Don was predeceased by his parents, Donald Wade (1998), and Rita Wade, (née Allen, 2004) of Myrtle, Ontario. A devoted and loving father, Don was immensely proud of his four children and will be deeply missed by his daughter Terri (Raymond), and sons, Bret, Harrison, and Gordon. He found endless joy with his four granddaughters—Abi, Esmerelda, Melina, and Kamiyah.
Don is survived by his siblings, Kathy, (John) Susan,(Rick) and Darrell, (Liane) who all will miss his sense of humour, storytelling, memories, and conversations about sports, especially hockey. Don is survived by his former wife Catherine, mother of Harrison and Gordon. He will also be missed by his many nieces and nephews, Carl,(Danielle) Brandon, Dylan, (Sarah), Kayleigh, (Jacob), Cameron, (Jenn), Logan, Sydney, and Kayden as well as his grandnephews, Cohen, Walter, and Tate, and his grandniece, Lilliana.
Don's childhood was spent growing up on a farm in Myrtle, where he worked alongside his dad in farming for many years.
A longtime resident of Brooklin, Don cherished moments spent with family and friends. He had a passion for hockey, fishing, and golf, hobbies that brought him great happiness. Don, or 'Sonny' to many, was well known and loved in the Brooklin community for his generosity and love of spinning a yarn, or two.
After a life-changing farming accident in 1997, in which he lost his left arm, Don demonstrated extraordinary resilience and determination. He made an admirable recovery, refusing to let his injury define or limit him, and continued to live his life with courage and spirit.
Don was Captain of the Canadian Amputee Hockey Team which captured six World Championships. He was a dedicated leader on the ice and his passion for hockey and his unwavering support for his team members, coaches, and the hockey community will always be remembered. He significantly contributed to the Canadian Amputee Hockey Team's success, including their dominance in international competitions under the International Standing Amputee Ice Hockey Federation (ISIHF).
A visitation, service, and Celebration of Life are scheduled for Saturday, December 14 at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home, 5295 Thickson Rd. North, Whitby, Ontario.
Noon - 2 p.m. - Visitation 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Service 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.- Reception and Celebration of Life. Donations in Don's memory are gratefully appreciated and can be made in his name to the Canadian Amputees Sports Association or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Donations are being accepted for: CANADIAN AMPUTEE SPORTS ASSOCIATION HEART STROKE FOUNDATION CANADA / FONDATION DES MALADIES DU COEUR ET DE LAVC DU CANADA (HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF CANADA / FONDATION DES MALADIES DU COEUR ET DE L'AVC DU CANADA) (https://donate.mytributegift.org).
