March 8, 1932 – March 4 2024.

John Wade passed away on March 4. He was nearly 92 years old. He moved from his residence on Eldridge Ave, Bellingham to Sedro Woolley in 2020. He died at Joshua’s House adult care home in Sedro Woolley. John is survived by his brother Richard Wade of Camano Island, sons Jan Wade (Jenny) of Sedro Woolley and Mark Wade (Lynn) of Bow, daughter Karen Melzer (Mark) of Keizer, OR, grandchildren Tara Martel, Krystal Wade, Cody Quarrell, Kaitlin Wade, Daniel John Melzer, Brittany Phelps, Alexandra Wade-Ayres, Malachi Werner, John Buck Wade, Jaelle Werner, Abigail Werner, along with many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Leith and Beryl, sister Kitty Roberts and daughter Kristy Wade-Carlson, and grandson Justin Martel.

John was born March 8, 1932, and grew up with his brother Richard and sister Kitty (Roberts) on San Juan Island. He was raised by Leith Wade and Beryl Wade (Boyce). His great grandparents Stephen and Lucinda Boyce were among the first non-native settlers on San Juan Island, having arrived on the island in 1859. Lucinda was a midwife and Stephen was San Juan County’s first sheriff. Historian Hubert Bancroft, of Berkeley University states, “S.V. Boyce [went up] Frasier (River) in 1858. Settled on Island (San Juan) in July 1859. He built the first house, store and saloon in San Juan town.” San Juan town was located on the south end of the island near Jackle’s Lagoon at the northern foot of Mt Finlayson.

John’s father Leith was the foreman and then President of the Friday Harbor Packing Company cannery. He was also a commercial gillnetter and half owner (with Jack Fairweather) of San Juan Pile Driver Company. John grew up in the fishing industry. He worked on various purse seiners and gillnetters in the Puget Sound and Alaska. In the 1960’s John graduated from Western Washington College (now University) in Bellingham, with a bachelor’s degree in teaching. He later earned an MA degree. He taught school in and around Seattle until his retirement in 1986. Soon after he moved to Bellingham. He was a member of St Paul’s Episcopal church.

John was big-hearted and kind and will be missed by friends and family. He wanted readers of this obituary to know he had faith in and a real love for Jesus Christ and the promises for a bright future made available by his ransom sacrifice.

Graveside Gathering will be at 2:30 p.m. on April 27 at San Juan Valley Cemetery.