Gregory Fred Wade
Passed away November 2, 2020. Born in Buffalo New York April 25, 1946, he was joyfully and lovingly adopted by Helen and Fred Wade. He is survived by his son Eric Wade, sister Nancy (Herb Lydell), long-time friend and companion Deanna Boyko, and friends Jeff and Hazel King. Greg attended the University of Kentucky, graduating with degrees in Political Science and English Literature. Greg was a staunch union activist while working at Bethlehem Steel, raising funds for his college tuition. Since retiring from the State of Michigan Greg has volunteered at the Ingham County Medical Care Facility, local library boards and for the Democratic Party. He loved the Kentucky Derby, UK and MSU basketball, baseball and music. He was a great father, surrogate grandfather to Max, Willow and Louis, friend and a fighter for justice. Due to the pandemic there will be no services at this time. Online condolences and memories of Greg may be left at www.estesleadley.com
9 Messages to “Gregory Fred Wade”
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JEFF KING
November 6, 2020 at 4:06 pmMy Brother and Friend, I will miss you. The Derby will never be the same. I know that the Next Great Adventure surely isn’t ready for you my friend but you will find all the joy that it will bring you.I’m thankful we got to see each other one last time and I will hold you in my heart forever. Peace, Brother.
David & Karen Hammond
November 6, 2020 at 11:10 pmThe passing of this good, good man, Greg Wade, brings us great sadness. We did not know Greg as long as and as well as his family and many of his longtime friends. We regret hat missed opportunity.
My husband and I live in Arizona but are so VERY glad we got to know Greg in the spontaneous & casual conversations we had in the home of his loving friend, confidant, and love, Deanna, while we were revisiting our hometown in Okemos, MI.
In all of our later conversations by phone, Greg ALWAYS expressed concern and caring for others and their welfare. That is what we most remember about him. THAT is the good man we will forever remember. GOD BLESS YOU, MY FRIEND.
Greg Whitlock
November 7, 2020 at 11:11 amI will definitely miss you my old co worker. You made working at the Unemployment agency interesting and we will always have the “hatch act” episode to remember. As others mentioned the derby won’t be the same. Liked coming down to Jackson for a mint julep and placing a few bets for you while you worked for the Racing Commission. I wish I could have seen you this fall since I had some good old campaign material you would have loved.
Rest in Peace My old chum. You were one of the characters at the Lansing Branch office worth coming to work with.
Another GW
Marsha Bailey
November 9, 2020 at 12:41 pmI’m happy I was able to meet Greg in 2018 when he and Deanna surprised me at a Blue Star Mothers spaghetti dinner in Sanford MI. From that time forward I could hear his friendly comments to the conversations Deanna and I had. I could tell he valued our friendship, even helping her and I get together when he was coming up to Midland for a record show – his great love. He was easy to talk with, as he seemed to have so many interests and so much knowledge. A very nice man gone too soon. He will b e greatly missed. My sympathies.
Jay Schatz
November 14, 2020 at 1:13 amGreg was someone I only met a few years ago. He was a true gentleman. We volunteered in East Aurora for the friends of the library. It was always fun talking with him on various subjects from music to baseball to politics. We went to a minor league baseball game in Batavia, New York, and spent more time talking than watching.
One of the best games I have even been to in my life.
Goodbye my friend, you will be missed.
Gordon M. Forward
November 15, 2020 at 12:06 amDuring our time together at East Aurora NY High School and visits while in college Greg became a good friend. As his life has shown he was very accomplished in all that he did. I have thought about him many times. May he always be with us through remembrance and the saying of his name.
Sharon Busselle Donaldson
November 15, 2020 at 5:20 amGreg was my classmate and I remember that great smile of his. He delivered the Buffalo Evening News to our family and was always efficient and smiling. I am sure he is smiling down on our world now.
Nancy Wade Lydell
November 17, 2020 at 3:17 pmThank you for your kind words. Greg always enjoyed connecting with his customers.
john f. magnotta
March 26, 2021 at 2:23 pmGreg was an amazing guy; a scholar with many interests, a fierce union man but a gentle giant, and an avid record collector, with a staggering archive of old vinyl. I met him in 1978 or 79, when he came to work at the MESC (unemployment office), where we worked together for years. Later we would run into each other at record show, estate sales, etc. I last saw him in 2019, when he came over to check out my vinyl archive- we talked for hours. Many great memories of this righteous man.