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Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
I planned to come here to leave a tribute....not break the news.
Just heard from Ron Karpinski who heard from Rob Taminelli.... Mike passed away while visiting his mother in Ohio. Huge loss for the FIRST family. There never would have been a Team 225 or numerous off-season events without Mike. I'm sure many others can say the same. Incredible man. Lisa Tarman |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
This is truly a massive and horrible loss for all of FIRST, especially those of us on the East Coast who have experienced Mike Wade's efforts first hand. Mike was an inspiration to us all, and a terrific person. The prayers and hopes of 116 go out to everyone who knew him.
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Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
Yeah..I don't know what to say.
Mike is an incredible person that did so much for the community. He did incredible things for FIRST. He single handedly made many of the East Coast offseasons possible. I'm shocked. I'm at a loss for words. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
Mike Wade was the Fall offseason guy. every fall offseaon competition there Mike Wade was making sure everyone had a fair and fun day at the competition. this is a true lose to the fall offseason competition on the east coast.
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Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
I have no idea who to say, Mike Wade was one of people that truly showed what FIRST was all about.
This is a huge huge loss for everyone that Mike had come into contact with. My Thoughts will be with his family... |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
I'm utterly speechless. Machine shop at the Championship, a field all over the east coast, massive contributions to FIRST in MD/DC/VA, and a wonderful NASA embassador.
And more importantly than that, a wonderful human being with a huge heart. I've known Mike since my first year in FIRST and I'm struggling to think of what it will be like without him. Thank you for your example Mike and my deepest sympathies to his family and all who knew him well. |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
Peace be with you Mr. Wade and to all of those you leave behind.
Godspeed, Jane Young FRC Team 418 |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
Thanks Mike for everything you've done for FIRST, you will be missed.
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Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
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This picture of Mike was taken on April 17 at the reception held after the FIRST mentors received the Governor's Volunteer Service Award in Maryland.
Rob Taminelli (Chesapeake Field Supervisor) is on the left. We will try to send out information about funeral/memorial service and where condolences can be sent from the FIRST family as we get them from Mike's family. |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
Mike was one of the truly great FIRST heros. His dedication and passion was felt by all that came in contact with him. He may have passed away but will always remain with us who knew him. Let us be inspired by his life and continue what he started.
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Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
I have heard about Mike Wade from most of the new englanders I know. From the words that was spoken about him, he sounded like he was one of the most valuable FIRST member we had (I wish I could replace had with have). May peace be with you Mr. Mike Wade. You will be missed.
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Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
This is terrible news. I never met the man personally, but from what I hear Mike was a terrific person and a fantastic proponent of FIRST on the eastern seaboard. My thoughts and prayers will be with his family and friends. We can only hope he's now in a better place.
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Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
Mike was a marvelous person and a tremendous asset to the entire FIRST family. It seemed that where ever I went for a FIRST related event, Mike was there, making thing possible and making things go well.
We'll all miss him...I feel honored to have known him. Sympathy to his family from all of Chuck 84. |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
Team 234 will keep the team and family of Mike Wade in our thoughts and prayers. It is always a terrible occasion when you lose a loved one. I did not know him personally, but I am sure that he did many great things for FIRST and those around him. Both he and his contributions to FIRST will be remembered.
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Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
I first met Mike in 2005, at the Capital Clash. From about twenty minutes into meeting him, it was clear that he was one of the hardest-working folks in FIRST.
This fall certainly won't be the same in the Mid-Atlantic. He will be missed. |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
There's a grief that can't be spoken, there's a pain goes on and on.
Empty chairs at empty tables…now my friends are dead and gone Here they talked of revolution, here it was they lit the flame Here they sang about tomorrow, but tomorrow never came. From the table in the corner, they could see a world reborn. And they rose with voices ringing, and I can hear them now! The very words that they had sung became their last Communion on the lowly barricade…at dawn… Oh my friends, my friends forgive me, that I live and you are gone. There's a grief that can't be spoken…there's a pain goes on and on. Phantom faces at the window, phantom shadows on the floor! Empty chairs at empty tables, where my friends will meet no more. Oh my friends, my friends, don't ask me what your sacrifice was for! Empty chairs at empty tables, where my friends will sing no more... From the ABC Cafe, the ghosts of the barricade await, Mr. Wade. Be honored. |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
The FIRST community will be mourning this great loss. Mike Wade was a pillar of support in FIRST. He had a positive impact on so many people.
This is truly a sad day. Peace be with the Wade family and all who were close to him. Andy B. |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
Mike Wade was a man of tremendous class and integrity, completely dedicated to the FIRST community. He will be missed by all, and the impact had on everyone he touched will never be forgotten.
May he rest in peace. . |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
I've met Mr. Wade at almost all the FIRST events I have attended, and he has always been willing to help us with a smile. On behalf of Team 1123 and myself, We would like to extend our greatest condolences to Mr. Wade's family.
Sincerely, Anish Simhal |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
This is a terrible lose for the FIRST community. My thoughts are with Mike's family and friends. His efforts to help FIRST and support NASAs education programs is gigantic, and he will be missed. I don't know what to say.
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Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
Rarely have I met someone that was more concerned with the welfare of others, more willing to tackle any problem, and more graceful under pressure than Mike. The contributions that he made to NASA and to FIRST are too numerous to list. Yet he was perpetually unassuming, preferring to remain out of the limelight. Given the choice, he would much rather be in the machine shop in the back room than out in front with the crowds. It was behind the scenes that he thought he made his greatest contribution, and where he thoroughly enjoyed working with every team that he could. He will be missed more than any of us can imagine.
Plans are being made by Mike's family, and will be detailed in the local papers on Tuesday. Keep an eye on the Baltimore Sun for information regarding the services being planned for Thursday and Friday. -dave |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
I am shocked as well to hear this news of Mike Wade's passing, he was always so friendly, completely dedicated to making the FIRST off season events run smoothly (as well as countless other FIRST related tasks). He gave me a preview tour of his machine shop trailer last January at Goddard Space Flight Center, he was certainly prepared to work where ever he went. On behalf of Team 122 and myself, I would like to send deeply felt condolences to Mikes family and friends.
Dave Fahringer Team 122 |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
On behalf of the Team 102 - this is a huge loss. Even though I did not have the privledge of meeting Mike Wade in person, it is still a great loss to the whole FIRST community :( I'm sure everyone will take away at least one thing that Mike Wade has taught them over the years.
May Mike Wade rest in peace |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
I first met Mike when I sought him out to thank him for providing his playing field at an event long ago (Maryland State Fair, I believe) and I met this great, humble, constantly smiling man. He seemed flustered at being thanked, as though he didn't think thanks was needed for doing something he loved so much.
He will be greatly missed. Heidi |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
Today when I heard this news I was extremely shocked and I am still very upset over this but the best way for me to describe Mike to people who don't know him would be through my experience.
In fall of 2001 as a senior in High school I started team 768. When the team founded we had no funds or ideas of what we were getting ourselves into, but we were going to try anyway. As the deadline for payment approached we had no way to fund the team, enter Mike Wade. Mike made a decision to help us out, a decision which has changed my life. Without the faith of a stranger at the time, myself and team 768 would have never joined FIRST. It is through FIRST that I met some fellow college students which convinced me to attend RIT for engineering. That following summer at the Maryland state fair I really got a chance to meet Mike and learn what FIRST was all about, this made me want to continue on as a team mentor and volenteer. Also through FIRST I have gotten internships, made life long friends, and found an outlet which is both challenging and meaningful. Looking back I can not even fathom where I would be today; in school, life, friends, etc; If Mike Wade had not taken a chance on a cocky High school senior whom he had never met. Mike I just wish I could tell you how much you have changed my life, and know that you will be missed and though about in my mind forever. Greg Needel |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
As a guest team announcer at Brunswick Eruption last year, I had an opportunity to talk with Mike a lot about his field, and he was very eager to teach about how he used the different technologies he utilized (between the labview software and the radio setup) and how the field worked. It was that sort of enthusiasm that made Mike Wade a model figure of the FIRST community.
At a couple of New Jersey Regional events, I stopped back to the machine shop in the pit just to say hello. He was a very giving individual, always eager to help and share with others. His professionalism and care surpassed mostly everyone I know. When I got the phone call today, I was quite taken aback, and it took me a few minutes to even process how much of FIRST has been impacted by Mike Wade's heart, hands, and mind. I'm sure that for each example that came into my mind, there were five or six that I was never aware of. Not only will Mike Wade be missed for his contributions to FIRST, but for the tremendous person that he was. |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
On Behalf of Team 75, we'd like to extend our prayers and thoughts to Mr.Wade's family, He was one of the most remarkable people Ive ever met, and was a huge asset to the FIRST community, May He Rest In Peace....
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Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
Mike, you will certainly be missed.
This is such a loss to the FIRST community, especially after all the wonderful thing Mike did for everyone. Condolences, Sara |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
I never met the man, yet from all I have read, I would say that he was a great person. You really have to be a wonderful person to be missed by those who never met you. I'm sorry for all of you who knew him better then I for your loss.
-Lucy |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
I met Mike on several occasions as he always made sure we had a field for Brunswick Eruption. His tireless dedication, enthusiasm, and love of FIRST was infectious. I still remember being amazed after having gone out to dinner with him after BE. What an experience.
He will truly be missed. Like Dave said, Mike found his home making sure things worked behind the scenes, away from the limelight, but that in itself makes him an unsung hero in the purest sense. |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
i am at a lost for words right now. such a great man has been taken away from us the FIRST community and to everyone.
I only had the honor of meeting Mr. Wade once but i will cheerish that day even more now. My wishes and prays will be sent to the Wade family and i hope that there will be some type of memorial set up at the east coast off seasons this next weekend to remember this great man. |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
I don't post a terrible lot, but this is a huge loss and he will be missed greatly. I worked with Mike at several off-seaons and he really was a great person and a huge help to anyone around. I hope this does not cause any problems for off-season events, because that is that last thing Mike would want. He was a truely great person to be around.
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Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
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How do you describe what Mike did for FIRST and do him justice?
You simply cant. Mike was a perennial friend and great supporter of my team ever since we met years ago. He thought nothing of giving up most of his weekends and energies to running all over the Northeast with the NASA field and his mobile machine shop. And wherever he went he rallied the kids into a working team that learned both how the field worked and how to work together. He gave and gave without fanfare or glamour. Many of the kids at competitions never met Mike, but he was always there behind the scenes making sure that they could play. We are proud that Mike regularly honored us by wearing one of our Hawaiian shirts wherever he went. At BE we made a tiki trophy in his name and he often picked the "unique" but overlooked robot to award it to. After the event we would all go out for dinner and Mike would challenge the kids with math puzzles and swap stories with us all. And he had some stories... Mike leaves a vacuum in the FIRST world that will be impossible to fill. I hope his memory inspires the rest of us to step up and contribute more to further the ideals that Mike exemplified. We'll miss him sorely. Our condolences to his family. Wayne C. and team 25 |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
We are at a total loss to hear of Mike's passing....as Dave, Greg, and so many others have already said, Mike was an unbelievably intelligent, kind, thoughtful, caring, talented, and unassuming man, he was the embodiment of what FIRST is all about. We are grateful that he took a chance on our son and his school in originally funding and guiding 768 and we know he was proud of the team because he told them so - through his actions much more than words, but the kids all understood and responded in kind. In return, the team plans to continue to honor his memory by doing the things that would make Mike proud.
As a mentor and guide, he changed our family forever. Fred and I were fortunate enough to spend many pleasant hours at various events just talking to Mike about FIRST, mutual goals and dreams, and we cherish every moment we spent with him. His enthusiasm was contagious and we owe him thanks for influencing our strong commitment to FIRST and the wonderful community we have joined. We cannot imagine what the future of FIRST here in the area will be like without Mike's smiling face, the wonderful fields he has built, his machine shop expertise, his unique insights, and his presence everywhere! The Needel family and Team 768 extend our sincere condolences and heartfelt wishes to Mike's wife, children and grandchildren and we pray that your memories and thoughts of this amazing and wonderful man will carry you through this difficult time. May his memory be a blessing..... Robyn |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
I have had the pleasure to have known Mike through many of my years of FIRST. I will miss joking with him, and his compassion for students and FIRST.
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Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
omg...I met Mike at the 225 event in 2004. Never EVER have I met a man so willing to put up his time and his resources to better the lives of young people.. He will truely be missed.
May you rest in peace Mike. |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
Wow. When I can get goosebumps reading about all of the wonderful things a person I’ve never met has done, I’m sure he must have been an amazing man.
On behalf of team 226, I’d like to extend my condolences to Mr.Wade’s family and friends. Thanks for everything you've done for FIRST Mr.Wade. ~Smita |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
I did not know Mike, but from the words and comments above he sounds like an awesome person who has made a positive impact on many, many lives.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this very challenging time. |
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I'm in shock. Mike was a fantastic member of the FIRST family, and will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family.
The picture is from after the Philadelphia Regional in 2003, where Mike was hanging out in the lobby of the Sheraton with team 422 (my home team, who I had mentored that year). |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
On behalf of team 1923 and my family, I'd like to extend my condolences to Mike Wade's friends and family. He was an amazing contributor to the FIRST community, and he will be missed.
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Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
Today is truly a sad day for so many people. Whether you knew Mike or not he has certainly helped you in so many ways. Mike was a good friend, a pillar of FIRST and an incredible man. It would take 100 men to replace what he has done for us all.
On a personal level he was certainly a friend and savior to Team 341. Way back in the Fall 2002, our team was in serious trouble. We were unable to get a FIRST field for Ramp Riot and we had lost our main sponsor. Mike stepped in to save our event and our season, bringing a playing field to Ramp Riot and helping us to win a NASA grant. Every year since that time, our kids have anxiously awaited his arrival in November to help us with set up for Ramp Riot. I too waited with excitement for his arrival because I knew that the field came along with a caring, patient mentor that truly worked with our kids. He gave so much to us, yet all he ever asked for was a place to sleep, a few dollars for gas, and a handshake. He was one of the most giving and selfless people you could ever meet. Mike was also just a nice person full of enthusiasm and patience. He has changed so many lives, including mine. I am proud to have known Mike and extremely THANKFUL for all of the events he has supported in this region and across the nation. There is no way to count up how many kids he has inspired. This is a sad day for everyone, but most importantly Mike's immediate family. Please say a prayer for Mike's wife and family. They gave us so much by allowing him to spend time with us. Al Ostrow Team 341 |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
The loss of Mike Wade leaves a huge hole in the heart of FIRST in the mid-Atlantic and New England. When I heard the news, I called Al Ostrow and we talked about it, and I think Mr. O summed up Mike as well as any words possibly can:
"Mike was one of those guys who did so much for so many people that I don't think any single person knows the number of lives he's touched. He's the kind of guy that you would need one thousand people to replace, and even then they probably wouldn't do nearly as good a job." RIP. |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
When I heard the news about Mike, I was speechless. It was very fitting that so many people directly affected by Mike were in the midst of doing what Mike is best known for by many - participating in a FIRST off-season competition. Many of us heard the sad news for the first time during the PA Robot Challenge on Saturday. If you must hear news like this, having others close by, who also appreciate your loss, helps the grieving process.
I have known Mike for years. He offered his NASA playing field to MOE 365 and 316 for our Duel on the Delaware off-season event, now entering it's sixth year. As Al Ostrow stated, we looked forward to catching up with Mike in the fall. I personally enjoyed his stories about his escapades with FIRST. He never ran out of stories to share. Mike gave so much of himself for FIRST. It wasn't easy for him, but he did it and garnered so many positive results. His selfless gestures and behind-the-scenes victories allowed literally thousands of students the opportunity to interact with FIRST face-to-face. When we hear about Dean's goal of having a FIRST event within driving distance of everyone, it was Mike Wade who truly helped realize this goal. Many of us owe so much to Mike for what he has done and to his family for sharing him with us. Words cannot describe the sadness I feel and how deeply Mike will be missed. He was an awesome man and a fantastic role model. Rest in peace, my friend. |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
I was at PARC when I heard the news, like lots of others. While I didn't get the privilage to actually meet and interact with Mike, I have and my team has benifited from his involvement in FIRST. You could feel that Mike was at the event that day.
You will be missed. |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
I too offer my condolences to Mike Wade's Family.
I only met Mike once, at the Maryland State Fair back in 2002. To this day I remembered him, and what he had done. He was a very down to earth guy, who really wanted to promote FIRST using all of his available resources. I do hope that FIRST recognizes him at the kick-off next year. As a tribute to Mike here are some video of him as a MC at the Maryland State Fair http://www.rhodewarrior.org/video/20...0State%20Fair/ |
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Here's the realization of Mike's dream. The 2003 Chesapeake Regional. http://www.mitc.org/first/2003photo_gallery_usna.htm
and here's Mike receiving the volunteer of the year award from RD Carol Kauffman (in those days she was RD for Philly and MD): http://www.mitc.org/first/g-2003-0072-034.jpg Yep, that's Steve Chism (FIRSTs Sr. Director of Programs) in the background. Emcee and fellow event architect with Mike. |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
Outside of my team, Mike Wade was one of the FIRST people I worked with in FIRST. I met him while setting up the field for brunswick eruption in 2004. From the very first interaction I knew Mike was totally selfless, dedicated, calm and intelligent. His dedication to FIRST has inspired myself and many others to stick close to this program. His work between NASA and FIRST has gained immense positive results for the whole community. As others have said earlier, he is a pillar in the FIRST society and I hope there are others to step up and contribute to society like he did. My sincere condolences to Mike's family and close friends. He will be missed.
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Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
I never got to meet Mike, but he influenced others who eventually brought me into FIRST. I wish I could have met him after hearing how he has influenced the FIRST community. I offer my condolences to Mike Wade's Family
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Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
I wish I knew what to say. Mike was a truly wonderful and completely selfless man, and I think the news is not quite making sense to me yet.
Mike brought the field to the Ruckus last year, and after having used a FIRST field on our own in our initial year, I cannot tell you what worlds of difference it was to have him around. But as I sat there after the regional, realizing how much easier he had made everything, I also thought about how long of a drive it was for him, how he was spending so much time away from his family, and how often he did that (each weekend surrounding our event was yet another offseason event he was traveling to). This man gave so much more to the FIRST community than any of us can ever hope to realize. I hope he knew that and I wish he were still here. At the moment I cant imagine any tribute that could even touch the level of commitment he had to helping all of us, but I think we should try. My condolences to his family... he will be very much missed. |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
I imagine Mike will be missed by pretty much everyone whom he ever came in contact with. When you talked to Mike, he made you feel that talking with you was important to him, and he made time for everyone. The picture on the UFH note says volumes about Mike - every time I saw him and in every picture of him I've seen, he looked like he was where he wanted to be and doing what he wanted to do. That is, helping others.
My sympathies go out to the Wades - and my thanks for sharing him with us for all those years. |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
Even though I have never met him, I've heard stories from teammates who have worked with him and they have spoken about him with great respect. I have heard about him being completely selfless, extremely helpful, and as inspiring as anyone could be.
On behalf of team 4, Condolences to Mike Wade's family, and to all who know him. |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
Mike Wade was a man I've admired since I started FIRST. He was always there to greet me and tease me about one thing or another, but he did it with love.
I always looked forward to competitions so that I could see him, whether it be the Chesapeake Regional or the yearly Playdate at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. He always would stop and say hi, despite how busy he always was. It really is hard to believe he's gone. I never would have expected it, especially so soon. He was so young and full of life. God be with you, Mike. I'll truly miss you. Love always, Dori Plait |
Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
There is an online guestbook and details about the funeral posted in the Baltimore Sun today.
http://www.legacy.com/baltimoresun/D...sonID=88067141 |
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Re: Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade
Many people have been asking about making donations in Mike’s memory. The family has just established a memorial fund which will be transferred into a scholarship fund in his name once they have the time to deal with the details. For anyone interested in doing so, donations made out to the “Mike Wade Memorial Fund” may be sent to:
Westminster Union Bank attn: Marty Harrison 117 East Main Street P.O.Box 29 Westminster, MD 21158 -dave |
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http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...threadid=57511 RIP Mike Wade. Jacob |
**FIRST EMAIL**/Remembering Mike Wade
To the FIRST Community:
It is with deepest sadness that we share news of the sudden passing of Mike Wade on Saturday, May 12. This is a very sad loss for our friends at NASA and for the entire FIRST community. Mike exemplified the spirit of FIRST with his Gracious Professionalism and ability to inspire so many young people and fellow volunteers. He was a valuable friend to FIRST and a great person work with. All who knew him are the better for it. We remember Mike with tremendous gratitude for his passion and dedication, and we will all miss his enthusiasm and many contributions to the FIRST programs and community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mike's family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. In memory of Mike, we have asked three of our FIRST colleagues who knew him well to contribute their thoughts below. Paul Gudonis, FIRST President Carol Kauffman, FIRST Regional Director: Mike Wade, energetic, dedicated, and inspiring, was a gentleman who gave consistently and graciously of himself. He exemplified the magic of FIRST. For four years, I was honored to serve as Regional Director of the Chesapeake Regional with Mike as the co-founder and committee co-chairman. Mike enthusiastically provided leadership and worked tirelessly so each and every student and mentor would have the greatest possible experience. He was so proud as his students competed and learned at the US Naval Academy. He was a remarkable person with a huge heart who unselfishly gave of his time and his outstanding technical skills and expertise. He was also so proud of his arena, constantly explaining the time clocks, control systems, and displays. Not only did Mike use this arena to allow teams to practice prior to the event, and during the events, but he drove it up and down the East coast for all of our off-season events, all year long. Proclaimed by all as the Pied Piper of FIRST, he made sure each off-season competition was fair and fun for all, as well as being an incredible learning experience. His mobile machine shop at the FIRST Championship was a place to experience machining at its finest. He was committed, hardworking, and responsible, someone you could count on and go to anytime. Mike Wade represented the best of FIRST, he was truly a great FIRST hero and a great friend. Dave Lavery, NASA: Mike's sudden passing is a tremendous shock to all of us. Many know Mike from his tireless efforts to provide a competition field and arena set-up at every competition event that needed one. He was constantly driving his field and Mobile Machine Shop truck across virtually the entire eastern half of the country. However, Mike provided much, much more to the NASA and FIRST communities - the contributions that he made comprise a very lengthy and impressive list. But preferring to remain out of the limelight, Mike was unassuming, graceful under pressure, and the very model of humility. Whenever possible Mike would much rather be in the machine shop in the back room than out in front with the crowds. Mike believed in making his contributions behind the scenes, and it was there that he had his greatest impact as he worked directly with every student that he could. Mike was a good friend, a wonderful participant in the NASA programs, and a mentor extraordinaire. The impact of his loss will be felt for a very long time, and he will be tremendously missed. Steve Chism, FIRST Senior Director of Programs: Mike Wade will be greatly missed, not only in the FIRST and NASA communities, but in the community of society in general. A great friend, mentor, father, husband, and all-around guy, Mike was the embodiment of the Essence of Success in all that he did: "Successful is the person who has lived well, laughed often and loved much, who has gained the respect of children, who leaves the world better than they found it, who has never lacked appreciation for the earth's beauty, who never fails to look for the best in others or give the best of themselves." May God bless Mike Wade and his family. |
Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/Remembering Mike Wade
Mike Wade was a defining character for the FIRST community. He contributed of all his time and resources to seeing today’s young people strive in the fields of science, engineering and technology. I met Mike through volunteering at regional competitions and off-season events and it was always great hearing his stories about FIRST and how he was inspiring young people and adults to participate in the FIRST competition. This is a tremendous lost for the FIRST community and all the people who had a chance to know Mike for who he was and how he was able to deliver his message to FIRST.
My sympathies go out to the Wade’s family. |
Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/Remembering Mike Wade
http://www.chesapeakefirst.org/mikewade.html
There is a tribute page to Mike on the ChesapeakeFIRST website. Please send Lisa any photos you would like included. Her email in on the site. Mike’s funeral and burial was held yesterday. There was a gathering of Mike’s family and friends, his co-workers from NASA, his friends and admirers from 4-H and from FIRST, and there were so many stories. Mike’s children and his wife Sherry each spoke at the funeral about Mike’s life. There were 300 people who attended the viewing on Thursday night. Mike will be so missed by so many. |
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P.S.: I apologize if these messages for the ones who have passed away seem melodramatic. The quote is from the musical Les Miserables, and it pretty much says all that can be said better than anything I can come up with. Please accept my sympathy for the losses of two (from what I've heard: I had never met them when they yet lived) truly great men, Mr. Jerry Smyth and Mr. Mike Wade. If there's any way my previous post above can be deleted, I would appreciate it. |
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