Sad Sad day for FIRST.....RIP Mike Wade

[MrsT]

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

[Lil' Lavery]

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.

[Corey Balint]

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.

[Michael Leicht]

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.

[Kyle]

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...

[Rich Kressly]

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.

[JaneYoung]

Peace be with you Mr. Wade and to all of those you leave behind.
Godspeed,
Jane Young
FRC Team 418

[Erin Rapacki]

Thanks Mike for everything you've done for FIRST, you will be missed.

[RoboMom]

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.

[Steve W]

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.

[Arefin Bari]

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.

[Cory]

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.

[JudyVandy]

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.

[Dorienne]

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

[Greg Perkins]

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.