DAVID J. WADE Aug. 31, 1943 – Jan. 29, 2024

David John Wade, 80, died at his home in La Cueva, NM on Monday, January 29, 2024.

Mr. Wade was born August 31, 1943 to David Matthew Wade and Rhea (Coleman) Wade in Saginaw, Michigan. His father was in the US Air Force, and so the family had lived in Roswell, NM and several other states before settling near Sacramento, California, where Mr. Wade graduated from Folsom High School, and attended American River Junior College.

Mr. Wade was an early adopter of computer technology. His work at the State Comptroller’s Office in Sacramento was programming with punch cards. Mr. Wade’s interest in computers and programming continued throughout his career and his life. He obtained an Associate’s degree in Computer Science from UNM Los Alamos.

He and his then wife and two sons moved to Santa Fe County, NM in 1968. He was employed at Zia Company and then Los Alamos National Laboratory as a programmer, until his retirement. He had lived in La Cueva since 1971.

Mr. Wade spent several years driving a semi-truck with his brother Rusty, driving thousands of miles across the country. He was a licensed ham radio operator. He was a member of the Baha’i Faith for more than 60 years.

Mr. Wade enjoyed his motorcycles, Jeeps, and 4WD vans. He was a big fan of hot air ballooning, and crewed for many years at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. He loved many forms of music including Jose Feliciano, Buffy St. Marie, and The Grateful Dead.

Mr. Wade was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Walter Russell Wade and Burton George Vose.

He is survived by his children Eric R. Wade and wife Ana of La Quinta, CA, Dr. Alexander D. Wade and wife Jennifer of Viroqua, WI, Sara S. Bruno and husband Justin of Albuquerque, NM, and Matthew R. Wade and wife Megan of Alamogordo, NM. He had 9 grandchildren, Ric, Dakota and husband Tommy, Beth, Emily, Gibson, Parker, Margo, Noelle and Brannan, all of whom he loved very much. He is also survived by a sister Sharon and brother-in-law Carl Ewing of Las Cruces, NM. He had several nephews and nieces who also survive.

Services for David John Wade will be held at a later date.