MUSKEGON, MI - Roger Wade, a former Muskegon County Commissioner, U.S. Navy veteran and union leader, spent much of his life championing the community he loved.
Roger C. Wade
Wade died Thursday, March 15 in Muskegon, leaving behind him a legacy based in service and stewardship. He was 79 years old.
A memorial service is planned at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 20 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3225 Roosevelt Road. A visitation is scheduled between 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at The Walburn Chapel, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd.
The Shelby native most recently served on the Muskegon County Land Bank Authority. He was also elected to the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners in 2005, serving for five years before stepping down in 2010.
Wade was also a devoted union leader who served as president of the UAW Local 637 chapter, and as president for its retirees' union, for a total of 23 years. He worked for the Sealed Power Corporation for 42 years until retiring in 1999.
The 1957 Muskegon High School graduate was an avid golfer - a practice he picked up while caddying at the Muskegon Country Club prior to joining the Navy - but his foremost passions were his family and community service.
For 29 years, Wade helped his union participate in Muskegon's annual Earth Day clean up, working as Local 637's Earth Day chair. His resume also included appointments to the Board for United Way, Muskegon Area CAP Council, Family Financial Credit Union and Co-Optical.
By all accounts, his time in office was punctuated by his acumen in contract negotiations and decisions that helped Muskegon working families.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia, whom he married 1981; four children, including Bradley Wade of Detroit, Scott Wade of Muskegon, Sandy Swarts and Terri Messner, both from Muskegon. Family meant everything to Wade, but his most valued familial moments were spent visiting his nine grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Red Cross, American Cancer Society or the Wounded Warrior Project.