Wilbur J. Wade passed away on November 13, 2016 at the age of 87 in Lakeport, CA. He lead a very busy and eventful life. Wil was a Korean War veteran serving in the U.S. Army. After being discharged he worked for the Union Lumber Company in Fort Bragg. Wilbur married the love of his life Blossom Hellgren on December 12, 1953. He went on to join the California Division of Forestry in the 1950’s where he spent a 30+ year career. He held positions of Fire Equipment Operator, Crew Foreman, Assistant Superintendent at Parlin Fork Conservation Camp, Camp Superintendent in Tulare County, State Forest Ranger II at Ben Lomond CYA camp, and State Forest Ranger II at Washington Ridge Camp in Nevada County. He retired from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in 1985 as Assistant Chief of Manpower in the Conservation Camp program at Sacramento Headquarters.
During this time Wilbur and his wife Blossom were active in the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star. He was a member of Mendocino Masonic Lodge number 179. Together they traveled the state and also built a home in Mendocino. Wilbur and Blossom moved to the family ranch in Upper Lake and enjoyed many happy years there.
Wilbur is survived by his loving wife of almost 63 years, Blossom, his daughter Vickie (David), son Martin (Lynda), brother Delbert, and sisters Nancy and Mary. He enjoyed his grandchildren Tina (Chris), Roberta (Tim), Neil (Vickie), Brian (Mallory), Russell (Jessica), Jared, and Lyndsay. His great grandchildren are Kimberly, Matthew, Scott, Lucas, Mason, Emma, and Cody. Wil also enjoyed many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Virgil and Eva of Upper Lake and his Sisters Betty and June.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 High Street, Lakeport. A celebration of life will follow with details available at the service.