February 26, 1952 to October 5, 2019

Dave Wade always had a love for wildlife from birds to buffalo from a young age. Growing up hunting animals, he later found enjoyment only from viewing them and shooting photos of them with his digital camera. With new technology emerging every year, he loved the ability to capture the animal in the pose he wanted by taking hundreds of photos in a single photo shoot. He painted wildlife in their natural habitat, with his work being recognized by his vivid use of color and light. Wade painted full-time from 1976 until he could no longer paint due to his health. He attended the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. Some of the artists he admired the most included Bob Kuhn, Ken Carlson and Richard Schmid. He and his family moved from the mountains of Wyoming to the red rocks of Southern Utah, near Zion National Park where plentiful wildlife abounds. His studio was open to any who want to learn about art and wildlife. His collectors have always felt that his paintings bring out a distinct feeling in them, usually a kinship to the animal featured in the painting, the place or season. About his work Wade said, "My desire as an artist is to capture the animal in its setting - bold and loose, but with accuracy". Throughout his 40-year career, Wade was the recipient of numerous awards. He received multiple honors in the Arts for the Parks Competition. He won the Wyoming Art Stamp competition 5 separate years. Twice he received the Major General and Mrs. Don D. Pittman Wildlife Award at the Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition in Oklahoma City, an honor that can only be topped by the honor of being a father and a husband to 3 beautiful daughters and his beautiful wife, Julie.