David Edwin Wade of Guilford, NY unexpectedly passed away on his 75th birthday while doing an activity he loved most – enjoying the outdoors in his canoe.

Born in Guilford, he resided there nearly all of his life with the exception of his time served in the Army. Following military service, he drove tractor trailers millions of miles for Victory Markets and Frito Lay. Additionally, he owned his own maple producing business for several years.

David was a devoted servant to the community through his work in the Guilford Sunset Hill Cemetery, Guilford United Methodist Church, and previously in the Guilford Fire and Emergency Departments. He took great pride in his work by demonstrating honesty, strong work, and a commitment to doing the job right. He certainly was particular about doing tasks to his ideals of perfection.

David enjoyed the simple things in life - enjoying outdoor activities like gardening, canoeing, camping, hunting, driving all kinds of vehicles around, and a good diner meal. He especially loved time with his family cruising lakes and canals in New York and Canada and meticulously maintaining his boat, the "Worth Wading For".

Music was a central feature in David's life including playing his trumpet, enjoying sacred music particularly with powerful sounds from church organs and brass instruments. Music often allowed him to express his personality the most. He was always a strong presence in his family and community, often showing his love by caretaking gestures of loved ones.

He is survived by his mother, Marion (VanBuiten) Wade, 96; his devoted wife, Judith Wingate-Wade; daughter, Leah J. Giulian, and her children Andrew, Cole, and Emerie Giulian and their father, Brian Giulian; daughter and son-in-law, Norah C. and Eric Breindel, and their children, Eli and Avery Breindel. His other living relatives include his sisters, Joanne Parkhurst and Linda Murcray and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind several others, including lifelong friend Bob Fleming, whose loyalty meant so much to him. He was predeceased by his father, Edwin Leland Wade.

In his last few days, he enjoyed some of his most favorite activities including picking blueberries, tracking the stock market, grilling his favorite chicken barbeque for his family, attending his grandson's music concert, and paddling his canoe on Guilford Lake.

His memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him.

Friends may call from 5:00-7:00pm on Thursday, July 23rd at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St., Sidney. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Friday, July 24th at the Guilford United Methodist Church. Burial with military honors will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery, Guilford.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in David's name may be made to Sunset Hill Cemetery in Guilford, the United Methodist Church of Guilford, or the Guilford Emergency Squad.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.landersfh.com.