Obituary of Wade Nearing

It is with immense sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Ronald Wade Nearing on October 24, 2021 at the age of 63. Wade was born in Creston, BC to parents Ron and Ila Nearing. Wade loved this Valley his entire life.

He attended and graduated Prince Charles Secondary School and moved to Vancouver, BC, where he went to train people in the automotive industry as he had assisted his Father in the family tire business. Following in his father’s footsteps, who owned several OK Tire Stores in the Kootenays, he returned back from Vancouver and worked in the OK store in Nelson. He eventually purchased the operation and became a Kal Tire dealer. He also opened a second store in Castlegar. In 1989, Wade then branched out into Midas Muffler & Brake shops and owned several in BC. Wade was an accomplished business owner and was passionate about his businesses. He enjoyed great relationships with his teams and his customers and every aspect that came with being a business owner.

Last year Wade sold his retail operations and was charting a new direction in life with zest and joy.

Wade had many passions, and dear to his heart was flying. He loved his plane (his Girl) and had recently started flying patients for Angel Flight.

Wade loved skiing, spending many beautiful days on the hill. He loved Kootenay Lake, boating, fishing, waterskiing, hiking and dirt biking. Fishing at the Coast with friends was something he always looked forward to annually.

Recently, Wade was assisting with many projects to renew and manage the Nelson Airport with flying friends and colleagues and with many plans and ideas of how he was going to enjoy that.

Wade travelled extensively throughout world over the years, enjoying many trips and experiences.

Wade developed many, many friendships throughout his life. Everyone had a friend in Wade, and he was a resource for so many people and was always willing to help.

You always knew when Wade had entered a room. His nieces and nephews always called him “Crazy Uncle Wade”; he had such a fun personality. Wade truly loved spending time with family especially the most recent times he enjoyed at the Kootenay Lake family beach property,swimming and boating with the kids and cooking all together.  

He spent many Christmases in Calgary with his sisters and the whole family, wearing his gag gifts and celebrating with us.

Wade will be so missed, especially by his Mother Ila, who was so close to him. This past year, they were so very happy for all the time they got with each other.

We acknowledge all of Wade’s colleagues, his airport family, his Midas family, his “Harropian” neighbors and his dear close friends that were like family.

We would also like to thank the valiant efforts of the Vancouver First Responders in their assistance to Wade.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask for donations to be made in honor of Wade to Angel Flight East Kootenay Association, 4360 Cokato Road, Fernie, BC, V0B 1M4 or to the Nelson and District Airport Society (NADAS), Suite #73 - 622 Front Street, Nelson, BC V1L 4B7.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Wade at the Airport when the warm weather is upon us again. An opportunity for everyone to gather who knew Wade and for us, his family, to meet and greet you all and thank you for your contribution to Wade’s wonderful life.

Wade leaves behind to mourn: mother; Ila Nearing (Creston, BC), eldest sister; Linda Moore (Richard), their children, Trish Kleinsasser (Travis) and Rylan and Tyler, Cory Moore (Laina) and Dalton and Henry, Melissa Moore and Everleigh, Katie Moore (Peter), sister; Carolyn Haseloh (Ron), their children, Kristina Watson (Jordan) and Brooklyn and Cecelia, Michelle Brophy (Kris) and Raina and Autumn.

Wade is predeceased by his father; Ron Nearing, grandparents; Grover and Emma Kifer, and grandparents; Ken and Dorothy Nearing.

A private family service and burial to take place October 30, 2021.