Obituary of Dr. David C. Wade

With a heavy heart we announce the passing of David Wade who left this world on October 5, 2023, at age 86. He departed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.

David was preceded in death by his wife Betty of 50+ yrs, whom he met while attending University of Illinois.

He is survived by his 3 children: Tamara, Steven, Lisa, 6 grandchildren, and 1 great grandson, along with 2 sisters, Susan, Mary and their families.

David was born on the 4th of July, 1937 to Elma and Roy Wade on a farm in Quincy, Illinois, later moving between Colorado and Illinois. Highly educated, David obtained his BS in Mechanical Engineering, and a MS in Nuclear Engineering from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a PhD in Nuclear Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a MBA from the University of Chicago, and a Distinguished Fellowship from University of California-Berkeley. Following graduation from MIT, David worked for the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (KAPL) before transferring in 1973 to Argonne National Laboratory. During his 34-year tenure at Argonne, he became the Director of the Reactor Analysis Division. Recognized globally as a leading expert in reactor physics he was involved in the design and analysis of a full range of fast reactor systems including the development of core and reactor designs for today’s advanced Generation IV reactors which will play an integral part in delivering clean electric and thermal energy globally in the future. David holds the rank of Distinguished Fellow Engineer, the highest technical rank at Argonne National Laboratory. His deep interest in small module reactor systems led to a leading position at the International Atomic Energy (IAEA) commission where he participated for many years in studies focused on the deployment of compact, proliferation-resistant reactors for developing countries. He is the lead author of a major IAEA report on the subject that was published and widely recognized. Following retirement he served on the board of ARC Clean Energy, a private industry modular reactor company, as the Vice President for Reactor Design and Safety Analysis. David will always be remembered for his intelligence, humor and the love he had for his family. He had a heart full of kindness and was quick to help those who needed it.

Aside from his work, he was known for his strength, reflected in his hobbies that ranged from martial arts, to conservation and outdoor activity to blacksmithing. He loved skiing the mountains, fishing the pacific northwest and touring the Scottish highlands. His appreciation of music spanned the spectrum from opera to bluegrass. David Wade touched the lives of so many people and will forever be in our hearts. He will be remembered through the love he had for his family and the scientific contributions he made for mankind. We can all take solace in the loving memories that we shared with him and be grateful for all the moments that he brought into our lives. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to: The Parkinson Foundation https://www.parkinson.org/