Stephen James Wade

Stephen James Wade, 45, passed away April 4, 2014, surrounded by family members at his parent’s home in Alameda, California, after a seven-month, fierce and courageously fought, battle with cancer.

Stephen was born Sept. 11, 1968, to Steve and Arletta Wade in Oakland, California.

Stephen learned how to ski at an early age and downhill raced throughout California. His love for skiing brought him to South Lake Tahoe, California, where he met his wife, Tara Mellon, in 1990. In 1992, they went to Alaska to work for a summer and ended up staying for the winter, working for Alyeska Ski Resort in Girdwood. They bought land in Palmer and built a small home. They never moved back to California, but visit regularly.

Stephen and Tara had their first child, Clayton Wade, in March 1996, and in August 1998 they had their daughter Athena Wade. They spent their winters as weekend warriors in Girdwood, renting a place every season since 2006 so they could watch their children race.

Stephen worked as a long dump truck driver for BC Excavating for about 10 years. In 2011 he got a job as a loader/grater operator with ASRC roads and pads crew in Kuparuk. He enjoyed working on the slope and having the time off to spend with his family.

Stephen enjoyed backpacking, downhill skiing, hiking, hunting and motorcycle riding. Growing up in California, Stephen backpacked all over the state with his family and their “Clan.” Stephen taught numerous children how to ski and introduced his love for skiing to anyone who was willing to embrace it.

Stephen is survived by his wife Tara, son Clayton, daughter Athena, parents Steve and Arletta Wade, father in-law Kermit Mellon, bothers in-law Greg Mellon and Dominic Waters, sister in-law Jennifer Mellon, as well as nephews Dylan, Dorian, Gavin and Wayne Mellon, and nieces Corbyn Mellon and Abbie Waters. He is also survived by too many friends to mention. He will never be forgotten and he will be missed every day of our lives.

Preceding him in death was his grandma, Vivian Prock, and grandpa, Ira Prock; and his “Grammedie,” Edith, and granddad, James Wade.

A potluck celebration of life is from 6 to 11 p.m., June 7, at Mad Hatcher Pizza Pub, Mile 7 Palmer Fishhook. There will also be areas to camp for people wishing to stay the night.