Ormand J. Wade

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University of Chicago University of Maine

Ormand Wade Obituary

Wade, Ormand J. (Brud) 64, of Southport, died January 14, 2004, at home after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was born April 12, 1939 in Key West, FL, a son of the late Charles and Jean Wade. Raised in Boothbay, he graduated from Boothbay High School in 1957. Orm received his BS Degree in Engineering Physics from the University of Maine and his MS Degree in Management from MIT. Orm began his career in 1961 with AT&T Long Lines Enineering Department and advanced through the company's Engineering Operations and Personnel Departments. In 1983, he became President and Chief Executive Officer of Illinois Bell. He was appointed President of the Ameritech Bell Group in 1987 and retired as Vice Chairman of Ameritech. While in Chicago, he served as a Director Illinois Tool Works, Andrew Corporation, Westell, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, National Bank of Detroit, and Institute for Illinois. He was a trustee of the University of Chicago and the Brookfield Zoo. He also served as Chairman of the United Way Campaign of Chicago and was a member of the Commercial and Economic Clubs of Chicago. Orm and his wife Miriam moved to Southport after retiring. He became very active in the community (serving as Trustee) of the YMCA, a board member of the Boothbay Student Aid Fund and a Trustee of the Southport Methodist Church. He was also a member of the President's Development Council and the Board of Visitors at the University of Maine. He was an avid sailor and enjoyed sailing along the Maine coast. He also played golf and tennis and enjoyed fishing both salt and fresh water. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Miriam; a son, Charles (wife, Kay) of Hopkinton, Mass.; a daughter, Valerie Bagg (husband, Bryan) of Gurnee, IL; and four grandchildren, Jenifer and Austin Wade, Katelyn and Joshua Bagg; a brother, Charles (wife, Nilla) of Key Largo, FL; and sisters, Susan Pinkham (husband, Larry) and Rebecca Clifford (husband, Ronnie), all from Boothbay also survive him. A Memorial service will be held at Southport Methodist Church on Saturday, January 24th, at 11 a.m., with a reception immediately following at the Southport Town Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ormand J. Wade Trust at the: Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund, P.O. Box 293, Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04538. Arrangements are entrusted to: Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 18, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Ormand Wade

9 Entries

Bob Steen

January 18, 2021

Still enjoying the salami cream cheese & pickle appetizer.

Bob Steen

January 18, 2021

Still enjoying the salami cream cheese & pickle appetizer.

Vertis Ivory

January 23, 2004

I worked with Mr. Wade and Aljean Taylor, his Executive Assistant at Ameritech Corporate when he was President - Ameritech Bell Group and Vice Chairman -- and oh what a time it was. This was the era when Ameritech was shaping the telecommunications industry and setting models for the rest of the world to attempt to duplicate. We were "breaking through"! He was genuine, intelligent, had a good sense of humor and quite the gentleman.

I owe a tremendous amount of my phone company career learning experience at Ameritech to him and his willingness to teach and provide constructive feedback that made you want to grow and become your best. He always remembered the man-made secretarial celebration days -- whether it was a gorgeous vase of flowers or lunch at a fancy restaurant with his wife Miriam -- he made you feel part of the team and you felt appreciated for the daily hard work and dedication that was part of the position -- and for that, I will always remember him as part of my Ameritech family. Mrs. Wade, may God ease your pain and comfort you and your family during this extremely difficult time.

Pat and Bruno Eisner

January 19, 2004

Dear Miriam, All the good memories we have about Chicago include the joyous times we had with you and Brud. He never lost his smile throughtout his illness - a brave,admirable, and special person. Our deepest sympathy to you and the family. Love, Pat and Bruno

Margaret Wheat-Joyce

January 17, 2004

It was an honor to know and work for Mr. Wade on the United Way Employee Campaigns at Illinois Bell. I will always remember his kindness and the leadership he provided.

Don House

January 17, 2004

I worked for Illinois Bell and Ameritech Network engineering during the time Mr. Wade served the company. Always the gentleman, he exhibited an open and friendly manner. Mr. Wade entertained discussion and suggestions when others did not. His great desire to make intelligent, positive contributions to Illinois Bell and Ameritech were obvious to all that worked under his leadership.

Mr. Wade's contributions to his family, community and society in general seem to be a fitting tribute to him. It is fortunate that he had time to contribute so much to so many during his short retirement. May the good Lord bless and care for his family. It is hoped that those who knew him well can take comfort in all he accomplished during his lifetime.

Lloyd & Nancy Frye

January 17, 2004

Now we're really FLYING.......

Miriam,

Love and fond memories, be strong.

Call when you can.

Lloyd and Nancy

Al & Lorraine Gliemi

January 17, 2004

Our love and sympathy to the Wade Family. We will always cherish our memories of Brud, and remember all of the happy times we shared. Love to all of the family.

Dan & Margaret Grady

January 17, 2004

Dear Miriam:

We were saddened to hear that Orm had died. We have marveled at the grace and courage you both have demonstrated over these trying years. You were both heroic!

We send our sympathy and our prayers to and for your family. May you find peace and comfort in the sure understanding of Orm's place with our good God.

Best wishes,

Dan and Margaret Grady

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