Paul Wade ’54 died December 5, 2014, in Brunswick.

(The following appeared in The Times Record, February 5, 2015.)

Paul Wade, age 82, passed away at his home in Brunswick on Friday, Dec. 5, 2014.

Paul was born in Worcester, MA, the son of Harold H. and Meta Bennett Wade. He was a graduate of Worcester Academy in Worcester, MA, and of Bowdoin College, class of 1954. Paul was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in Korea during the Korean War.

An avid sailor and longtime summer resident of Bustins Island (four generations of Wades), he enjoyed many a sail around Casco Bay and cruise Down East. Paul loved music and was a talented musician. He helped form and played guitar in a seven-piece Dixie Land Jazz Band called Mamma and the Red Hot Pappas.

In later life, Paul’s interests turned to flowers. Known as the “Lavender Man” to many, he established a business in Brunswick that supplied florists throughout New England with fresh flowers from Maine for many years. With the support and help of many local friends, Paul’s dream was to establish the Museum of Maine Wildflowers and although not fulfilled — it brought him many years of joy.

He was predeceased by brothers Alan Wade of Lexington, MA; Harold Wade Jr. of Contoocook, NH; sister Anne Wade of Boston, MA; and sister Virginia Sampson of Fort Collins, CO. He leaves behind sister Mirriam Butts and husband Charles of Falmouth, ME, his sons, David Gosnell and wife Nina of Manchester, MA, William Wade and wife Anneke of Chelmsford, MA and his daughter Miriam Chapman of Andover, MA, as well as six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves a legacy of friendships, from school chums and fellow islanders to his Brunswick neighbors who have been a great support. He will be missed.