Reading, Vt.

On November 27, 2021, Harley Elmer Wade peacefully passed away following a long battle with COPD.

Harley was born in Plymouth, Vt., to Edna Blanchard and Carroll Ira Wade, as one of eleven children. He grew up and attended the one room school in Tyson, Vt. Following eighth grade graduation, he began working for Howard Cardin in Hancock, Vt., learning the trade of a water well driller, a profession he excelled at for 30 years, eventually owning his own business in the field. In the winter months, he worked in lumber mills in Hancock and Ludlow. Later in life he was employed in other professions including, finish carpenter, talc miner, logger, and restorer of old tractors, and was known as a wheeler-dealer.

Harley spent his early adult years in Hancock, and Bethel, Vt. creating lifelong friendships and eventually settled in Reading, Vt. He married Betty Matthews of Reading, Vt. in 1966 and they raised their two sons in Reading in the home they purchased there.

Harley was an avid hunter and fisherman. An acquaintance once told the story of meeting a nine year old, Harley, who was carrying a fishing pole and reported he was going to "catch dinner". The boy returned a couple hours later with a string of fish longer than the boy was tall. He loved to spend time with friends and family at deer camp in South Reading , Vt. and would often take off the entire 16 days of deer hunting season to pursue whitetail. He took great pleasure in teaching his sons, nephews, and others the skills of becoming successful deer hunters.

Harley was also devoted to the competition of pony-pulling. Many summers were spent travelling to fairs and field days to participate in the events and to enjoy the comradery of his fellow competitors. He owned several different teams throughout the years and began working the events with his brother, Sam, and later he formed a decades long partnership with longtime friend, Chet Palmer. Throughout the years, Harley went from a competitor to supporter, organizer, and number one fan of the event. He received a plaque in 2011 from the New England Draft Pony Association Hall of Fame for a lifetime of dedication and sportsmanship.

In the past twenty years, Harley became a restorer of old wheel tractors and bulldozers. He became a wealth of knowledge to people seeking answers for problems with their machinery, and many will miss his expertise and common sense fixes.

A devout family man he treasured time spent with his family and friends at reunions and pig roasts at camp in South Reading. He was loved by many and his sense of humor and wisdom will be missed by all. He is survived by his son, Gary (Allison) of Woodstock, Vt, and son, Jamey of Portland, Me., his brother, Charles of Cavendish, Vt., and sisters, Edna Wade McIntyre, Blanch Wade- Durkee, of Rutland, Vt. and Rose Wade Pecor of Saxton's River, Vt. He is also survived by grandchildren, Matthew Westcot, Travis Westcot, Caitlin Wade, and Ethan Wade, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Edna and Carroll Wade, his wife of 34 years, Betty Wade, five brothers, Ernest Wade, Ira Wade, Oscar Wade, Carroll (Sammy)Wade, and George Wade, and one sister, Hazel Livingston.

A graveside service will be held May 14, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., at the South Reading Cemetery on Mellagash Rd. Reception following at the Reading Town Hall.

In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made in Harley's name to the St. Jude Children's Hospital and to the Visiting Nurse Association of NH and VT.

An on-line guest book can be found at cabotfh.com