'End of an era' with passing of Kingussie's Tom Wade
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The capital of Badenoch is in mourning following last night's death of Tom Wade at 98 in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness.
Kingussie born and bred, "Tommy" had served both his country and his community with distinction, winning the Distinguished Flying Medal with Bomber Command in the second world war, proving a dedicated Provost of the town's district council and leading by example at the town's famous shinty club.
Local councillor and Highland Council convenor Bill Lobban told the Strathy tonight: "Tom’s passing is without doubt the end of an era.
"An era where he played an extraordinary part in the development of Kingussie.
"Few, if any, have given so much to their local community as Tom Wade, a community which honoured him by making their ex-Provost a Freeman of the town in 2010.
"His family and friends will be justifiably proud of his achievements and will sadly mourn his passing."
Tom was born in 1922, part of a family of five, and on leaving school was employed in the finance department of a civil engineering firm, before leaving to join the RAF in 1942. He completed a tour with Bomber Command and was commended for bravery before going on to serve in India.
After the war he married a Newtonmore girl, Nan. He returned to a variety of jobs such as working on the railway, labouring and driving a grocery van.
He took over the family business, Wade’s Café, in Kingussie, before running the Paper Shop until his retirement in 1987.
His local government career started when he was elected to Kingussie Town Council in 1964. He became Town Provost four years later, holding the post until local government reorganisation in 1975.
Following the elections, Tom served on Badenoch and Strathspey District Council.
He was also elected as a Highland Councillor in 1995. He retired from the Highland Council in 1999 due to the ill health of his wife, and subsequently joined Kingussie Community Council, serving for many years as treasurer.
Outwith politics, Tom was closely involved with shinty, as a player, trainer, referee and adminstrator. He played a huge part in the development of Kingussie Camanachd Club and was there last year to do the honours, cutting the rubbon at the opening of the new clubhouse.
In 2011 he was bestowed with the title of Freeman of Kingussie for his lifetime of community service.
This week's Strathy will carry an obituary and more tributes.
