It is with immense sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Wade Allen Saastad, resident of Valhalla Centre, on May 3, 2021 at the age of 61. Wade was born in Beaverlodge, AB on March 30, 1960 the eldest child of Kay and Albin Saastad. Wade was a true farm boy right from the start, all his life he loved the outdoors from quadding, sledding, and working on his acreage to camping, boating and taking in as many rodeos as he could. He had a love for animals and a special patience and understanding with them. Wade was beyond the definition of a hard worker, he had a 42-year career driving semi truck, hauling everything from logs to gravel, fuel and equipment. His philosophy was if you had to work you might as well make it fun. His sense of humor and laid-back demeanour fostered many lifelong friendships from every place he worked. Wade was also a licensed small engine and motorcycle mechanic. He was meticulous with repairing, servicing, and cleaning all of his toys; he had a solution for most every mechanical issue and was quick to help out anyone in need. Wade’s family was the center of his world. Wade and his wife June were high school sweethearts, they were together 44 years and have two children. As a husband Wade was a partner you could always count on in all aspects of life. A person you could talk to about anything, he was honest, loving, kind, and quick to find the humor in all moments. As a Dad, Wade worked hard to set his kids up with the skills needed for life from installing values in honesty, integrity and hard work to teasing and problem solving. He was always happy to talk out a problem, lending a hand wherever he could, or just see how your day was going. When Wade was there, he was always present with his attention, smile and adventures to make life extremely fun. Wade was a Papa to two beautiful granddaughters. He was the proudest Papa around. He organized the best adventures, most creative art tasks, surprise treats, and the safest environment for quadding and skidooing. As a family it didn’t ever matter what we were doing because time spent together was time well spent. Wade will be sadly missed by his loving wife June, son Colby (Lisa), daughter Ashley, granddaughters Tori and Payton Saastad. His father Albin Saastad, brothers Norman (Marlo) Saastad, Tal Saastad, and sisters Roxy (Stan) Vig and Dawn (Randy) Wiens. Mother-in-law Mabel Johnson, brothers-in-law Harvey (Marilyn) Johnson, Dennis (Linda) Johnson, Raymond (Margaret) Johnson, sisters-in-law Shirley Steinke, Connie (Kelly) Mitchell, as well as a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and those he touched with his friendship. Wade was predeceased by his mother Kay Saastad, special aunt and uncle Murray and Brenda Gillespie, father-in-Law Marvin Johnson, sister- in-law Elsie Greber, and great nephew Riley Mayer. We invite all of Wade’s friends and family to view the Video Tribute that has been prepared, please click on the link to access. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnuyp9yi4UY Donations can be made in Wade’s honour to a Registered Education Savings Plan for his grandchildren. https://www.gofundme.com/wade-saastad-memorial Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life for Wade on August 26, 2021 at 2 PM the Valhalla School Gym.