Wade Hartwell
18 April, 1940 – 25 March, 2022
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Wade Hartwell after a stoic battle with cancer. He left this world as he lived, with love, laughter and encircled by Sharon’s love. Wade was larger than life, a big personality and an even bigger heart. He was eternally curious and young at heart. Wade was born in Rimbey, Alberta, eldest son of Hilldon and Clarice Hartwell. Wade will be greatly missed by his beloved, Sharon Madill, and his children Lance, Nattolie, and Troy (Kaylie) Hartwell, granddaughter Brynn, his greatest delight, and his nieces and nephews. Wade is survived by his sisters: LaVone Hartwell, Kory
(Les) Herron, Donalie (Ted) Murray, Marnie (Bruce) Ahtye, and Laurel Hartwell; and brothers, Don (Trisha) Hartwell and Rob (Victoria) Hartwell. He spent 45 years in the garden nursery business and was the founder of Golden Acre Garden Sentres in Calgary. During his years in business, Wade traveled extensively around the world sourcing plant material for the Calgary climate and cultivating friends at every stop. Wade served as a Cattle Baron for the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede for 35 years, supplying the beautiful greenery for the event. He was an active participant and board member of the Alberta and Canadian Nursery Trades Associations and for three decades, Wade co-hosted Let’s Talk Gardening on Calgary’s QR770 Radio. In association with the City of Calgary Parks, Wade created the BP Birthplace Forest where 50,000 trees were planted. He generously fostered the McInnis & Holloway Memorial forest, which continues to grow. Wade received an honorary degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Olds
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College and generously provided scholarships to the College. He was a member of the Calgary Private 100 and was a generous supporter and board member of The Calgary Children’s Foundation. His passion for the last decade was supporting the grade school in Nsongwe Village, Zambia. He built the classrooms and provided equipment for the school’s computer room and home economics classes, and he personally financed a meal for each child every day. He also continued to support many Nsongwe students through university, in addition to contributing to Nsongwe teachers’ salaries. Wade left a legacy of giving to which we can only aspire. Wade’s family would like to extend their great appreciation to the tireless staff in the palliative care unit at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. A celebration of Wade’s life was held July 5th, 2022 in Victoria, BC. There will be celebrations of Wade in Calgary at a later date. In lieu of flowers please plant a tree in Wade’s memory.
