Remembering Wade Gluyas: A Life Anchored in Kindness, Ingenuity, and Service

In this world, some people just seem to make everything work better, don't they? Wade Gluyas, for instance, was very much one of those rare souls—a man who, in truth, dedicated his life to fixing things, whether it was a leaky faucet, a challenging public works project, or perhaps even a friend's low spirits. He left us on May 23, 2023, at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy that's as sturdy and well-engineered as any project he ever oversaw.

Born right there in Anaheim, California, on January 17, 1953, Wade was, you could say, a true local. He came of age in Orange County, graduating from Anaheim High in 1971. Later, he sharpened his considerable skills at Cal State Long Beach, earning a degree in Industrial Arts. That, naturally, set the stage for a career defined by competence and an almost innate ability to build and maintain.

For an incredible stretch, Wade was a cornerstone of the City of Anaheim's Public Works department, rising through the ranks to become its manager. It was a demanding job, certainly, but one he tackled with unwavering dedication. And as if that wasn't enough, he also spent three decades working part-time at Disneyland as a Maintenance Engineer for the Monorail and Matterhorn. Think about that for a moment: managing city infrastructure by day, then ensuring the magic of Disney ran smoothly by night. What a blend of practical duty and pure, unadulterated fun, right?

But Wade wasn't just about work, oh no. His true passion, undoubtedly, lay with the open water. A devoted sailor, he eventually became the Commodore of the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club—a testament to his love for the sea and his natural leadership. He and his beloved wife, Lisa, shared 42 wonderful years of marriage, filled with adventure. They crisscrossed the country in their RV, experiencing the vast beauty of America, and explored distant shores on international trips. Family, too, was everything to Wade. He adored his two daughters, Amy and Alison, cherished his son-in-law, Chris, and absolutely doted on his grandchildren, Quinn and Will. He even shared a special bond with his sister, Gayle.

Wade, honestly, was the epitome of a 'Mr. Fix-it,' always ready with a tool, a solution, or a helpful hand. More than just his technical prowess, though, it was his character that truly stood out. He was kind, patient, generous, and possessed a humble spirit that drew people to him. His sense of humor, too, was always appreciated, making even the toughest situations a little lighter. Many colleagues and younger engineers benefited from his patient mentorship, a quiet legacy that continues to impact those he guided.

Wade's peaceful passing came after a brave battle with complications from ALS, a cruel disease that ultimately couldn't diminish the incredible spirit of a man who gave so much to others. While his family plans a private memorial, those wishing to honor his memory might consider a contribution to the UC Irvine ALS Clinic. It's a fitting tribute, we think, to a man who, in so many ways, dedicated his life to improving things, to making life a little bit better for everyone around him. And that, truly, is a life well-lived.