Legat Owen’s Wade passes away
Stephen Wade, a director at the Cheshire-based firm of chartered surveyors, has died at the age of 54.
Peter Johnston, director at Legat Owen, said in a statement: “It is with immense sadness that we confirm the sudden and unexpected death of our friend and colleague Stephen Wade who passed away this morning.
“Stephen has played a pivotal role in Legat Owen’s business for over 25 years and we are all devastated at his loss.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this tragic time and we ask that their privacy is respected while they come to terms with this terrible news.”
Wade, who would have turned 55 this week, joined Legat Owen in 1994 and worked for the firm for 26 years, based at its office in Chester.
Raised in Cheshire, he attended Sandbach School from 1977 to 1984. He was first team hockey captain for the school before moving to Nottingham Trent University, where he gained a BSc (Hons) in Urban Estate Surveying, graduating in 1988.
He had a background in agency but over the course of his career undertook a wide range of instructions. He was also a qualified expert witness and had appeared at several planning inquiries dealing with land supply and commercial viability issues.
Stephen was on the board of two North Wales Enterprise Zones, an experience he described as “fascinating to step out of a property-focused environment and consider the challenges that other board members are facing in industry, education and the public sector.”
Speaking about his work, Stephen said: “I am one of the fortunate ones…….I really enjoy my career and I am lucky enough to be working with some really great people at Legat Owen. I love the buzz of completing a deal or solving a complex real estate issue for a client.
“I am lucky to have a core of very loyal clients for whom I have had the pleasure of working for over the last 25 years at Legat Owen. Trust is hard won and easily lost and integrity is the key to the strength of those relationships.”
Stephen was popular throughout the property community, described as having the ability to mix friendship and work. When not at Legat Owen, Stephen loved nothing than more spending time with his family, his wife Jan and his children, Becky (25), Tom (28) and Lottie (23), as well as “the odd spot of shooting and round of golf with his friends”.
A very sad day.
By Morse
Very sad to hear this. Stephen was a great guy to deal with, knowledgeable and professional and of great character. Thoughts are with his family and colleagues.
By Phil Wilson
Absolutely shocked to read this, although our paths crossed rarely as a fellow Cheshire lad, It was always good to talk. Outside of work, his work for Grassroots Hockey and contribution towards the the delivery of the best community sports hub in the county, are a fine legacy. Taken far far too soon RIP.
By cheshire lad
Far too young
By Chris
Sad news. Professional, charming and determined. Stephen has supported the delivery of so much investment in Ellesmere Port and North Wales. My condolences to his colleagues and family.
By Chris Farrow
A good honest man in life and in business. Condolences to Stephen’s wife and children and his work colleagues at Legat Owen at this very sad time.
By Ian Reay
Sorry to hear this sad news, I met Steven in a negotiation a few years ago. A very knowledgeable and professional man. RIP Steven.
By Lorraine Horne
Shocked and saddened to learn of Stephen’s passing. Stephen has been our most trusted honest and professional property and letting advisor for the past twelve years. He was a larger than life character, humorous, very much a business man and always a pleasure to meet up with him business wise and socially. We will sorely miss him. My condolences to Stephen’s wife and children and all his colleague’s at Legat Owen.
By Basil Whitley Whitley Estates
Very sad loss at such a young age ‘ a true gentleman’
By Gregg Ashfield