R. W. Wade was a devoted public servant who dedicated his life to the cause of livestock improvement. During his active career as director of the Ontario Livestock Branch, he initiated many policies, which had a profound influence on the quality and health of Ontario’s livestock.

Although his activities were, for the most part, limited to his native province, he was well known throughout Canada as a result of connections made while serving as secretary of the Canadian Sheep and Canadian Swine breeders’ associations.

For many years he managed the Ontario Provincial Winter Fair, which in the years prior to the “Royal,” was considered the outstanding winter show in Canada.