Wade Barlow Hough

Wade Barlow Hough, 80, Born January 31, 1943, in Yonkers, New York to Raymond Hough Jr. and Elizabeth Matelis,died February 18, 2023, peacefully at home. Wade was received into the arms of his Lord and Savior after a 5 year battle with cancer.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife of 41 years, Bettie Ann Huff Hough, his brother Hank Hough and sister Betsy Blankenship, along with many Huff family and other Hough family who loved him dearly.

Wade worked in NYC for Stern Brothers and Kayser Roth Corporation until 1970. Wade served in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve as a field radio operator until 1970. Wade earned membership in the Operating Engineers #3 until a back injury in 1980. He loved the big iron and building roads as much as building boats and relationships.

In 1981, Wade and Bettie Ann began building their CCOF certified kiwi farm, Gaea’s Garden, on 7.25 acres of Palermo, California. Wade grew up sailing on Tampa Bay and found a talent in instructing new sailors.  He loved the sport and sailed many in his lifetime but the Thistle and Raven were his first choices for fun. Wade was a founding member of the Butte Sailing Club in 1987, the first secretary and newsletter editor which allowed him to dedicate himself to teaching and promoting the sport  in Northern California. Wade served his local sailing community by serving as NGO in the 1980s relicensing of Oroville Dam and reservoir by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to the California Department of Water Resources.

Diagnosed with cancer in 2017, following multiple surgeries, the farm was sold and the Houghs moved to Jacksonville, Florida to be closer to family ties, Houghs and Huffs.

Despite the odds on May 4, 2019, Wade and family accomplished one of Wade’s dreams, to sail in the Mug Race on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville.  It was a good year to satisfy his yearnings to return to sailing again in the free state of Florida.

In lieu of flowers, please support your local small boat sailing organizations, your local organic farms and plant trees in remembrance.  No service will be held.