Utah-Idaho Baptists grieve the loss of a dear friend, but celebrate his homegoing
By UI Connections Staff
Draper, UT – In the early morning hours of September 25, 2024, Norman Wade Gayler passed from his earthly body to the loving arms of his Daddy. When the convention staff would gather for prayer, it was always a joy to hear Wade refer to God as his Daddy. This will forever be a special memory shared by the UISBC Convention staff as we mourn the passing of a wonderfully imperfect servant that lived every day in complete gratitude for the redemption he found in Jesus Christ.
Arrangements for remembering the life of Wade are organized through Memorial Redwood Mortuary at 6500 South Redwood Road. Public Viewing will be at 6:00 PM on October 18, 2024. Funeral will be held on the 19th with 1:00 PM viewing, 2:00 PM services, and 3:30 PM interment.
UISBC Executive Director, Rob Lee shared a personal connection with Wade beyond his role on state staff. “Wade was always a servant who would help anyone in need, especially someone impacted by a natural disaster. He understood what it meant to be in need, which motivated him to help others. He was saved while in Texas, serving time for a drug addiction that led to his arrest.” Rob shared with UI Connections.
Wade used his talents to glorify Jesus with his carpentry skills. He loved Disaster Relief Ministries. He served faithfully as a volunteer who became the Salt Lake Baptist Association Disaster Relief director before being tapped to be the State Disaster Relief Director for the Utah-Idaho Southern Baptist Convention from June 2005 to September 2011.
The North American Mission Board asked him to assist in many callouts on national and international disasters, including Haiti after the devastating earthquake killed over a quarter of a million people. Wade was instrumental in leading the Disaster Relief leadership from the partner associations in organizing disaster relief ministries to be prepared for any callouts.
Rob stated, “The greatest honor I had for Wade was being able to petition the Utah State Probation Board to clear his record because of all the good he was doing in sharing and living the gospel through his ministry and life. The board approved the request on Wade’s behalf.”
At the time of Wade’s passing, his medical bills were mounting, and the family appreciates any financial help they can get through a GoFundMe account created in Wade’s name. Please assist the family any way you feel led, or just login to the page to read the special tribute to Wade written by his son, Norman “Junior” Gayler.
Please keep the Gayler family in your prayers. Wade is no longer in pain and he is smiling a bigger smile than he ever had this side of heaven. He is with his Daddy living the dream and spending every day in paradise for all of eternity.
