Wade Michael Erban

Wade Michael Erban emerged onto this earth on April 14, 1991, at 4:43 a.m., full of energy and listening to Freebird. He was a handsome boy!

He was born in Upland, Calif., to Mike and Leah Erban. He moved to Washington state at 6 months of age in 1991 where he started school at Hunt Elementary School in Puyallup, Wash. In June 2001 he moved to Priest River, Idaho, graduating from Priest River Lamanna High School in June 2010. He had many good friends in Priest River and was active in soccer and drama.

He attended North Idaho College, getting his associate degree eventually. He attended EWU journalism program. He found his niche as a life skills instructor, working with severely autistic kids. He had a massive amount of patience. He had an infinite capacity for love, friendship, karaoke, dancing, fun, nerd games, free food and drink. He had little interest in spending money and obtaining things. He gave the best hugs.

Wade spent the best years of his life with Jordan Mapu. He proposed to Jordan on Halloween 2021, a well thought out event. She said “yes”!

He left this world on Aug. 17, 2022, leaving many bewildered, sad people behind. We hope to find comfort in the fact that he was enjoying his life up to the last moment.

He is survived by his fiancé, Jordan; his parents, Mike and Leah; his sister, Jenna; Grandma Iveigh; his aunts, uncles and cousins, who will miss him so much; a multitude of friends who loved him; and his Corgi, Murphy, and his cat Gary.

There will be a celebration of Wade's life on Saturday Sept. 3, in Spokane. Email travelinleah@gmail.com for time/location.