Wade Piston was a Rotarian, a humanitarian, an epicurean and all around gentleman. He believed that each individual has the capability of making a lasting a difference in the world –no matter how big or small. Although not a physician, he spent a large part of his life organizing events and projects that would outreach to those in medical need, but without resources. He epitomized what service was to the international community of healthcare providers.

He knew that artificial boundaries separated those rich in resources from those who struggled for daily existence. And he knew that the foremost ingredient to effective and lasting change in medical care in developing regions or countries is knowledge and professional skill.

He loved to facilitate change – both through his personal contact and his untiring efforts to bring professionals who could enable local physicians and nurses to be an ongoing part of the process. He realized that what we have in developed countries could serve as a model for those countries without the valued resources so important to applying the skills necessary for good medical care. He felt that foreign physicians and surgeons, eager to learn, needed to have good professional role models who could demonstrate modern approaches to medical care backed up with a dependable resource of ongoing, current knowledge.

He knew that to capacity build, you had to promote independence. You had to teach them 'how to fish', so to speak. But you also had to give them the tools to do this. This he felt was the ultimate route to assuring the best for the majority.
He had a “soft spot” in his heart for children. He knew the value of the investment in assuring a healthy child. This, he felt, was a direct investment to assure a healthy future for the country.

Wade’s untimely death at the age of 49 is mourned by all who knew him. Much of his work in developing communities is being carried on with the spirit of Wade still a driving force. Wade loved Mongolia. His first trip to Ulaanbaator in July, 1997 opened his eyes to how simple life could still be. And the simplicity was not only that imposed by its Russian partner, but that which was part of the Mongolian way of life that took its rhythm from nature. He was impressed by the intellect of the Mongolian professionals – left in the past through geographic and political isolation, yet eager to learn.

It is proposed that a Pediatric Medical Reference Library be established in his memory at the Maternal and Child Health Research Center in Ulaanbaator, Mongolia. This library would provide up to date resources in pediatric medicine and surgery, using texts, primarily in English and complimented by a variety of state of the art teaching aids and information resources. These would include but not be limited to:
Subscriptions to key pediatric journals and select general medical journals.

* 2 computers connected via modem to DSL - Internet for literature searches, access to online journals and texts.
* A selection of key texts in pediatric medicine and surgery.
* A comfortable reading room with 4 study modules
* A carded entry security system
* A catalogue of audio and video teaching resources with appropriate playback equipment
* Connection to satellite AV to receive video conferences, telemedicine communications and similar teaching technologies

Needs Assessment Coordinator; Board Member, International Visitors Council of Los Angeles; Member, Mayor's Council of Sister Cities- Chairman, Medical
Advisory Committee; Chairman, Los Angeles County Consular Corps Invitational Sponsor Committee

Wade enjoyed the finer things in life- good food, wine, cigars, friendship and conversation no matter the political persuasion. He always had a smile and
quick wit.

He adored his twin boys Tyler and Matthew. He was excited on becoming a father and was beginning his discovery of integrating it into his life.

He was one of a kind who will be sorely missed. Surviving Wade is his wife of 15 years Claudia Piston along with twin sons Matthew and Tyler. He is survived by his mother Amy Piston and his mother in law, sisters and brother in law and their families.