Malcolm G. Dade Jr., top aide to Coleman A. Young, dies at 88

Bisma Parvez | Detroit Free Press

Malcolm G. Dade Jr was many things: a native Detroiter, a political adviser, a public servant, a veteran and a man of faith. Most importantly, he was a loving husband and father.

Dade, 88, died Dec. 18 of heart disease at a hospice facility in Detroit.

He left behind a robust political, civic and social legacy.

"I worked with Malcolm for 20 years. He was extremely helpful to my election as governor and after that. He knew everybody. He was a good adviser to Mayor (Coleman A.) Young and certainly to me," said former Michigan Gov. James Blanchard. "He was a doer and a Democrat's Democrat. I was fortunate to be here in town for the service ... and pay my tribute to a wonderful person."

Dade advocated strongly for African-American civic and political engagement. He was a founding member of the Coleman A. Young Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a mission to develop leadership among Detroit youth through college scholarships, mentoring and resources that support personal growth and development.

"Malcolm Dade was my mentor, my friend. He started me out as a 24-year-old lawyer and was responsible for the next seven jobs I had. He was a major influence in my life which resulted in me being appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court by Gov. Blanchard," said Conrad L. Mallett Jr., the first African American to serve as chief justice

Along with his wife, Kitty Wallingford, Dade launched the Dade Foundation with a commitment to educate and prepare the next generation by giving small grants to organizations making a difference.

More: Dan Gilbert spotted at Detroit's Menorah in the D ceremony

More: Oakland County agencies take in families after shelter closure

Born May 7, 1931, in New Bedford, Mass., he was the only son of the late Rev. Canon Malcolm G. Dade Sr. of St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church in Detroit, and Esther Meyers. He arrived in Detroit in 1936 with his parents.

"Malcolm was the oldest and therefore he was the head of the family, after my father's passing. He lived a very good life ... Service is something that is in the family. He will be sorely missed," his sister, Julie Dade-Howard said.

Dade served as a staff sergeant with the U.S. Air Force and following an honorable discharge, he graduated from Wayne State University.

In 1973, he joined Young’s cabinet as executive assistant to the mayor. During his tenure at the city, he twice served as a senior staff member on Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaigns.

As vice president of community and government affairs at Detroit Edison, Dade served the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan. In 1983, he was appointed to the Michigan State University Board of Trustees by Blanchard and was chairman from 1987-91.

After a move to South Carolina, Dade returned to Detroit with his wife in March 2019 to reconnect with family, friends and the city.

In a statement, Dade's family said they "will remember him for having a thirst for life, adventure, knowledge and the exploration of the unknown. He did his very best to walk in faith, do some good, have some fun and pay it forward. No one thing defined him because he loved everything life had to offer and because of him, many lives are better, richer and more interesting."

Dade is survived by his wife of 58 years, Kitty, his children Sharon, Malcolm III and Karen, granddaughters Rayone and Ashley, brother Duwain, sisters Margaret and Julie, and a host of family and friends.

"It is a blessing and nod to the importance of family and community to Malcolm that he chose to make his transition where his life had the greatest impact," Dade's family said.

More: Interlochen Arts Camp offers record-breaking number of scholarships for Detroit kids

More: These metro Detroit restaurants are open on Christmas Day

Contact Bisma Parvez at 313-222-6420 or bparvez@gannett.com Follow her on Twitter @bismapar