Leland Wade Svicarovich

Leland Wade Svicarovich, 81, of Santa Ana, CA, passed away at his home on May 5th, 2026, surrounded by his family.

He was born on October 4th, 1944, in Long Beach, CA to Vido and Hazle Svicarovich.

From a young age, Wade had a strong work ethic. His first job was delivering newspapers in the third grade. He attended Wilson High School and Long Beach City College before being drafted into the U.S. Army. He received numerous medals for his service in the Vietnam War including the Bronze Star; he then went to U.S. Army Officer Candidate School before rising to rank of captain. He was a proud member of the All-Army softball team.

He married Karen Ann Maki on November 22, 1969.

After his military service, Wade became a stockbroker for Merrill Lynch. After several years there, he went on to have a successful career in the home textiles industry. He was a Division Vice President at Springs Industries for many years. Wade was a natural leader with an entrepreneurial spirit and his dream was to be a business owner. In his late forties, he acquired Kimlor Mills, a home textile manufacturing business located in South Carolina. He was CEO of Kimlor Mills for 27 years before retiring.

Wade was a legendary figure, beloved by his family and friends. He was generally easy going, with a hot temper at times. He was easy to be around with a generous spirit. He always had time for his family and his closest friends.

Many will remember Wade for his skills in the kitchen. He was an excellent home chef with specialties such as fajitas, barbecue ribs, and beef stroganoff. In his later years, he started putting up jam with berries he picked from bushes in South Carolina. His jam was, of course, delicious. A steak and wine enthusiast, Wade was known for hosting excellent gatherings and terrific storytelling.

He had numerous interests including golfing, hunting, deep sea fishing with friends, and visiting any casino within a reasonable driving distance. He was a lover of card games; he particularly loved gin and bridge with friends and poker and blackjack at casinos. He taught all of his children how to play blackjack well before they were twenty-one years old. Wade was fond of his yard; he could often be found watering the patio in California or blowing the leaves in South Carolina. He enjoyed watching—and rewatching—old war movies, most action movies, Top Gun and anything John Wayne or James Bond. He usually smelled like Old Spice.

Wade will be deeply missed.

Wade is survived by Karen, his wife of 56 years, son Leland Matthew (Taryn) Svicarovich, daughter Amy Leann (John) Douglas, son Jeffrey Wade Svicarovich, and six grandchildren: Jack, Quinn, Luke and Erin Douglas (Amy), Diana and Wade Svicarovich (Matthew).

Wade was predeceased by his older brother, Vido Harvey Svicarovich.

A memorial service was held at Saddleback Chapel on Saturday, June 13th at 11am.