Saint John, New Brunswick
With sadness, yet gratitude for a full life, we announce the peaceful passing of our dear father, William Joseph (Bill) Wiseman on July 8, 2025.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary (MacIntrye) Wiseman; brothers John “Bob”, James, Gregory and Daniel; as well as his sister Elizabeth Doucette.
Born on September 28, 1937 in Glace Bay, NS, Bill’s early years were shaped while growing up in a family of nine children. From a young age, Bill was a caring and supportive son/sibling, who would be first to wake up, light the wood stove, and prepare warm oatmeal for the family. Throughout his 87 years, his selfless support and sacrifice for family, friends, and those in need were central to his character. Also core to Bill was an unfailing positivity towards life regardless of challenges, often expressed through his sense of humor and guided by faith.
Bill graduated with a BA (Mathematics) from St. F. X. University in 1958 and an MA (Mathematics) from Boston College in 1966.
As a professor of Mathematics, Bill’s teaching career locations included Saint John High School, the Sydney Campus of St. Francis Xavier University later the University College of Cape Breton (now Cape Breton University). He had a passion for teaching and was always happy to help students with math or other academic challenges, especially for those who had no one to advocate for them.
Sports and volunteerism were prominent in Bill’s life. He was a winner of the St. F. X. Larkin trophy, three Maritime Hockey championships, was a loyal Maple Leafs fan and enjoyed the Saturday night ritual of Hockey Night in Canada.
He served with leadership and integrity on the St. F. X. Board of Governors, St. Rita’s Hospital Board of Directors (Sydney), Dean of Arts and Science (UCCB), the Sydney School Board, numerous parish councils, and other community and academic roles. Bill’s desire to serve and help others was innate. He did so without seeking or wanting recognition.
Bill will be remembered for his kindness, as a man of deep faith, and for his giving nature. These qualities were reflected through his hobbies of woodworking, gardening, tutoring, and blueberry picking. He shared countless litres of blueberries, woodworking gifts, and generously gave his time whether tutoring students, doing home repairs, or playing cribbage with seniors. In his later years this turned to the grace of receiving as Bill deeply appreciated the support and benevolence of family, many friends, neighbours, clergy, and health care professionals.
Along with Margaret, his loving wife of 60 years, he is survived by his children, Mary Ann (Michael), Paul (Aya), and Maureen; grandchildren, Matthew, Amanda, Marc, Grace, Audrey, and Nicholas; his sisters, Gertrude Nutter, Joan Gillis, and June Thomas; as well as special friends, cousins, nieces and nephews.
We will miss Bill’s kindness, wit, guidance, compassion, and grace, yet will continue to remember and follow his example of giving.
Arrangements were entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home 230 Westmorland Rd, (506-646-2424) and private services with a mass of Christian burial were held. For those who wish to give a memorial donation, please consider the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Horizon Hope Wellness Centre Saint John, the Saint John Cathedral Restoration Fund, or charity of one’s choice.
Online Condolences
My deepest condolences to the family and extended family of Bill. As a young student, I had Prof. Wiseman at “little X” in Sydney; just a loving, caring man who helped me with Trig…. God rest his generous soul. My assurance of prayer for all, D. S. Mary Shaw, ASC, Springfield, Illinois, formerly of Glace Bay
From: S. Mary Shaw
Remembering Bill as a good friend and amazing
colleague during our hockey days at St. F. X. Truly
a wonderful and outstanding individual who touched
the lives of so many for the better.
My sympathy and Condolence to all family members.
Prayers and Blessings.
From: Fr. Bernie Mac Adam
To Professor Wiseman’s family and loved one’s. This lovely person helped me a great deal when I decided to attend UCCB as a mature student. He and Dr Manley gave me great advice and instruction and I was able to complete a degree and continue into the medical field. I have always said I owe the faculty and staff at UCCB for the confidence and care shown for my time spent there.
Professor Wiseman was very approachable and never tired from questions. Thank you for your guidance, sir. A great example of a leader.
Thank you Sandi for your kind words. We appreciate you taking the time to tell us how Dad helped you. We know that he received joy in doing this, which he considered an integral part of teaching.
Warm regards, Mary Ann
Dear Margie, Mary Ann, Maureen and Paul: So very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was truly a wonderful, kind and compassionate person. Hold all your wonderful memories close in your hearts. May he Rest In Peace.. Sincerely Susan.
Sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. He was a wonderful man. He used to come over to my shop with it have a project in mind most of the time it pertain to Saint Anthony Daniel church a podium take a bench Apart reconstructed to some good use, he helped my young fellow with his mathematics as well like condolences to you all Robert Jones
Sorry to hear this. Bill was my favorite prof when I was a freshman engineering student at Xavier College. He was also my all time favorite college professor. He was fresh out of Boston College and taught me Calculus and really made me strong in that subject in my later studies.
I saw him at the CBRH in the ER, in 1997, when my daughter and Bill were receiving treatment at same time. We enjoyed seeing Bill.
RIP and condolences to the family.
Sincerely,
Jim Tompkins
Athens, Ohio, USA
Dear Jim, Thank you for your kind words and shared memories of Dad at Xavier College. He loved teaching Math and Calculus and it is nice to hear that he positively impacted students. Best wishes, Paul
Wiseman family,
We are very sorry for your loss.
Bert and Maurina Lewis
Thank you for thinking of us.
Maureen
Margaret, Mary Ann, Paul & Maureen:
Sincere condolences on the loss of your much-loved and highly-respected husband/father. I first met Bill in September, 1967. He taught me Calculus at what was then called “Xavier Junior College.” Taking my degree in Math, I had several other Math profs. However, none of them were of the caliber of Bill. He was not only an excellent teacher, he was always genuinely nice & caring. My next encounter with Bill was as a teacher; I had the privilege of teaching Mary Ann, Paul & Maureen at Sheriff Jr. High. Not surprisingly, they were lovely & great students. Years later, when our daughter was studying in Fredericton, I was talking to Bill & he mentioned he was going to Fredericton; he dropped off a care package to her for us. That was so typical of Bill, always ready to do a kind act. Cherish your many wonderful memories; I’m sure you have many.
Marie Doyle Oake
Dear Marie, Thank you for sharing your kind words and memories of our father as a teacher and as a person. This means a lot to us. Best wishes, Paul
We were very saddened to learn of Bill’s passing and remember him fondly as one of the group of professors whose office was in the same block as our dad’s at the former UCCB. Bill always had a smile for us and was patient when we would come to visit and draw pictures on graph paper.
With our deep sympathy
Family of the late J.J. MacNeil
Sydney, Nova Scotia
Melissa, Thank you for your expression of sympathy and remembrance of our fathers. These are such fond memories.
Sincerely, Mary Ann
So very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Marg, I still have the card you sent me when my husband Lawrence Passed in 2010. You both were so kind to me when we met through St. Anthony Daniel parish. Will remember Bill with fond memories. Love & prayers to you all.
Dear Joan,
Our mother remembers you and Lawerence well. Thank you for your kind message.
Sincerely, Mary Ann
It was with a heavy heart that I learned of Bill’s passing. I will always remember him as a good friend, generous of support and positivity. I will also hold dear those happy memories at the La Vert ‘gatherings…full of good conversation and fine food amongst warm and friendly company. Accept my deepest sympathy to you Marg and your family Bill rest in peace…
Thank you Bruna for your kind words. The LeVert’s also provided a kids version of those “gatherings fulll of great food and friends”. Special memories to cherish.
Warm regards, Mary Ann
Wiseman Family:
I was saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Bill for many years at CBU. He was an awesome person who enriched the lives of countless students. He had great integrity and made significant contributions to the growth and success of CBU. Please accept my sincerest condolences. May Bill RIP. 🙏
Nancy MacNeil
Thank you Nancy for your message and sharing of fond memories.
With gratitude, we remember the outstanding collegiality between the professors and staff at CBU.
Sincerely, Mary Ann
Dear Margie
I thought of you both over the years, especially at blueberry time. Bill would always have blueberries for me. He was a beautiful kind soul. I also enjoyed the many meals you both shared with me. I know you will miss him so much.
May God bless you and your family and comfort you at this time. 🤗🥰
Dear Beatrice,
Thank you for posting your kind words. Blueberry season will not be the same but will always be a good memory of our time with dad.
Maureen
Our condolences to the Wiseman family on the death of Bill. My 98 year old father, Fabian McDougall is Bill’s first cousin as their mothers Mary and Sarah (Sadie) were sisters. My Dad had great respect for Bill and is sorry for his loss. Thank you Joan for letting us know.
Dear Pat,
Thank you for reaching out. I remember great aunt Sadie always making mittens for us at Christmas. All the best to your father.
Maureen
I was honoured to be hired by Bill Wiseman at UCCB, to encourage the students Bill had mentored including the challenge of teaching his children. Margaret was very understanding and gracious with our preoccupation of trees and blueberries. Bill was my mentor as well and his leadership led to my following him as Dean. Bill Wiseman was unequalled in his role as Dean bringing UCCB to a degree granting university.
Dear Dr. Manley, Thank you for your kind words about our father. He was really pleased to have you join UCCB and doubly pleased to have your expert advice and nurturing input on the plants and trees on our property in Sydney (a passion you shared). We appreciate hearing this during our time of loss. Sincerely, Paul.
My sincere condolences to Bill’s family. I considered him a mentor during my time at Xavier College and while coaching at CBU. Bill was a solid, dependable man who offered wise advice to young people like me, trying to find our way through university. Naturally, we connected over our shared love of sports.
Rest in peace, Billy.
Lowell Cormier
Dear Lowell,
Thank you for your kind thoughts at this time. I know Dad l loved helping teach and guide students. His love of sports was lifelong. We appreciate your condolences during this time.
Sincerely,
Paul.
Remembering Bill as a good friend and amazing colleague
during our hockey days at St. F. X. Truly a wonderful and
outstanding individual who touched so many lives and made
such a contribution in so many ways for the betterment of all,
My sympathy and condolence to all the family.
Prayers and blessings.
Fr. Bernie Mac Adam
Dear Father MacAdam,
Thank you for your lovely words. It is comforting to hear about the many ways dad helped others.
Maureen
I recently retired from the Pulp & Paper industry in Saint John, NB. In 1981, I met with Bill at UCCB to request some information on Science and Engineering options there to assist me with my decision on which program to enroll in there. As a result, I decided on Engineering (UCCB and TUNS – Chem Eng) and had a very rewarding career in that field so I owe a debt of gratitude to Bill for his encouragement and enthusiasm. I was in a couple of his Calculus courses and UCCB and don’t hesitate to say they were hard and tough to pass however he was an excellent teacher and very engaging to his students. I won’t forget him!
Thank you Greg for sharing these memories with us. Dad certainly had a passion for teaching and guiding students. I am happy to hear that he had a part in leading to your rewarding career. Take care.
Sincerely, Mary Ann