David Blaine Wyland Sr.

David Blaine Wyland, Sr.

Bonita Springs, FL

11/6/56-8/31/16

Wiley, a Native of Southwest Florida and a very well-known personality, passed away August 31st at Joanne's Place of Hope Hospice in Bonita Springs. Though his passing was untimely for a man of his age, he was blessed with time to be able to say goodbye to friends and family, and settle his personal affairs.

Wiley was known, and is remembered, as a big man with a huge heart, and a giving spirit. He was even known by those who never met him as "The Biker" in Bruce L. Scheiner's T.V. and billboard advertisements, and as a subject and model for World-reknowned Photographer Lucky Cole at naturesexoticbeauty.com.

He was an avid boater, fisherman, biker, fire-arms enthusiast, an expert woodsman, and a lineman with Florida Power and Light for 34 years. He was also known as Santa Claus by the folks at Heritage Healthcare in Naples, and thousands of children throughout Southwest Florida as he looked forward each Christmas to sporting his red suit and filling young and old hearts with joy and wonder.

He attended New Hope Ministries of Naples, and was at Peace with his personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a Life Member of ABATE of Florida's Gator Alley Chapter, and a life member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

As Wiley pointed out in his last days, both of those memberships have expired. ; )

His wish was that there would be "No More Tears" upon his passing – that friends and family would "just have a party" and remember the good times. To that end, a Celebration of Life will be observed on Sunday, Sept 25th at the Quality Inn & Suites Poolside Tiki at 4100 Golden Gate Parkway beginning at 2:00. For those traveling from out of town, discounted room rates can be had by calling 239-455-1010, and mentioning "Wiley" when requesting a reservation.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to do so are encouraged to make a donation to Hope Hospice in Wiley's name.