Frederick Edward Wiseman

January 29, 1917- January 12, 2017 

Fred was born January 29th, 1917 in London, England and passed away on January 12th, 2017 in Solvang, CA, just shy of his 100th birthday.

 

He married his childhood sweetheart, Doris (Doll) Stephenson, in March 1936, in London.

 

He was a man who made things happen and worked tirelessly until he achieved his goals.

 

He had energy enough for three people and  had the foresight to be aware of his surroundings and circumstances. He was a very generous man and did not question if some one needed help.

 

His handicap of being deaf from a childhood illness, never swayed him, he never complained nor let it restrict him in any way.

 

He was a cabinet maker by trade and created many wonderful furniture pieces, including Antique Reproductions and Restorations. He also worked on the Alter at the Santa Barbara Mission.

 

1947, after World War II, he took the family to the British colony of Southern Rhodesia where he and his wife Doris raised their three children, daughters Doreen (Newsam), Win (Oakley) and son Gary Wiseman

 

He helped build the housing rush that was caused by the influx of people escaping war torn England.

 

His favorite pastime was to explore the African Savannah and to play football (soccer). He played left wing and used to run at lightning speed down the field. His soccer skills led him to coaching younger players in the sport. He also loved to play the piano and could play without sheet music. He played at many parties and gatherings.

 

In 1962 he took his wife, Doris, and their son Gary, to California. They arrived in New York where he went to a car dealer, bought a car and set out for California. Despite the economy being in recession, he was fortunate to find a job soon after arriving in Santa  Barbara. He worked hard at his profession and explored the wonders of California and visiting Las Vegas. In 1974 Fred and Doris returned to Rhodesia, where he subsequently began teaching High School Wood-Working. Two years later, in 1976 they returned to Santa Barbara with their newly-wed son and his wife, whom they sponsored. He also worked hard at sponsoring his two daughters and their families to immigrate to California. Fred owned his own business, Wiseman Cabinets and later, he continued teaching wood-working at Cate school in Carpenteria, at the end of the year the class was eliminated due to budget and he stayed on working and building cabinets for the school.

 

He leaves behind his three children and their spouses, six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, all of whom will sorely miss him. We thank him and are grateful we were part of his life.

 

The family would like to thank the care and loving staff at Atterdag Care Center, the Loper Family Funeral Services, Hospice Care and all the people from Meals on Wheels who came to know Fred.