It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Morley Thomas Beverley Wiseman on April 16, 2025. Morley was born on May 5, 1945, in Bracebridge to Ambrose and Pearl Wiseman. He was a devoted big brother to Lee Ann and Paul. The family moved to Searchmont in 1957. Morley met his soulmate, Arlene Saxholm, on the school bus and they married in 1965. A career opportunity with Ontario Hydro led Morley and Arlene to move to Thunder Bay in 1967. Morley was a Stationary Engineer working as a Turbine Boiler Operator, later transitioning to a Planning Technician. He had an excellent work ethic and took pride in his career, where he also made lifelong friends. Morley was a man of many talents and interests. He was mechanically inclined, an excellent carpenter and a “MacGyver,” building, designing, and fixing anything for anyone. Morley was a proud Canadian, he volunteered with Search and Rescue, advocated for social and political causes, never shying away from a passionate conversation. He was a member of the legendary “Happy Gang,” sharing a friendship second to none.
Morley and Arlene shared a life rich with adventure and love. They created a strong and supportive home, raising their family with care and devotion. Morley loved hitching up the trailer and taking his girls to provincial parks where treasured memories were made with friends. In 1979, they purchased the family camp on Arrow Lake — Morley’s "Shangri-La" — where he designed solar, water, and septic systems that allowed the family to enjoy it in comfort. Dunrovin’ Castle will continue its open-door policy, welcoming all to embrace its rustic charm. Morley’s foremost devotion was to his family. He and Arlene had a partnership that endured both happy and challenging times for almost 60 years. They mentored positive skills for their children and grandchildren. His daughter Beverley held a special place in his heart and he did everything he could to make her feel comfortable. He had a special bond with his daughters and taught them skills such as woodworking, using tools, running his “systems” at camp and other endeavours. Morley was a proud Poppa and was present at the hockey and lacrosse rink, plays, recitals, brew fests, and graduations. He had a close relationship with his sons-in-law sharing advice, projects and scotch. Morley found great joy in cooking, known for his signature dishes. He was savvy with technology keeping all informed of news, weather and random info. He and Arlene travelled to Florida, Finland, Mexico, Cuba and Canadian wine tours. Morley had a warm and generous personality. He was a master of mischief, known for his shenanigans. He was the giver of top-shelf treats to the granddogs, looked forward to daily conversations with his friend Nick and embraced retirement life with Lee Ann and Paul. Morley’s life was made complete by having his family all living in Thunder Bay. Morley lived courageously with rheumatoid arthritis, always up to date on new treatments and advocating for his health and hoping for advancements for others with this disease. Morley embraced the simple joys of life, his family, and his camp with contentment and gratitude. He will be missed beyond words. His wisdom, humour, and steadfast love remain with us always and we take comfort in knowing he is guiding us from above.
Morley is survived by his wife Arlene, his children Sharon (Kraemer), Jennifer (Rob), his grandchildren Michaela (Matthew), Liam (Jordyn), Aidan (Douglas) and Britton, his sister Lee Ann (Grant) and his brother Paul, nieces and nephew, cousins, special friends and neighbours. Morley was predeceased by his daughter Beverley, his parents Ambrose and Pearl Wiseman, his in-laws Irja and Martti Saxholm and sister-in-law Valerie Tibbs.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Da Vinci Centre, Marco Polo Room, on Saturday, May 10th, at 12:00 p.m. Donations in Morley’s memory can be made to George Jeffrey Children's Centre or a charity of your choice.
“Say not in grief that he is no more, but in thankfulness he was.”
On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com
