Wise, Bill Obituary

Wise, Bill was faculty at Elk Grove High School in Elk Grove, CA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Wise, Bill.

School Role	Faculty
Date of Passing	Apr 15, 2015
About	Bill passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 15 after a 15-year battle with Alzheimer's. He was born June 24, 1932, to George and Ruby Wise (deceased). He was predeceased by sisters Harriet and Suzanne, and brother John. Bill was a man of many talents. In high school he was an athlete who served as student body president. When he was drafted into the army during the Korean conflict, his musical talents kept him stateside, performing in the Sixth Army Band at the Presidio in San Francisco. He earned his Bachelors degree at San Francisco State while working as a muni bus driver. Friends always enjoyed his dry sense of humor, his love of puns. Bill started his teaching career at Elk Grove High School teaching English before moving to the San Juan Unified School District as English Department Chair at Encina High School. He taught there for many years, earning his MA from USF and his administrative credential. He then served at Loma Vista Continuation High School and El Camino High School as an administrator. He retired in 1992. While teaching, Bill continued his musical career, playing clarinet and saxophone with Milton Dick and His Orchestra. He also performed with the Camellia City Hot Six, participating in many Jazz Jubilees. In addition, he formed a student jazz band, the Bell Street Housewreckers. During the late 60's, Bill served as president of the California Association of Teachers of English and earned his license as a private pilot. He also built a vacation home in Soda Springs and served as president of the Homeowners Association at The Bluffs 1995-96. In retirement, Bill enjoyed bicycling, world travel, and golf, joined Orangevale Rotary where he was a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow, and served on the board of the Friends of the Orangevale Library from 2003-2014. He leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Jane, son Bill Wise Jr., daughter Cheryl (Wise) Czech, and son Mark Veglia, brother George, sister Celia, former wife Eileen Hess, and grandchildren Sean and Neal Wise. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Orangevale Rotary Charitable Fund, PO Box 33, Orangevale, CA 95662, or to the Friends of the Orangevale Library, 8820 Greenback Lane, Suite L, Orangevale, CA 95662. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Bill's life Sunday, May 3, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Rotary House, 7150 Baldwin Dam Rd, Folsom, CA 95630. - Information from the Sacramento Bee