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NATHAN ELLIOT WISEMAN
Born: Dec 16, 1944
Date of Passing: Dec 13, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryNATHAN ELLIOT WISEMAN
Nathan, our beloved husband, Dad, and Zaida, died unexpectedly on December 13, 2023. Nathan was born on December 16, 1944, in Winnipeg, MB, the eldest of Sam and Cissie Wiseman’s three children.
He is survived by his loving wife Eva; children, Sam (Natalie) and Marni (Shane); grandchildren, Jacob, Jonah, Molly, Isabel, Nicole, and Poppy; brother David (Sherrill); sister Barbara (Ron); sister-in-law Agi (Sam) and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Nathan grew up in the North End of Winnipeg surrounded by his loving family. He received his MD from the University of Manitoba in 1968, subsequently completed his General Surgery residency at the University of Manitoba and went on to complete a fellowship in Paediatric Surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital of Harvard University. His surgeon teachers and mentors were world renowned experts in the specialty, and even included a Nobel prize winner.
His practice of Paediatric Surgery at Children’s Hospital of Winnipeg spanned almost half a century. He loved his profession and helping patients, even decades later often recounting details about the many kiddies on whom he had operated. Patients and their family members would commonly approach him on the street and say, “Remember me Dr. Wiseman?”. And he did! His true joy was caring for his patients with compassion, patience, unwavering commitment, and excellence. He was a gifted surgeon and leaves a profound legacy. He had no intention of ever fully retiring and operated until his very last day. He felt privileged to have the opportunity to mentor, support and work with colleagues, trainees, nurses, and others health care workers that enriched his day-to-day life and brought him much happiness and fulfillment. He was recognized with many awards and honours throughout his career including serving as Chief of Surgery of Children’s Hospital of Winnipeg, President of the Canadian Association of Pediatric Surgeons, and as a Governor of the American College of Surgeons. Most importantly of all he helped and saved the lives of thousands and thousands of Manitoba children. His impact on the generations of children he cared for, and their families, is truly immeasurable.
Nathan’s passion for golf was ignited during his childhood summers spent at the Winnipeg Beach Golf Course. Southwood Golf and Country Club has been his second home since 1980. His game was excellent and even in his last year he shot under his age twice! He played an honest “play as it lies” game. His golf buddies were true friends and provided him much happiness both on and off the course for over 40 years. However, his passion for golf extended well beyond the 18th hole. He immersed himself in all aspects of the golf including collecting golf books, antiques, and memorabilia. He was a true scholar of the game, reading golf literature, writing golf poetry, and even rebuilding and repairing antique golf clubs. Unquestionably, his knowledge and passion for the game was limitless.
Nathan approached his many woodworking and workshop projects with zeal and creativity, and he always had many on the go. During the winter he was an avid curler, and in recent years he also enjoyed the study of Yiddish. Nathan never wasted any time and lived his life to the fullest.
Above all, Nathan was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, father-in-law, son-in-law, uncle, brother, brother-in-law, cousin, and granduncle. He loved his family and lived for them, and this love was reciprocated. He met his wife Eva when he was a 20-year-old medical student, and she was 18 years old. They were happily married for 56 years. They loved each other deeply and limitlessly and were proud of each other’s accomplishments. He loved the life and the family they created together. Nathan was truly the family patriarch, an inspiration and a mentor to his children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and many others. He shared his passion for surgery and collecting with his son and was very proud to join his daughter’s medical practice (he loved Thursdays). His six grandchildren were his pride and joy and the center of his world.
Throughout his life Nathan lived up to the credo “May his memory be a blessing.” His life was a blessing for the countless newborns, infants, toddlers, children, and teenagers who he cared for, for his colleagues, for his friends and especially for his family. We love him so much and there are no words to describe how much he will be missed.
A graveside funeral was held at the Shaarey Zedek cemetery on December 15, 2023. Pallbearers were his loving grandchildren. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Rabbi Yosef Benarroch of Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Congregation.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, in the name of Dr. Nathan Wiseman.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 23, 2023, Dec 23, 2023
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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I own a used toy store and for over a decade was privileged to help Dr. Nate add to his Golf Collection. He also loved to find treasures for his son Sam’s collection. He was definitely more than just a customer…. He was a kind, caring, and generous man and his passion for his work, his family, and Golf were always evident. I expect his passing has left a huge void in the lives of his family. There is a humorous story behind the wind chimes that sound when you enter my store…. Every time I hear them I will think fondly of Dr. Nate… - Posted by: Terri Settle (Enabler) on: Feb 07, 2024
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Eva, Marni and Sam, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Nathan and I worked together for 30 years, until I retired 22 years ago. He was always fantastic with the kids and their parents. He treated parents with respect and always took the time to explain what he was going to do and made sure they understood and were on board with his plans for their child. I know how dedicated he was to his patients and how surgically talented he was. We also had a good working relationship {most often!} I have been living away from Winnipeg for many years so have not seen Nathan recently. He did speak at my retirement and gave a very funny review of my career. He was always a good speaker. I enjoyed our working relationship and could always count on him to be there if I was worried about one of his kids. I know he was very proud of your writing abilities, Eva, and very proud of Sam and Marni's careers. One of my staff made the Kraemer button for him as there was a resemblance. He just laughed and pinned it on his lab coat and wore it there. We all loved Nathan on our ward. - Posted by: Valerie Blank [Hobday] (friend and co-worker on CK3) on: Jan 19, 2024
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We are saddened by this news. (My Wife just found this posting) We are truly Thankful for the tremendous gift God has given this Man to serve people and be a blessing these days. Our Daughter was a patient of his and he was a joy to be together with. His care and concern for her over many years gave her comfort and hope for what laid ahead in her recover and life's situation. She today has gone into the health profession to be able to serve and help others which I believe also came from his example. Wishing you much comfort during these last few weeks and many great memories for a Great Doctor. Regards Toby and Myrna Woerlen - Posted by: Toby Woerlen (Patient Parent ) on: Jan 10, 2024
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Marnie and Family I am very sorry for your loss. Your Dad was one of the special people, a great teacher and colleague. Although our professional encounters were limited, we did share clinical space at St Boniface General Hospital. He was a genuine person who would share his knowledge, clinical abilities and friendship. He will always be remembered! - Posted by: Robert Lotocki (Colleague) on: Dec 26, 2023
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Dr. Wiseman was always a delight to work with. He inspired hope for the patients. And was there for them! To the staff he showed respect and appreciation for their work. So very sorry to hear of his passing. Sincere condolences to the family. - Posted by: Bonnie Nay (Nurse in Fetal Assessment) on: Dec 24, 2023
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I was very sad to learn of Dr. Wiseman’s passing. I worked in paging at HSC and knew Dr. Wiseman. His daughter Marni used to stop by the paging office on long nights when on call for tea. Later in my career, I typed Dr. Wiseman’s letters. On a personal note, my friends daughters little girl was born with gastroschesis and Dr. Wiseman fixed her with a series of surgeries as she grew. He was an amazing man. My condolences to Eva, Sam and Marni. My life is richer for having known him. - Posted by: Judi McFarland (Friend ) on: Dec 24, 2023
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Dr. Wiseman not only performed extraordinary surgery on my son, he was gentle and loving when visiting his patient. I have very strong memories of his skill but mostly his love for my little boy. I will always hold him in highest regard. RIP Dr. Wiseman, the very finest of humans. - Posted by: Wayne Selby (Admirer) on: Dec 23, 2023
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Nathan will be greatly missed by us. He taught both of us with his limitless gentle patience and after we were no longer his students continued to take interest in our lives and our children's lives, typical of his genuine caring attitude. A colleague once remarked how such a big guy (with such big hands) could operate on such tiny babies. It was am amazing thing to see and a privileged to have been under his tutelage in the OR. Thank you Nathan for everything. You did so much for all of us that were your padawans. You are true Obiwan in the pediatric surgical world. - Posted by: Rod Onotera & Shelagh Mackenzie (friend colleague mentor professor) on: Dec 23, 2023
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Dr. Wiseman, Rest in The Arms of our Lord. You were a great friend at SBGH and you also saved my sons life. I am very grateful and thankful for that. You will be missed but now may you spend many golf days in Heaven. - Posted by: Renate Gardy (St. Boniface Hospital = friend) on: Dec 23, 2023
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We were shocked to hear of the sudden passing of your beloved, father and Zaida. Our heartfelt condolences to Marni, Shane, Jonah, Molly, Poppy, and to all to of the Wiseman family on the untimely passing. of a man who made such an impact on his family, professional and society. May you find comfort, knowing that others share in your sorrow as you hold onto your treasured memories. Nathan’s legacy of love and service lives on. He was /is a blessing!’ we are sending lots of love to all❣️ - Posted by: Ken and LInda Boughton (Friends) on: Dec 23, 2023
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The first time I met Dr. Wiseman as a nursing student in the OR. I remember thinking, how is he able to do such delicate work with those big hands! Over the years I saw him care for our small patients with such care, compassion and skill. Parents and children loved him, as did the staff. He operated on my child and I knew, without a doubt, she had the best! My condolences to his family. May his memory be eternal. - Posted by: Barb Swaine (NICU nurse at Hsc) on: Dec 23, 2023
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We extend our condolences to the family of Dr. Nathan Wiseman. He was as wonderful as indicated in the write-up. We met Dr. Wiseman in 1987 when our daughter had a ganglia-neuroma in her neck (the size of grapefruit). Dr. Wiseman was the doctor who did her surgery. We are forever grateful for the successful surgery performed. Our daughter is now 41 and has 3 lovely daughters of her own. Our family is blessed. Again our sincere condolences to the family. Thankful parents, Claude and Irene Martin - Posted by: Claude and Irene Martin (friend) on: Dec 23, 2023
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Thank you to Dr. Wiseman for looking after our daughter’s bowel obstruction when she was born. He was highly recommended to me through a pediatric nurse friend that worked with him and her words were: ”DO NOT LET ANYONE BUT DR WISEMAN TOUCH HER“! And so we did. I cannot express the gratitude and privilege I felt for having him do our newborn’s surgery 33 years ago!! I could not have asked for a better Dr to look after her. I was very saddened to hear of his sudden passing. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. He was definitely a special person in so many people’s lives. May it help to ease your pain knowing he was loved and respected by so many ❤️❤️ RIP Dr. Wiseman. - Posted by: Sharon (Patient ) on: Dec 23, 2023
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Dr. Marnie, Shane, Jonah, Molly and Poppy, I am so very sorry for your loss. My sincerest condolances to each of you and to your mother Eva. - Posted by: Tammie Lang (Former receptionist at Dr Karen's dental practice) on: Dec 23, 2023