Fergus storyteller's own life was quite a tale

The life story of local writer Raymond Wiseman has many different chapters, according to his family.

A former radio/television technician, pastor and missionary worker, Raymond's career reflects his many interests which led him and his family across Canada and South Africa.

"He was never really stuck in a rut with his career or his goals, because he was always making new ones and starting new things," said Alan Wiseman, one of Raymond's sons. 

It wasn't until 1993 when Raymond retired early from Rogers and spent the rest of his life writing. He wrote regular columns in the Guelph Mercury and Wellington Advertiser and published multiple books and technical manuals. Besides writing, Raymond provided mentorship to other young writers.

On Oct. 9, Raymond passed away in his sleep at the age of 89. He is predeceased by his wife and siblings, Harry Wiseman and Shirley (Wiseman) Wood.

Alan said his father and mother, Anna Wiseman, moved to Guelph between the late '80s and early '90s from Mississauga before settling in Fergus. Joining a new church and connecting with local writers, both laid down roots within the community.

"It was surprising at the end of his life, at the end of my parents' lives, to meet all these people, that we had perhaps heard things about, but had never met," Alan said about the people who had reached out to offer condolences.

"I just got accepted by a publishing company this month, which was sad to realize that I couldn't tell my dad, that ultimately, after writing for so many years, I finally got published as well."

Born June of 1933 in England and moving to rural Alberta, a tribute blog post written by writer and friend, N.J. Lindquist, said Raymond's father passed away when he was a young boy and his mother moved the family to London, Ontario. The blog post adds Raymond worked for a radio shop as a teenager and took courses to become a technician.

Years later, Raymond found out he had dyslexia, a condition described by Dyslexia Canada as a type of 'brain-based learning difference that makes learning to read more difficult.' Despite his condition, Raymond went on to study at Briercrest Bible College in Saskatchewan and obtained a bachelor of arts from the University of Waterloo in 1984. Going back to school and working for Rogers at the same time gave Raymond the start he needed for his writing career.

"It was in his studying that his role at Rogers changed and he began editing technical manuals and that was the beginning of his writing career," said Alan.

"I think writing was one of his favourite things that he did," adds Ken, noting his father loved to tell people he was a columnist for the local newspapers.

An integral part of Raymond's success in writing came from Anna. Both Alan and Ken describe their mother as very supportive of their father's endeavours.

Anna was involved in everything from running a repair shop with Raymond to proofreading and editing his writing for him later in life. The couple also co-wrote a book together titled, Exploring God's Route 66. In the blog post, N.J. Lindquist writes Anna was also recognized for her role in Raymond's work when he won a literary award called the Leslie K. Tarr Award in 2009.

"My mom, she totally believed in him. She believed in his dreams, believed in his abilities, and when he had an idea, she affirmed it and they went together, they went everywhere together," said Alan, describing his parents' union as 'egalitarian' and a 'good example of marriage.'

The couple met in their 20s while attending church in Woodstock and were married in 1955. They went on to be married for 63 years and had four sons, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren before Anna passed away. Prior to her passing, Raymond remained by her side.

Besides writing, faith was also a strong theme throughout Raymond's life. He was a pastor in Saskatchewan for two years before returning to Ontario and then going on to do ministry work in Johannesburg, South Africa for five years. Eight when the family went to South Africa, Ken said he still talks to friends he made while the family lived there.

"It was kind of the best thing you can do for a family because it opens a young person's mind so much," he said.

Faith was also an influence in Raymond's writing and mentorship. Alan adds his father was part of The Word Guild, a christian based writing community, which he met and worked with other writers. The Word Guild was founded by N.J. Lindquist and Wendy Elaine Nelles.

Ken said the death of his father was unexpected and he didn't see it coming. He adds his father taught him how to be a good person.

""His belief system was pretty strong and that's what made the family so strong. We were raised with morals and respect," said Ken, "If we needed anything, he was always there, you could always call."