Bruce Wiseman (28 Apr 1972 - 16 Aug 2017)

Bruce Wiseman

The Bruce we knew and loved deeply.

Born on 28th April 1972 to Agnes and Alec, proud parents who had started a new life in Kidderminster together, moving south from Nairn, Scotland.

Kidderminster was Bruce’s first home. As a baby, Bruce was a bright and lively boy, starting to show the unique and unbridled energy which would later become his trademark. Three hours sleep is all he needed to re-charge his batteries as a baby and toddler. Kidderminster was a happy place, with frequent visits from doting grandparents Mary, Peggy and Lewis (snr).

The family then moved to Flint, in North Wales. Bruce’s dad was an engineer who worked in the paper mills. In the 70s this inevitably meant moving to follow the work. After a couple of years in Flint, the family were on the move again, this time to Rochdale. Bruce was intelligent and bright and made his way through the school years. Going to Littleborough primary school, where his unique brand of boisterousness tore up the playground, then to Wardle secondary school. At every turn, even then, Bruce was a force, a whirlwind.

As a young boy, Bruce was a keen mini rugby player. When his team won the U/9s Glengarth Sevens medal at Selby, they were called the 'Mighty Minis' in the press. Many of that team were still in touch with Bruce, so the Rochdalians played a big part in his life.

When Bruce was seven, the Wiseman family become four, following the birth Kirsty. For Bruce, this meant the perfect role of big brother and protector. A fierce brother sister bond was made that will last a lifetime, saving him on more than one occasion, later in life. The school years that followed were full of fun, friendship, chaos and laughter. Bruce made many life-long friends.

When his parents separated, Bruce moved first to Derry Hill, in Wiltshire and then to North Berwick with his mother and sister. He held many jobs and Scotland became his home for the next 20 years.

During that time, Bruce ventured away to work. One of those times he went to work in a Scottish theme bar in Copenhagen then he took the train to London to audition to become a crew member of a Carnival Cruise Lines in the Caribbean. He got the job and took the trip to America. In typical Bruce fashion, he phoned his mother six weeks later to say he was getting married the next day. Bruce met and married Erika and upon leaving the ship, three amazing children followed; Bradley, Lewis and Evelyn. During this time, Bruce worked as a postman and for some time lived happily in Edinburgh, until they separated.

Bruce lost his way. Personal demons, that would eventually take his life, took hold and separated him from his family. His mum and sister battled alongside him for many years to help him. Nothing could prepare Bruce or both families for the years that came.

Bruce then met Michaela and with a common grief, they set up home in Prestonpans. Two gorgeous girls, Brodie and Blair were born and Bruce became a father again. He was reunited with his twins, Lewis and Evie, now both young adults and life held promise. Bruce and Michaela separated in 2016 and he moved to Haddington.

Bruce passed away silently and unbeknown to everyone in August 2017 in Haddington.

Remember him at his best: A much loved son, father, brother, grandson, husband, partner, nephew, cousin, colleague and a friend to many.

Bruce was at heart, a good person; He will be at peace now. His struggle is over and for many he will never be forgotten.

We love you xxx