Memorial
Casey David Wise
Feb. 29, 2016-April 18, 2016
Casey Wise came into this world, along with his twin brother Cody, 40 years ago, on Feb. 29, 1976, born to Nancy and Chat (William) Wise.
“He was released from this life 4 months ago, on April 18, 2016,” his family said.
There will be a gathering to remember and honor Casey from 4-7 p.m. Aug. 18, 2016, at the pavilion at the Slidehole Campground, Anchor Point. To get to the campground, from Homer, turn left at the Anchor River Inn onto the Old Sterling Highway. In 0.3 miles, take a right at the bridge on Anchor River Road, then 0.7 miles to the Slidehole Campground on the right. The family welcomes friends to come at any time during those hours to share your stories and memories of Casey.
Casey’s childhood was defined by wild, free, imaginative play and exploration in the hills of the family homestead, anchored firmly in the natural world. He knew all the plants, what to eat, what not to touch, and participated in the gathering of garden, game and fish. With his family and friends, Casey explored and mastered every inch of the Kenai Peninsula rivers, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of fishing adventures and enduring relationships. During the long winter evenings, he tied flies, dreaming up new patterns sure to land the big one. Throughout his youth, Casey read, drew, wrote stories and poems, revealing his strong artistic nature.
Casey’s schooling took him from his family’s home-schooled kindergarten group to Paul Banks Elementary School, Nikolaevsk School, Chapman Elementary School, Homer Middle and High Schools, and finally to the Seattle Art Institute, where he earned a degree in graphic design. In high school, he was awarded the prestigious Marie Walsh Sharpe Scholarship, awarded to a handful of artistically gifted high school juniors each year. This summer seminar firmly reinforced Casey’s intention to pursue art as his chosen career. Casey graduated with honors from the Seattle Art Institute with a degree in graphic design. Casey, a prolific and accomplished visual artist and poet, showed his collections in Alaska and Chicago. His work encompassed photography, digitally generated imagery, digitally manipulated photography and painting.
Oh July 12, 2003, Casey married the love of his life, Erica (Nelson) Wise, and on Jan. 18, 2007, their daughter, Johanna Gloria (Hanna) was born. They settled in Illinois close to Erica’s family. It was his joy to be a stay-at-home dad while Erica grew her career as a nurse. With Erica, Hanna and the extended Nelson family, Casey found completeness in his life, sharing with them his traditions and creating enduring new ones.
Casey balanced artwork with fatherhood, often painting late into the night. He had a lively eBay fly-fishing business, selling to clients all over the world. He repaired and reconditioned vintage fly reels, selling and trading them. Casey loved to talk, could talk to anyone, and boy did he love to cook and eat!
“Husband, father, son, brother, friend, artist, Casey’s life left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He will be always remembered, forever loved,” his family said.
