Obituary of Derek George Wisdom
In The Presence Of A Good Man
It is with profound love and heavy hearts we share the passing of Derek George Wisdom on December 18, 2024. He is lovingly remembered by his Wife of 65 years, Shirley E Wisdom; Daughter Terry A Wisdom (Ronald Theriault); Son Craig S Wisdom (Rena White-Wisdom); His cherished grandchildren, David, John Derek (JD), Peter, Cole, and our extended families. Derek’s love, humor, guidance and Wisdom will forever remain in their hearts and thoughts.
Known as a Husband, Father, Grand-Dad, Mr. Soccer, Mr. Wisdom, Author, or simply Wiz, he leaves behind a legacy of Soccer and Community Building in the Greater Saint John area.
Derek was born in 1934 in the small village of Porth, in the Rhondda Valley, South Wales, to Rita and George. He was organizing football in his hometown since the age of 12, before making his debut in the YMCA League, and representing his country in the International Conference. One particular highlight was when he scored a Hat-Trick for Wales, knocking Ireland out of the competition. His aspirations of playing for his beloved Aston Villa Football Club were only matched by his desire to travel and see the world. Beginning his two year Army tour and becoming the teams soccer captain, was instrumental in planning his future adventures.
As his passion for teaching began, he then worked as an educator in England, Australia and West Africa. Finally settling in Saint John, NB in 1963. During his career he served as principal at Glen Fall Elementary; employed by District 20 as Physical Education Coordinator and retired as Principal of Princess Elizabeth School in Saint John. While teaching at Prince Charles Intermediate School, he introduced the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program and was recognized for his efforts by the Governor General in 1968 in Ottawa. During this presentation two NB participants received the first Gold Awards for NB from the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip.
Beyond the classroom, Derek’s devotion to soccer reshaped the sport in New Brunswick. As the Founder and President, among many other positions, of the New Brunswick Soccer Association, he was instrumental in developing the sport at all levels within the province. His efforts were recognized by the Saint John Hall of Fame, the New Brunswick Hall of Fame and nationally recognized in 2009 by being inducted into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame, in the Builder Category. His contributions to the sport include Chairman of Canada Soccer’s Referees Committee, Head of Delegation with Canada Soccer’s National Teams, and Canada Soccer’s Board of Directors. Derek was on the Executive Committee of the 1985 Saint John Summer Games.
In 2012, Derek was also honored with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his continued service to Canada, New Brunswick and Community.
Thank you to all staff at 5CS and 3BN the Palliative Care Unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital and Dr. Graves and Dr. O’Brien for your professional and courteous services.
In keeping with Derek and Shirley's wishes, there will be a private family gathering at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Red Cross.
Many thanks to family and friends for 90 wonderful years!
Shirley, Terry and Craig
Notwithstanding: Derek would say…Raise your half pint of Guinness and repeat after me in Welsh
LLANFAIRPWLLGWYNGYLLGOGERYCHWYRNDROBWILLLANTYSILIOGOGOGOCH
P.S. Who was Anon.
