Deceased March 6, 2019
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In Memory
Morry’s essay in our 50th reunion book reflected his wry wit. Telling of his chagrin after both his sons chose Ivy League schools over Amherst, Morry quipped, “Whose life is this anyway?” He joked about “volunteering” for the Air Force to complete his training in urology during the Vietnam War before serving as captain and major at Carswell Air Force Base in Texas.
The photos and content of that essay show that family was the core element for Morry. He featured his wife of (now) 55 years, Jean; his daughter, Amy; his sons, Roger and Andy; and his (now) five grandchildren. Jean’s serving as mayor of Leawood, Kansas; Amy’s success as an ophthalmologist; Roger’s career as a tax lawyer; and Andy’s international experiences in private equity got more attention than his own achievements as a urologist in private practice. Tennis, golf, trivia games and international travel enriched his life.
Morry died on March 6 from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
Bob Madgic ’60 wrote, “Morry Wise was the gentle giant in our class, the tallest among us. I knew him primarily on the basketball court where we played together for four years. I remember his quiet demeanor, subtle sense of humor and eagerness to contribute. A gimp leg kept him from being a starter but didn’t prevent his maximum effort whenever he got a chance. He was a serious student, dedicated to becoming a physician. He excelled in his practice of urology. Everything about Morry showed a commitment to his fellow beings, to being the best person he could be and to making the world a better place. At reunions, he was always there with a quip, a word of wisdom, an ever-present courtesy toward others, an ability to not take himself too seriously. Above all, Morry exemplified the values of the Fairest College throughout his life.”
Bob Madgic ’60 and Dick Weisfelder ’60