Fred Wise

When I learned that Fred was responsible for bringing in the beautiful and delicious "heart" devil's food cake to our court on Valentine's day almost two weeks ago, I asked him if he'd enjoyed a slice of it (as I had).  He replied that he doesn't eat sweets -- never really has!   That was a typical and very appreciated Fred gesture.   I'll miss him and his warmth.

I will always remember Fred's wonderful sense of humor. He never took anything too seriously, which is so needed, particularly in our field. It was always nice to see him on our floor, and he would consistantly take the extra time to catch up and tell us about his family, his new fishing trip stories, or update us on the new adventures of his sons. His relationship to his sons struck a particular chord with me, as I am similar in age to one of his sons, and also am very close to m father. His wit and compassion will be sorely missed in the Harborview mental health community, and my most sincere condolonces go out to those he left behind. 

I had the pleasure of working with Fred at Harborview both as a student and as a psychiatry resident in training. As a medical student, Fred was a fantastic teacher and mentor. His enthusiastic attitude and easy demeanor made learning from Fred a highlight of my week. He taught me a great deal about forensic psychiatry and treating patients. Throughout psychiatric training, I valued time with him discussing cases and getting advice, but also talking about other things. Fred always asked me about how I was doing, what was going on in my life. We talked about travel and maintaining balance. I will miss Fred certainly for his mentorship but also for his friendship.

Fred –   I had the pleasure of knowing Fred for about 3 to 4 days a year over a 25 year period.  Of the many words which spring to mind about Fred enigmatic keeps coming to the top of my list.  He had a wit which would follow you around for weeks. After spending a few days around Fred I often found myself laughing aloud at what he’d said or how he construed a situation.  He had that rare type of humor which rose from a palpable creativity – his ability to look at the world afresh was a true gift. 

In recalling the many funny and fun-filled times, Fred stories are always unique and surprising.  When I was struggling to describe him to my British wife the best I could do was to say Fred was like the Hunter S Thompson of Neuropsychology.  But Fred had a deeply compassionate side.  I can remember walking with him in downtownSeattleand he was like a local celebrity, but not with cappuccino crowd, no with the homeless and disabled people living on the streets. Several times that morning he subtly handed cash to this person or that, obviously in need.  No doubt he may have treated many of them but his St Jude-like presence was unmistakable, his compassion obvious.

Fred had a unique way of being undercover with his tender caring side. He loved to portray himself as a wild man without scruples but this playful ruse was nothing but sham.  For instance, Fred seldom made a show of talking about his relationship with his boys but on the one visit I made to his home nearSeattle, it was so obvious he knew his young sons much better than most dads and his playful nature struck an affectionate chord with them both.  Oh, and Fred was the only dad I’ve ever known who laid on top of his son to protect him from a marauding Grizzly bear! 

Fred had a detachment which was rare.  A small group of us each year in Feb at INS would catch up on our lives.  During some of those years when I’d see him and was lamenting one of my life’s dramas, he had way of helping me see that my suffering was an illusion of my own making. Of course anyone can tell you these truths but Fred would tell you with that smirk which said “it’s your trip but if I were navigating!” I think he lived that detachment which is both enlightening and enriching without the slightest reference or illusion to it.  

 Fred’s intellect was striking.  He often brought a razor sharp analysis to a paper or a poster we had heard together. His thoughts would, as often as not, be peppered with humor and irony. He was self-effacing about his knowledge and skills but I suspect that his very keen intellect was the explanation for his success as an expert witness.  Although I never watched him court, I strongly suspect that lawyers found him very difficult throw off course or off balance.

Our modern lives are so strange in so many ways.  Most of my time with Fred was a friendship devoted learning in the day and enjoyment at night then emails through the year. But I counted those times when a small group of us would sit and recap our year’s histories as sacrosanct and exceptional moments in a world of deadlines and  duties.  We may have regaled and recanted the zany and mapcap times but they were rooted in a unique camaraderie among friends who appreciated each other’s unique spirit and none more than Fred’s – Goodbye dear old friend.  

As a therapist in training, Fred often offered me his wisdom and insight into how to navigate successfully through the many challenges of meeting my goals.  He was an unofficial mentor to me and I will always remember him as someone who was part of my "village" in getting to where I want to go.  I am so sad to hear of his untimely death and I am sending my warmest regards and prayers to his family and those who loved and knew him best. 
Connie Derus