‘Mike’ Wise, owner of Joseph Yates Ltd in London, died peacefully at Trinity Hospice, Clapham, London, on February 23 after a short illness. He was 86.
Mr Wise was a larger than life character in more ways than one. At 6ft 4in, with a booming voice it was impossible not to be aware of him, and with his sharp, legally-trained mind and phenomenal memory he was a force to be reckoned with.
He was educated at Oundle School and went on to Brasenose College, Oxford in 1944 but was called up shortly afterwards and joined the Parachute Regiment. He returned to Oxford from 1948-1951 to complete a degree in law and then went into his father’s well-known timber importing company, SA Wise in Southall which he and his brother Jim ran until the company closed in 1968.
After a short period working with his friend Peter Long at Bromley Timber, in 1970 Mr Wise and his brother bought Joseph Yates of Kensington Church Street, a well-known firm established in 1856.
As storage and deliveries were a problem at this prestigious address, in 1973 the brothers bought AJ Philcox in Stockwell Road, Brixton which helped the business to expand and prosper. They were assisted in running the business by their nephews, Peter and Stephen Wise.
Mr Wise’s much loved older brother Jim died several years ago and he then let the business run down and finally sold the sites for development in 2005.
He remained active and ebullient until the last and will be greatly missed by his many friends and family.
He was a much loved husband to Babs, stepfather to Robin and Christopher, and uncle to Peter, Stephen and Nigel.
A service will be held at Mortlake Crematorium, Richmond TW9 4EN at 12 noon on Tuesday March 15, and afterwards at Richmond Golf Club, Sudbrook Park TW10 7AS.
No flowers by request. Please make donations to Trinity Hospice, Clapham on 020 7787 1088.
