Jeremy Bisley, 1934 - 2007

Jeremy Wooldridge Bisley of McLennan, Alberta, passed away peacefully at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre with his wife Monica and children at his side on November 28, 2007 at 73 years of age. He was born May 10, 1934 in London, England, arrived in Canada in 1966, and lived in this area in 1979. As a young man, Jeremy graduated from the London Guildhall of Music and Drama. He joined the Royal Air Force for seven years, attained the rank of Flight Lieutenant, and flew with Transport Command throughout the Middle East. Jeremy returned to theatre to act or direct more than 70 plays. He appeared in London’s West End in three plays and played in over 40 British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Jeremy married Monica in 1964, and looking for adventure, they emigrated to Canada in 1966. He was appointed provincial director of drama for schools in Prince Edward Island and also made promotional films about tourism, fishing, fisheries, and agriculture for the PEI government. After a few years back in England, Jeremy and Monica arrived in McLennan in 1979 with their five children. He was the first television reporter in northwest Alberta for CFRN-TV, managing to do his own filming while reporting. Jeremy continued this challenging job until 1968 when he joined Alberta Family and Social Services – Northwest Region as manager of communications. He retired in 1994 and was able to devote more time to his many interests which included photography, hunting (wild fowling), the preservation of wildlife and the countryside. Jeremy was man who stood by his conscience, convictions, and the underprivileged. He was devoted to his family and grandchildren, the many animals that crossed his path or came to live at his home. If friends so desire, donations may be made to Peace River SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Memorial service A memorial service for the late Jeremy Bisley was held Dec. 1 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in McLennan with Father Joseph Jacobson officiating. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Chapel of Memories in Peace River.