"Mary Wyman (sister) Jeffery was my big brother - the 5th of8 children- he was everyone?s favourite especially my mother?s - we called him ?the white hen?s chick?. Although he lived in America for most of his life he was quintisessentialy english. He liked soccer- Manchester United- rugby, Lardie cakes and butter buns and Cornish pasties and steak and kidney pudding - the list could go on. He loved life. We always felt welcome at his home and were so happy to see him when he visited England. I will miss him so much - his wit and kindness- his modesty and his intelligence but most of all his ability to make each one of us feel special. Love to Pat and all the family."
In loving memory of
Jeffrey A. Wyman
June 10, 1945 - September 15, 2018
Oregon- Jeffrey Alan Wyman passed away September 15th, 2018 at his home in Oregon, WI (age 73). Jeff was always at home in his garden celebrating the gifts of the earth and enjoying time with family and friends. He also loved travel and new experiences, living life to its fullest in everything he did. His kind heart, thoughtful and generous nature, and easy smile touched those around him.
Jeff is survived and loved dearly by his wife Patricia Ann Wyman (nee Dussling), children Andrew (Wendy), Megan (Paul), and Benjamin (Heather), and grandchildren James and Katherine. He will also be dearly missed by his siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Born at Stable Cottage in Ampney St. Peter on June 10, 1945, Jeff grew up in the Cotswolds of England with his parents Sydney and Freda and his seven siblings (Raymond, Cecelia, Pauline, Ivor, Janet, Mary, and Lesley). He shared many fond memories of his childhood and young adulthood. After graduating from the University of Manchester, he traveled to the US as a Fulbright Scholar to pursue graduate school at the UW-Madison. While at the UW, he participated and enjoyed playing rugby and met the love of his life, Patricia. They were married June 21, 1969 and started their grand adventure together. That adventure included moving back to England before returning to the States and taking a position at the University of California-Riverside. Jeff and Pat returned to Madison for his position in the Department of Entomology at the UW in 1979. Jeff took a sabbatical to England (Wellesbourne) in 1988 with Pat and family which gave them a chance to re-connect with his beloved family and roots. Although he loved England dearly, after returning to the States, he truly felt that the United States was his home, so he proudly became a US citizen in 2002.
He enjoyed a fulfilling career as a Professor of Entomology at UW-Madison, specializing in Extension-based pest management research in vegetable crops. He chaired the department from 1984 to 1988. He was passionate about working closely with farmers, researchers, and industry colleagues to develop progressive and sustainable pest management systems that were both economically and environmentally sound. Jeff mentored numerous masters and PhD students and followed their careers with interest. His work was based primarily in Wisconsin, but expanded to national and international levels, including work in Europe, northern Africa, and Asia. He received numerous honors and awards from a variety of organizations, such as the Entomological Society of America (Distinguished Achievement Award in Extension 1999, 2000), USDA (Secretary's Honors Award 2003), Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (Researcher of the Year 1991, 1996, 2005), and Wisconsin Potato Hall of Fame (2008 Inductee).
He and Pat enjoyed many off the beaten path road trips across the country, particularly loving New Orleans and the western states, sampling regional food and looking at outsider art and historic sites. Jeffrey was never without a hat. He had a vast collection and delighted in finding gems anywhere from antique stores to high end haberdasheries. He always wore the appropriate hat to fit the occasion. Jeff was a lifelong sports fan, attending many games across a variety of sports, particularly Badger and Packer games. After retirement, the development of the yard and garden took on a new dimension with expanded landscaping and the completion of the long-dreamed of pond. And, he did all the work himself. Jeff had incredible mental and physical strength and endurance throughout his life.
Jeff enjoyed lifelong friendships and close connections with a diverse community including fellow colleagues at the University, vegetable crop farmers and industry scientists, the rugby circle, fellow students and classmates, family friends, neighbors, and generally everyone he met. He will be missed.
A memorial service will be held at the University of Wisconsin Arboretum (1207 Seminole Hwy, Madison, WI 53711) on Thursday October 4, 2018 from 4 pm to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Jeffrey A. Wyman Memorial Fund to support student development in applied agricultural sciences consistent with Jeff's wishes. To support this memorial fund, please make support payable to the "Jeffrey A. Wyman Memorial Fund" and send support to: Dr. Walter Dickey, University of Wisconsin, Intercollegiate Athletics, Kellner Hall, 1440 Monroe Street, Madison Wisconsin 53711.
Please share your memories of Jeffrey by posting Tributes.
Cress Funeral Service
5801 Highway 51
McFarland, WI 53558
(608) 838-0655
Tributes
"Patti and Family. I was so sorry to hear about Jeffrey's passing. I saw it in the paper at the same time of the funeral. I really feel bad I missed it. . I always remember how much fun we had at the Amber Grid with those Rugby players. Never had an issue. I am still at Edgewood and working bout 254 hours a week. . I know its a hard time as my wife passed away 12 years ago. If you need to talk feel free to call me and we could catch up My telephone number is 608-698-3253. "
"It?s hard to express in words such a staggering loss. Uncle Jeff was such a kind person with the warmest heart and smile. Always there to greet us with the biggest hug. As a child, I remember visiting Aunt Pat and Uncle Jeff in California and Uncle Jeff spending a painfully long time (for him) giving us ?pony? rides around on his back. As I got older, I thoroughly appreciated our discussions, his wicked wit and quiet words of wisdom. Our young children quickly connected with Uncle Jeff. He let them roam and he made everything seem like a great adventure. He will be missed by so many and I will never look at another bonfire without thinking of Uncle Jeff. Love to you all. "
"We were so saddened to learn of Jeff's passing. What a caring, kind and compassionate man! We have a very fond memory of Jeff sipping absinthe at our home bar with that big, wonderful grin on his face. Our deepest condolences to Pat and the rest of his family. May time heal your grief and be replaced by the wonderful memories you shared with such a special guy. Bill + Colette"
"I had the privilege of playing right next to him in the front row for a couple years. He gave 100% or more on the field and dragged us along. Always ready with a big smile and friendly comment. Rest in peace, Jeff. Our prayers are for you, Patty and family."
"Phil was so glad he got to spend time with Jeff at the golf outing. Pat, please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. He will be missed."
"Will always be one of my favorite Wisconsin Rugby Club Old Boys. Always fun to be around Jeff. He always wore a sweet looking hat to every rugby gathering. My sincere condolences to his family. We lost a great one!"
"Jeff was a wonderful uncle-in-law! Fascinating and principled man. I always knew he was there if the kids or I needed help."