A memorial Mass for UP regent and 1960 alumnus Gene Wizer will be held on Wednesday, January 13, at 12:05 p.m., in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher. He passed away on December 14 at the age of 77.
A businessman and philanthropist in the Portland area, Wizer was born into the grocery business. His father, Jim, opened the family’s first supermarket on Milwaukie Avenue in southeast Portland in 1929. The family business moved to Lake Oswego in 1948 and again in 1960. Wizer’s Fine Wines is still located in downtown Lake Oswego.
Wizer attended Columbia Preparatory School before graduating from Central Catholic High School in Portland. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University in 1960. In 2008, the University — where he served on the Board of Regents for more than 20 years — honored him with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.
Gene had a deep involvement with the Chamber of Commerce, Lake Oswego Rotary Club, Lakewood Center for the Arts, Oswego Heritage Council, and a host of other school, church, and civic organizations. Survivors include his wife, Janet; daughters Kim Wizer, Suzanne Wizer and Sara Lamon; son-in-law Chris Lamon; three grandchildren; and a sister, Shirley Wizer.
For more information contact Campus Ministry at 7131 or ministry@up.edu.