Tributes flow for Tamworth dentist Richard Wise

Richard Wise tragically died while riding his bike near Scotts Head on Saturday.

Tributes have since flowed for Mr Wise, painting him as a loving husband and a doting dad to four children. 

He was well-known in Tamworth, where he had his Happy Smiles dental practice. He was also a keen cyclist, active Rotarian and all-round community man.

Mr Wise was heavily involved in Rotary, as a charter member and former president of the Rotary Club of Tamworth Sunrise.

Current president Michael Bowman said Mr Wise, a former Apexian aged in his mid-40s, was a person we should all strive to be. 

“He was a wonderful human being,” Mr Bowman told The Leader on Sunday.

“He was a great example of what people should be like. 

“He was very smart, caring and he’s going to leave a huge hole in our club because he was such a wonderful human being. We need more people like Richard Wise.”

Mr Wise was a keen cyclist, and one of the organisers behind this year’s charity ride, Pedal the Peel. 

He had also just completed the 760-kilometre Ride for Fuel 2017 though the Snowy Mountains in April, as well as completing a number of rides for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter over the years.

Tamworth Cycle Club paid tribute to Mr Wise on Facebook.

“Rich was well-known and well-respected within the club and the wider community,” a post read.

“He was a great encourager of beginner cyclists, and a generous sponsor of the Club, and other local cycling events, including the recent Women's FIVE100 ride and Pedal the Peel.”

Mr Wise was also an active member of St Peter’s Anglican Church. 

Tributes to him have flooded social media, with people from across Tamworth and surrounds remembering the great man, dentist and friend.

“We have been long-time patients of his practice and he was without a doubt the most amazing dentist and one of the nicest men I have met,” Hayley Kelly Sawtell wrote on Facebook.