Dr. Christopher Scott Wise passed away unexpectedly on July 3, 2026, at his home in Cliffside Park, NJ. He was 53 years old: Chris is survived by his partner, Jim Casey, his parents, Jim and Diane Wise (Billings MT), his sister, Keri McMeans (Matt) of Dayton WY, his brother, Jason (Sarah) of Laurel MT, his beloved nephews, Kade and Cash McMeans and Chase and Bo Wise as well as his aunts, uncles and cousins. Chris was preceded in death by his grandparents Wally and Ernie Krumenacker and Luke and Jean Wise.
Chris was born in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, on March 24, 1973: Chris lived in the outback of Australia at Benmara Station in the Northern Territory. He excelled in school in the one-room classroom through the Primary Correspondence School program based out of Brisbane with his teacher "Miss Allan," who lived on the station with the family. In Australia, Chris developed his lifelong love of animals, having pets for most of his life including: Wally Wallaby, Sundance, Stetson, Milano, Rodeo and Mustang.
In 1980, the family returned to live in the US in Billings, Montana, Chris attended Burlington Elementary School, Central Heights Elementary School, Arrowhead Elementary School, Will James Junior High, and graduated from Billings West High School in 1991 with honors. He was a member of the National Honor Society, and participated in Student Council. Chris was a talented violinist and played in the West High School Orchestra. He was the concertmaster of the orchestra during his senior year and attended the Red Lodge Music Festival in 1986. Chris was also an avid skier and was a member on the Beartooth Ski Patrol. In 1990, Chris participated in the AFS program and lived with the Sulzer family, Roberto, Cleide, Eric, and Cintia, in Sorocaba, Brazil, where he fell in love not only with his beloved "second" family but also with the Portuguese language. During his year in Brazil, he also had the opportunity to perform with the São Paulo Symphony, an experience that combined his love of music with his passion for international culture and travel.
After high school, he attended the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, majoring in Pre-Med, earning a degree in Biology/Chemistry and Portuguese/Spanish, graduating in 1995. Chris was fluent in Portuguese and Spanish and treasured the lifelong friendships he developed through his international experiences. He was also a member of the Alpha Nu Chapter of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta at the University of New Mexico.
During his senior year of high school, Chris was selected to participate in a medical program associated with the Billings Clinic. His love for medicine became a passion, and one that Chris diligently pursued. He attended Ross University School of Medicine, studying on the Island of Dominica and graduating with a Doctor of Medicine degree on May 31, 2002. In association with Ross University, Chris completed his clinical and surgical rotations at Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers in New York City. From July 1, 2003, to June 30, 2005, Chris completed his residency in Clinical Anesthesiology at Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, and from July 1, 2005, to July 5, 2006, he successfully completed his Residency in Advanced Clinical Track Anesthesiology at Illinois Masonic Medical Center.
Chris moved to Casper, WY, in 2008 and began his career as an anesthesiologist as an independent contractor through his LLC, Sundance Anesthesia. He worked at Casper Surgical Center, Mountain View Regional Hospital, Riverton Memorial Hospital, (Riverton, Wy), Center for Surgical Excellence (Gillette, Wy), and Alliance Recruiting Resources as a Locum Tenem in Lander, Wy. He also worked at Berwick Hospital in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, and then moved to New York City. During the height of COVID, Chris worked at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. Other facilities that Chris worked at in New York included Nassau University Medical Center, SORIN Medical, Lux Surgery, Aristocrat Surgery, North American Partners In Anesthesia, and Sedation Specialists.
Medicine was never just a career for Chris, it was his calling. He loved caring for his patients and found great joy in working alongside his colleagues. Known for his vibrant personality, quick wit, and infectious sense of humor, Chris had a gift for lifting the spirits of everyone in the operating room. He was highly respected by surgeons and staff alike. and was often requested because they trusted both his skill and his presence.
Chris loved life, treasured family, good food, music, plays, travel, Madonna, and Shih Tzus! Chris looked forward to the Christmas "goodie box" from Mom filled with homemade popcorn balls, almond roca, sugar cookies, ginger cookies, chex mix and fudge! His most cherished award in grade school was being the Montana State jump rope champion, a fundraiser for the American Heart Association! He loved being a Doctor of Anesthesiology, loved caring for his patients, loved working with his colleagues, and nothing surpassed a good day at work except for being an Aussie! Chris possessed a sharp wit, an infectious laugh, and a curious and brilliant mind. He had a gift for making people laugh and bringing joy to those around him. He enjoyed spirited conversations, discovering new restaurants, sharing meals with family and friends, and discussing everything from medicine and music to travel and world events. Chris approached life with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a genuine appreciation for the people and experiences that surrounded him.
Chris will forever be remembered for his generous heart, adventurous spirit, and the passion he brought to everything he pursued. Chris had a remarkable ability to fill a room with his energy, humor, and enthusiasm, and he cared deeply for the people he loved. His impact will live on through the many lives he touched.
A Celebration of Life will be held at DanWalt Botanical Gardens, 720 Washington Street, Billings, Montana, on Friday September 18, 2026, at 2:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will also be held in New York City at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Keestone Inc., c/o Kee Dunning, PO Box 22601, Billings, MT 59104, a non-profit organization whose mission focuses on promoting mental wellness; to Red Lodge Music Festival, c/o Bill Galt, 1014 Harvard Avenue, Billings, MT 59102, a non-profit organization for young musicians students grades 7-12 annually held in Red Lodge, Montana; or to the charity of one's choice.