Robert Wright

Robert Wright of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin passed away peacefully at Regions Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at the age of 86. Born in Winnipeg, Canada on September 3, 1929, Dad also lived in Ireland for a short time and spent most of his younger years in Vancouver, BC. A man of all trades, Dads jobs before the age of twenty included working for the Jubilee Coal Company and as a lumberjack for the Cowichan Lake Meade Creek Lumber Co. on Vancouver Island, BC.

In 1948, Dad crossed the border to become an American citizen, joined the Army Air Corps and began a note-worthy 28-year career in the United States Air Force; rising to the rank of Chief Master Sargent before retiring in 1976. During his years in the USAF, Dad’s career fields included Vehicle Maintenance, Sheet Metal Specialist and Management Engineer. Traveling with his family, Dad was stationed at 11 Air Force bases in 4 different countries over the span of 28 years. During both his active duty years and after his retirement Dad was actively involved in the Air Force Sargent’s Association and was closely involved with efforts to recognize our countries fallen soldiers, disabled vets, and those who were listed as MIA’s or POW’s from Viet Nam.  After retirement, Dad worked as a City Planner in Belton, Missouri until moving to Wisconsin in 1989.

Married to his sweetheart, Marjorie Jeanne Fuller from Spokane, Washington, they raised their family of four, Sandi, Lynn, Guy and Dawn.  During their 59 years together, they saw their children grow, and were able to shower their love on six grandchildren and as many great grandchildren, all who he adored.

 Always civically minded, Dad embraced his retirement volunteering to organize the River Valley Hockey Association where he was known as ‘Grampa Bob’ and was involved in the local American Legion, the Lions Cub, Friends of the St. Croix Falls Library, the Festival Theater, and the Minnesota Wild Hockey team. He was a passionate advocate for education and community involvement and will be remembered for his generosity, patriotism, and devotion to those things he believed in.   Dad was extremely proud of his Irish/Canadian heritage, and yet always felt privileged to be an American citizen, flying the Stars and Stripes proudly.

Dad lived his life to the fullest. He enjoyed traveling and pouring over his collection of maps from around the world. He had a great love for the outdoors, leaving us with many memories of camping in the mountains and alongside rushing rivers. Dad’s love of hockey began on frozen ponds in Canada and he later played as a goalie for local Air Force teams in both Alaska and Texas. Season tickets to the Wild was the highlight of his retirement. Dad was truly passionate about his children and grandchildren and in big and small ways helped each of us find our path and go forward as he did, with confidence and eyes wide open.

Robert leaves to celebrate his memory: daughter, Sandi (Larry) Hoag, St. Croix Falls, WI; daughter, Lynn Savarese, Heathsville, VA; son, Guy Wright, Gardiner, NY and daughter, Dawn Wright, Colorado Springs, CO, grandchildren: Ryan (Jessica) Hoag, Aaron (Genette) Hoag, Chelsi (Luke) Waring, Brandy (Matthew Best) Savarese, Frank (Angela) Behning and JeffreyGuy (Jenni) Jensen, many great grandchildren, his sister, Sunny Fox and other loving family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Evelyn, his wife, Jeanne Wright, one brother and three sisters.

Robert’s family will greet visitors at the Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria on Monday, June 20^th from 3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.  A private family interment will take place at the Northern Wisconsin Veteran’s Cemetery in Spooner, Wisconsin.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.

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