Richard Oliver Wright (Dick) passed away peacefully on May 22, 2022, ten days after his 95th birthday. I, Steve his son and my sister Chris had the privilege to be with and care for him the last ten days of his life. There were many stories told and great memories made. Dad was born in Yampa Colorado on May 12th 1927, his parents Henry and Zelda Wright.
He rejoined his wife, Blanche, or as he called her “His Sweetie”, who passed away January 7, 2017. They were married for sixty-eight wonderful years at the time of her passing. Our parents were a shining example of what a good marriage, good husband, good wife and great parents should be.
Dad was a truck driver for his entire working life. He did take a short break from driving, during which time he owned and operated the Chevron gas station in Carpinteria CA. He started driving at the age of fifteen and retired at the age of sixty-two. His heart and soul was in operating and owning trucks. He was a friend and mentor to anyone in the business that needed help or direction.
As a father he was great. He had to work long hours, most of the time six days a week, when my sister and I were growing up but when he was off we always did something as a family. Dad loved fishing, lobster diving, water skiing and spending time in nature. We had great outings to the beach in Carpinteria, grunion hunting and boat club activities and camping at many of the lakes in California.
After Dad retired he and Mom loved to travel with friends, in their fifth wheel RVs. He would often tell us, “Kids watch the house we’re leaving”. When asked where to he would say, “wherever we end up”. They took off once, we didn’t hear from them for a while and when we did they were in Canada for the Calgary Stampede. Mom mentioned she would like to see it, so Dad took her there.
Dad was also a wonderful grandfather and great-grandfather. There are many stories to tell about his involvement with his grand and great-grandkids, memories they will each have forever.
He is survived by me, his Son Steve Wright wife Kay, his Daughter Chris King husband Ron, five Grand kids, Chuck Wright wife Amarie, Steph King partner Hector, Ronnie King wife Missy, Rod King wife Angela and Jason Wright partner Aimee. He is also survived by twelve Great-Grandkids, Justin, Lexi, Jaylin, Shelby, Joe, Dylan, Emily, Aliyah, Phillip, Ryan, Mason and Nathan.
Our Dad had enough love for all of us and every one of us are truly blessed to have had him in our lives.
To both our Mom and Dad thank you for a wonderful life, great memories, from childhood to present day. May you laugh, love and once again enjoy each other’s company.