Robert D. Wright

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Western Michigan University

Robert Wright Obituary

Robert D. "Tom" Wright Battle Creek Robert Donald "Tom" Wright, 79, of Battle Creek, died August 14, 2009 in Merritt Island, Florida. He was born February 26, 1930, the son of Robert E. and Virginia I. (Shay) Wright in Grand Rapids. Robert received both a Bachelors degree and Masters degree from Western Michigan University. He worked for the Byron Center (1954-1959) and Lakeview (1959-1990) Public Schools as a teacher, coach and principal. He coached track, football and swimming while in Lakeview and served as principal at Woodrow and Minges Elementary Schools. Robert received an award from the Michigan High School Athletic Association for 54 years as a referee for track, football and swimming. He coached Little League Baseball for many years and he was also a Drivers' Education instructor. Robert was a PTA member for 25 years and also a lifelong member of the Western Michigan University W Club. Robert loved playing his bass guitar in the big bands of Stan Kenton and Boots Randolph. He was an excellent football player with Godwin Heights High School and at Western Michigan University. In his senior year at Western he was recruited by the Dallas Cowboys, however his football career was cut short due to a knee injury. Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores (Woodman) Wright; his parents, and one brother and one sister. He is survived by his sons, Robert M. Wright of St. Louis, Missouri, Charles (Jodi) Wright of St. Louis, Missouri and Thomas M. Wright of Battle Creek; daughter, Patricia (Phil) Gay of Merritt Island and Battle Creek; grandchildren, Donald Osborn, Travis Osborn, Natalie Wright and Mathew Wright; three great grandchildren; and brother, Fred (Kitty) Wright of Byron Center. A Celebration of Life Service will take place Sunday, September 20, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Waterfront Restaurant, Battle Creek. Memorials may be made to Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice or the Western Michigan University W Club. The family is being served by Shaw Funeral Home. www.shawfuneralhome.com

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Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Aug. 19, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Wright

8 Entries

Rod Everling

August 25, 2009

I met Mr. Wright in 1958 (7th grade) and that remains one of the luckiest things to ever happen to me. I visited this great leader, father-figure, friend, & teacher, whenever I came back to Battle Creek, to say thank you and absorb more of his loving energy and warmth. I feel like I lost a 2nd father. My condolences to his family and all who loved this wonderful man.

Pati Gay

August 23, 2009

Thank you all for you love support and prayers

Pati, Phil and Family

Shawna Dingwall

August 21, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the Wright family. We have lost a wonderful teacher, mentor, friend. We are all better off for having Bob in our lives.

David Jasonovich

August 19, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Lynn Everling

August 19, 2009

Mr Wright was quite a man. he could "lower the boom " on you in a minute or put his arm around you for a few good word's. I remember he was my instructor in Driver's Education at the old high school. He would get that big body of his in the front passenger's seat, kick his shoe's off, light up a BIG CIGAR and say " ok EV, let's hit the road " and puff away on that stogie...... Mr Wright was a GOOD MAN.....FAIR & SQUARE.....my condolence's to his family

Lee Neugent

August 19, 2009

Tom was a fine athlete at Godwin and was also a leader. In his senior year there, he was elected and seved as Student Council President.

Our profound condolences are with his friends and family.

Barb Gage

August 19, 2009

Tommy and Charlie, We read the Enquirer on line and happened to see the notice of your Dad's passing in the obituary column. We send our condolences to you, regarding both Bob and Dolores. Those days in BC swimming were fantastic for our family, and certainly helped to shape our children's lives. Bud and Barb Gage
Also, "Hi" to the Shaw family- TR, Esther, and Pete, it was great to see your pictures. (Pete, you still look like the little boy you did, in our BC days). P.S. Jane Gage is still coaching swimming and triathlons, and competing with her husband of 20 yrs. internationally. To read about them, you could go to their website or just google Jane or George Esahak-Gage.

Don Buschini

August 19, 2009

Mr Wright was more than a Teacher, Coach and Principle, he was a friend to so many. When my father died in 1958 Mr. Wright came to our home to be there and to offer his condolences.As I grew up Mr Wright was always looking out for my best interests. We kept in touch over the years and even enjoyed going out on his boat with he and his lovely wife. Mr Wright was truly an inspiration to so many lives that he touched and he will be sadly missed. He indeed was a good Coach, Teacher and Principal but he was especially a good friend.

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