Donald Rose Wright

1929 - 2014

Alaska Native leader and champion for the state, Donald Rose Wright passed peacefully in his home in Kenai on July 5, 2014, at age 84. He will be revered for his many contributions to family and the Alaskan community. Don was born on Nov. 24, 1929, in Nenana as the fourth of seven sons to Arthur and Myrtle Rose-Wright. His Athabascan father was born at the confluence of the Yukon and Tanana rivers in 1890 and his mother was born in 1895 in Wyoming, later traveling to Alaska to work as an Episcopal Missionary Nurse in 1918.
Don was a man of many talents and the variance of his life's accomplishments are reflective of this. He affected the state through his work in construction, flight, steamboats, community organization and his immense ability to connect with people from all walks of life which eventually landed him in politics. Don enjoyed subsistence hunting and fishing, which supported his love for cooking. He was an impeccable host - welcoming family, friends and strangers, who soon became friends, into his hand-built Alaskan log cabin on the Chena River, and all were in awe of its size and craftsmanship.
Mr. Wright dutifully held the position of president of Alaska Federation of Natives during the inception of the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. During his tireless efforts to fight for Alaska Native land claims, Don Wright was instrumental in this historical feat against immense odds. His commanding personality helped create connections with various valued dignitaries and political advocates which produced positive changes for Alaska Native peoples. Don's legacy in this matter is priceless to his family and will indubitably affect many future generations of Alaskans.
Don Wright is preceded in death by his brothers, Forrest, Eugene and Lawrence; grandson, Michael Romer, and wife, Judith. 
He is survived by his brothers, Alfred, Gareth (wife, Miranda) and Jules Wright; former wife and mother of his children, Carol Segura; his children, Darlene Wright, Donald "Sonny" Wright (wife, Rosa), George Wright, Gareth Wright (wife, Eileen), Chuck Casper (Judith's son); 12 grandchildren, Jennifer Romer, Brandy Niclai (husband, Matt), Roxy Romer, Maliaq Kairaiuak, Bud Baun, Kynde Bishop, Kami Wright, Christopher Wright (wife, Gillian), Adam Wright, Lee Wright (wife, Amy), Heidi Youngs (husband, Jasen), Arthur Graham; and 15 great-grandchildren, Coen Niclai, Rilen Niclai, Michael Davis, Alexia Wright, Colton Wright, Baylor Wright, Shaela Wright, Peyton Wright, Xander Wright, Presley Wright, Hannah Youngs, Kaydence Monti, Kash Bishop, Aiden Baun and Kasen Baun.
Don's funeral and burial will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a traditional potlatch at 6 p.m. July 26, 2014, in Nenana. Both events will take place at the Chief Mitchell A. Demientieff Tribal Hall.
In lieu of flowers, friends of Don may make a donation to the following account: Alaska USA Federal Credit Union No. 1859452, made payable to Kami Wright.