Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Gene Wright Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gene Wright
Gail Barton
February 1, 2008
Dear Doris:
Please accept our sympathies and kindest thoughts. When I heard of Gene's passing, the first thing that came to mind was how helpful you both were when I was working at the Society. Gene was always ready to help when I needed him. He was a great volunteer and a great person to know. All the best from me and my family.
Best regards, Gail, Mark, David and Jamie Barton
Francis Sousa
February 1, 2008
I has always looked forward to meeting Gene and Doris in the motel hallways during the Tucson show, talking about what Gene specimens he had found so far (always seemed to come up with Bisbee cerussites)and enjoying the bright smile from Doris that could cheer anyone up. Gene's quite yet strait forward demeanor will be missed. The many good time to remember can only partially fill the void.
anne-marie laurian
January 30, 2008
Deepest sympathy to all his family.
Anne-Marie
Eldon, Jean, Jaye and Bill
January 30, 2008
Dear Doris;
It was with great sadness that we learned of Gene's passing. We will always remember the overwhelming help and support both you and Gene provided to us during our years as dealers at the TGMS show. Gene was always so caring and very concerned with the wellbeing of "his" dealers at the TGMS show. The memory of Gene's excitment when he found a special mineral for his collection will always be with us. Our love to you always - The Rocksmiths
Gene & Jackie Schlepp
January 29, 2008
Dear Doris:
We considered Gene a good friend and was always there to help when needed. He helped load the van with minerals when I was unable to do so because of a back problem. I always appreciated the fact that he purchased records for me when he was out to garage sales , and sometimes had several hundred saved for me. On many trips to the midwest he drove us to the airport and picked us up when we returned. And we enjoyed the fun we had playing canasta for many years, as we were partners against the wives. We will miss dinners and sharing the warm friendship with each other, but will always be thankful for the memories.
Love,
Harry & Charlene Fagan
January 25, 2008
Dear Doris,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. Here's a poem to express our remembrance of Gene:
"Bon Voyage, Old Friend"
Kindly & outgoing to one & all,
A friend & companion to always stand tall,
At all times generous, loving & warm,
A husband & family man beyond any norm.
A master of the mechanical & how things run,
With many side interests & all of them fun.
A Saturday morning collector before ebay.com,
In search for valuables or things of charm.
A serious scholar of gems & rare stone,
And a leader of exhibits when collections are shown.
A dedicated volunteer befriending many in need,
Helping church & community in word & deed.
A life lived long & a life lived well,
Now gone to a place where angels dwell.
Rest in peace, old friend; your eternity will be
An unending happiness with "no parking fee"!
Frank Townsend
January 24, 2008
I first met Gene in the late 50's at Tucson Municipal Airport. I was racing a modified sports car in the SCCA races and I had to pass tech inspection. As it turned out, Gene was the tech inspector. From that very day, I knew that I had found a good friend. Gene and I both shared a love for sports cars and Corvettes.
In the last few years, us "old guys" would meet at LaFuente for Mexican food and talk about the "old days" and the "old cars". Gene was interested and fascinated with rebuilding and racing the vintage sports cars. I will miss my good friend, Gene, and our memories together discussing our favorite subject, past and present. We always had such great fun! God speed, Gene, you will be missed!
Martin Karpiscak
January 24, 2008
I first met Gene sometime in late 1979 or 1980 when I came to work at the Office of Arid Lands Studies at the University of Arizona. We worked together on numerous projects and I always felt that I could depend on Gene to tell me his unvarnished opinion of a subject. Over the years we traveled together on many of Arizona's highways and byways and had some interesting adventures such as being caught in Yuma during a flood or blowing out a tire on the Interstate doing 75 mph. In recent times, I've enjoyed having periodic lunches with Gene to discuss the State of the State and other topics of mutual interest. I will always cherish these times together with Gene. He was a great and dear colleague and friend who I will miss. May God be with you and yours farewell my friend.
Marjorie Cain
January 24, 2008
What a really nice man !! Gene always had a smile and a good story - he enjoyed a good joke and was always there to lend a helping hand. He'll be greatly missed by all at the Fit Center. Marge Cain.
Bob and Amy Schowengerdt
January 23, 2008
We enjoyed Gene's friendship over many years in different settings. When Bob was at the Office of Arid Lands in the 1980s, Gene never failed to ask "How's the Corvair doing?" as a lead-in to discussing the joys of 1960s Chevrolet cars and how much better they were than modern cars. After his retirement, he was a regular at the Fit Center, where Amy called him her "yard sale buddy." We both looked forward to seeing him looking for that elusive treasure at Saturday morning sales. He will be missed.
Paul Wilson
January 22, 2008
To Gene's Family:
I have fond memories of working with Gene in the early 1980s, first in the Department of Agricultural Economics and then when Gene moved to the Office of Arid Land Studies. As a young assistant professor, I found Gene very willing to help me with research issues and with information specific to Arizona's agricultural sector. We even co-authored a publication together. I always will remember Gene's warmth, sense of humor, and his joy for living. May God bless you with His peace as you go through this time of grief and transition.
Marita Bowden
January 22, 2008
Dear Doris
I am so sorry to learn about your husband's passing. He seems to have loved life so much and he had a full, rich life with his family, his career and his hobbies. Lean on your friends during this period of transition in your own life.
Barbara Hutchinson
January 22, 2008
Dear Doddy,
My sincere condolences on your loss. I met Gene when I came to work at the Office of Arid Lands Studies back in the 1980s. We enjoyed many good conversations through the years. It was also Gene who introduced me for the first time to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show and was kind enough to take me behind the scenes. Gene will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Ed & Sharon Hannifin
January 22, 2008
Doris,
Our hearts ache for you and your children. Gene was the kindest gentle man that we have had the privilege to know and love.
The Panczner-Hannifin family will always remember you and Gene in our thoughts and prayers and all the wonderful times we have shared with you both.
Vera schlichter
January 19, 2008
Dearest Dody, I can just see Ernie & Gene digging rocks in the one place they are guaranteed to find the best specimens. Let us be a comfort to one another. Hugs to you.
Bill Hodgson
January 19, 2008
Doris
I'm sorry we missed Gene's memorial service. We
had already agreed to help Donice with the special linings for the show. Wishing you the best and thinking of you.
Dona Leicht
January 18, 2008
How Wayne and I will miss seeing this special man around the aisles of the Tucson show. Such a caring, warm friend to many of us. Good memories come in handy at a time like this - remember them well.
Don Dalton
January 18, 2008
Gene was a good friend. He phoned me regularly, both here and when I was in North Carolina. I will miss our frequent discussions about rocks and minerals, mining antiques and other worldy events.
Gene would attend any postcard show and was always ready to visit the nearest " Whataburger " restaurant. His passing will leave a void in my life.
Rest in Peace My Friend
Don Dalton
Ellen Alexander
January 18, 2008
I met Gene at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Society. I was new to the hobby and he was incredibly encouraging especially when he discovered that I was interested in collecting the thumbnail size minerals. Gene's collection of thumbnail minerals especially calcites and azurites is well known. I will miss him greatly, especially when I realize that he's not there to show him my purchases at the Show and to see the gleam of happiness as he shares in my delight.
Jack Johnson
January 17, 2008
I'm not sure exactly when I met Gene, I believe in the 70s. I worked with Gene at Arid Lands Studies and he was always a key member of every project on which he worked. As Chuck Hutchinson has pointed out, you never asked Gene a question that you didn't get a straight honest answer. He had a good sense of humor and was well liked and respected by all of his colleagues. This world could use more straight shooters like Gene Wright, he will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
Karen Flanigan
January 16, 2008
I have been Gene's Dental Hygienist for the last 13 years. The first day that I met him, we had a shaky start. I got the feeling that he didn't really like me. The next time Gene came in, I brought some mineral specimens that were my Dad's. My Dad was a Mining Engineer. After that, Gene and I had a great time talking about mining and traveling. I always looked forward to seeing his name on my schedule. I enjoyed our conversations and he will be greatly missed.
Charles Wilmot
January 16, 2008
I first met Gene when we arrived in Tucson fresh out of graduate school at Purdue University. During the next several years we were in close association with each other while I was on the faculty of the Ag. Econ. Dept. at the U of A and he, too, was on the staff. Although our paths subsequently diverged when I left the University to accept a position with the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, I still considered him to be a life-long friend. Gene was very bright and also quite a unique individual as everyone who knew him well will attest. He never minced words and would willingly and readily tell you what he thought of you and where you stood with him, be it positive or negative. He will be dearly missed by his many friends acquired over the years. Speaking for us all let me say "Goodbye, Gene. May you rest in Peace."
Sue Hopf
January 16, 2008
Dear Dodie,
I am so sorry to hear about Gene. He was such a nice colleague and individual. I have many fond memories of him at Arid Lands, the Gem Show, in Couer d'Alene (sp), and at many lunches with him. Save all your memories carefully. He was a man to be admired.
Heather Severson
January 16, 2008
I met Gene Wright in 1988 when I took a student worker position for our esteemed organization. He was kind and quietly humorous and we exchanged quips even after he retired, whenever he came into the office. He was in charge of the punch at the annual Christmas party. He was a very nice man, and he had interesting things to say.
Condolences to all who grieve his loss.
Charles Hutchinson
January 16, 2008
I knew and worked with Gene in the Office of Arid Lands Studies at the University of Arizona since arriving in 1980. He was certainly greatly appreciated and valued by us but to some, I suppose, he seemed a little gruff. It is possible to understand where some people might get that impression. Basically, he was just honest: if you didn't want a straight answer, then you should probably go ask somebody else. For those who might be put off, it probably didn't help that he was usually right. He was also a truly thoughtful and generous person. I know that he surprised me every so often by bringing me a book that he knew I would enjoy that he found at a garage sale. I will miss those visits and I will miss seeing him in his red vest (usually) at our office holiday functions. Peace, Friend.
Tracy Dodds
January 16, 2008
Dear Doris,
You and Gene have alwyas been so welcoming on my visits to Tucson to see Candace and Andy. My friend and I particularly enjoyed the opportunities to see the Gem Show and Desert Museum that Gene made possible. My thoughts are with you and yours.
Tony Potucek
January 16, 2008
I will miss my great friend, who has passed on to collect in the best big crystal-filled stope in heaven. We have our memories of him to comfort us, and I have the specimens from Gene which I will always cherish. Adios, Pard, and vaya con Dios.
Colin Kaltenbach
January 16, 2008
Gene was a valued member of our faculty who will be greatly missed. A discussion with Gene on most any topic was a pleasure. His straight forward style was much appreciated.
Colin Kaltenbach
Dean and Director
Joe Fowler
January 16, 2008
Sincere and saddened thoughts to Doris and family. Being the driver on the many Pleasurebent trips they joined, it was always a bright spot to see Gene.
Ken Foster
January 16, 2008
I have known Gene for over 30 years as a colleague and dear friend. We enjoyed many memorable years working together at the Office of Arid Lands Studies, University of Arizona. Gene was our resident economists and worked on many projects related to new crop development. Gene was such a pleasure to be around. We spent many times on the road together visiting Indian reservations over the State. Gene loved his work, and his colleagues will miss him greatly. I am so pleased he had a full retirement and the time to do things he really enjoyed. He was a great individual and colleague. Gene, God's speed on your journey.
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
Make a Donation
in Gene Wright's name
Memorial Events
for Gene Wright
How to support Gene's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gene Wright's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
