J. David Wright

J. David WRIGHT May 13, 1937 - November 23, 2005 Dave was born in Portland, Oregon. He spent his early years in Electric City where his father worked on the construction of Coulee Dam. The family moved to Spokane where thy owned and operated the Argonne Grocery in West Valley at the same time his mother taught in the elementary schools. He graduated from West Valley High School and attended Whitworth College until he transferred to the University of Washington in 1957. He received his master's degree in Ed. Psych. After a short teaching stint in Ferndale he was hired by the Shoreline School District where he met his future wife of 42 years, Shirley. He retired from Shoreline Community College after 28 years as a professor of English (NEVER say "The reason is - because!") While there he and another colleague developed a text for the College Exploratory Program. It was revised and eventually became a textbook titled "Voices", published in 1970. Dave enjoyed classical music and jazz, volunteering at St. James Cathedral as a tutor in the English as a Second Language program, ushering for musical events, honing his piano skills, reading (lots)), dinner parties (actually any party!) and animated dialogue that, perhaps, would help solve the problems besieging mankind. With great determination he fought the effects of spinal arthritis and Parkinson's, survived bacterial meningitis and septic shock but succumbed to complications from cancer. He was a loving husband and father and true friend to many. Dave loved his home of 38 years in Magnolia and is survived by his wife, Shirley, son, Brian, and daughter, Lisl. Contributions may be made to the St. James E.S.L. program or the St. James Music program in care of St. James Cathedral, 804 - Ninth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, December 2nd, 2 p.m., at St. James Cathedral. A reception will follow. Rest in peace, Dave!