STEPHEN WRIGHT

Stephen Kenneth Wright passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026 at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy of love, adventure, and community service.

Born in Fort William, Ontario, Stephen was the youngest of three children to Ruth and Gordon (Fuzz) Wright. From an early age, he brought energy and spirit wherever he went. On his first day of kindergarten, he wanted to wear a suit so he would be well-dressed, a sense of style he carried throughout his life.

Growing up, Steve and his brother Doug were partners in adventures, while older sister Kathy tried to contain their mischief. Their home was a lively gathering place for their friends, with Steve and Doug often at the centre of the fun.

As a teenager, Steve played AAA hockey with the Andrews Maroons Hockey Club, helping his team win the regional championship and compete in the 1979 Air Canada Cup in Winnipeg.

In 1986, Steve married Marlene Comeau. Their marriage was rooted in friendship, humour and a shared love of Ontario sports and culture. He ventured to Marlene's family's home province of New Brunswick where he was introduced to the Acadian Coast lifestyle, quickly making friends that would support him throughout his life.

When their daughter Ashton was born, the three formed a close-knit unit. They cherished Wright family Christmases, summers at Hawkeye Lake, and a memorable trip to Europe when Ashton was seven. Stephen was very proud of Ashton, and they bonded over politics and sports, especially cheering for and despairing over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Stephen dedicated more than 35 years to the Ontario Public Service, working in a range of roles. Service to community was central to Stephen and he often said, "my hobby is people."

Stephen believed strongly in public health care and served as the Chair of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Board of Directors when the hospital opened in 2004. During his own fight with cancer he advocated for the new Cardiovascular Surgery Program expansion and was proud to see its construction begin this year.

Steve's commitment to youth and sport was equally strong. He coached AAA hockey with the Thunder Bay Kings alongside friends Robin Clarke and Robbie Biggar. He helped create PRO Kids, to help kids in need find ways to continue their sports dreams and contributed to creating coaching materials for Hockey Canada.

Steve was active in local politics, believing that participating in democracy mattered. A member of the Liberal Party of Canada, he held leadership roles in many different winning regional political campaigns, provincially and federally. When Ashton was young, he often brought her along as he put up campaign signs for various elections and candidates, turning the work into a fun way to spend the afternoon together.

Known for his booming laugh - much like his father Fuzz - Steve loved a debate, a good party, and a cold drink reminiscing with old friends. He faced adversity with determination and optimism, often against the odds. He loved to travel, filling his calendar with weekend visits and longer adventures.

Most recently, he travelled to Costa Rica with his girlfriend Kathy Novak, a place where he had built many friendships. Kathy was instrumental for Stephen after the loss of his wife Marlene and has been an incredible support for his family through many recent hardships.

Stephen is survived by his daughter Ashton Wright (Anj), Mother Ruth Wright, sister Kathy Cuma (Mike), brother Doug Wright (Lauri), in-laws Lily and Laurie Comeau, nieces and nephews, Mike, Kristin (Tyler), Courtney (Eric), and Kyle (Gillian), and many close friends, all of whom loved Stephen. He was predeceased by his father Gordon (Fuzz) Wright, and beloved wife Marlene Wright.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Da Vinci Centre in Thunder Bay. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PRO Kids or the Northern Cancer Fund, causes that have always been important to Stephen. Arrangements entrusted to the Blake Funeral Chapel, 200 May Street S.

On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com