H. Norman Wright

H. Norman Wright was born on July 25, 1937. He grew up in Hollywood Hills, CA with his parents, Amelia and Harry, and his half-brother, Paul Fugleberg. The family attended Hollywood Hills Presbyterian Church, where Norm actively participated in the youth group, embodying their motto: "To Know Christ and Make Him Known."

His journey to make Christ known continued throughout his life. Norm graduated from Westmont College, where he met his future wife, Joyce Archinal. They married in 1959, and Norm pursued future education at Pepperdine University and Fuller Seminary. Together, they raised two children, Sheryl and Matthew. The later addition of their granddaughter, Shaelyn, brought great joy and completeness to their family. On numerous occasions, Norm expressed that the profound life lessons he learned about the presence and power of Jesus surpassed those from formal education. His son, Matthew, was born with a severe mental disability, and his ability never reached that of a three-year-old. It was from he and Joyce's loving Matthew, that Norm gently learned to respond and minister to hurting people.

Wearing various hats with grace he began in ministry as a youth pastor, eventually becoming a professor at Biola University and Talbot School of Theology, an author, speaker, Marriage and Family Therapist, and Victim Relief Chaplain. Additionally, he played a crucial role as a counselor/debriefer during national tragic events. Despite his varied roles, Norm cherished his fishing hat, and always found time for fishing, considering it a means of unwinding, relaxation, and praising God.

Norm suffered and grew from experiencing God's presence in the midst of several painful losses, including the passing of his son Matthew in 1990, his wife Joyce in 2007, and his daughter Sheryl in 2015. However, he faced these challenges by practicing what he taught with grace, using his own experiences of sadness, loneliness, and tears to minister to others with wisdom. He often said, 'God doesn't waste our experiences, He uses them," when reflecting on the unexpected events in his life.

In November 2020, Norm found love again with God's gift of Mary Morris, marking a blessed chapter in his life. They celebrated their love monthly, recognizing the preciousness of their time together.

Norm wasn't just an educator and writer on relationships, they were the cornerstone of his life. Starting with his relationship with his Lord Jesus Christ to his connections with family and friends. Norm exemplified a life lived with the heart of his Savior. Despite immense success, influence, and fame, Norm never made it about himself. Those closest to him would attest that unless you were aware of his "well-known" and "important" status, you'd never guess. He was a remarkably open, honest, humble, and candid friend-a fellow Christ-follower. Sharing joy and laughter, strength and weaknesses, requesting prayer, and cherishing time together.

In the last year of his life, those intimately connected with Norm witnessed the very real day-in and day-out impact of living a life rooted in father in our Lord Jesus Christ. Norm didn't just preach; he practiced what he preached. Confronting Parkinson's disease, he approached it with the same faith, prayer, and trust in his Savior that characterized his response to past challenges.

Norm will be missed by his family and friends, as well as the millions of lives that God will use him to impact. He often said, "To God be be Glory!" and he would want his ministry to continue to glorify God. Though he will be deeply missed, Norm's ministry will undoubtedly endure, leaving a lasting legacy of faith and service, impacting future generations.

In lieu of flowers ask that donations be made to Hoffmann Hospice https://www.hoffmannhospice.org/ or to Redemption Ranch https://redemptionranchca.org/