Muskegon, Michigan
Wright, Mr. William F. Muskegon, MI William Fredric Wright, age 83, passed away peacefully at his home Sunday night (November 20, 2016) after a long illness. He was the youngest son, born to Helen and James Wright on April 19, 1933. As a life-long resident of Muskegon, he spent his early years in the Bluffton neighborhood near Pigeon Hill. Bill devoted his life to Democratic and progressive principles of justice, equality, and peace. He got his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in education while working at S.D. Warren and raising his three children (Tim Wright, Steve Wright, and Melinda Wright) with his first wife Anne (McCartney) Wright. He was married to Anne for 37 years until her death in 1989. Bill taught various grades in Muskegon County elementary schools, settling at Jolman School in Orchard View, until his retirement in 2002. In 1990, Bill married Marcia (Chessman) Hovey-Wright. They had 26 years of travel adventures to Europe, Greece, and Russia and also spent many hours sailing on Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan with many family and friends. Throughout his life, Bill was an activist for his strong beliefs and dedicated volunteer leader with the Michigan Education Association, Harbor Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Nelson Neighborhood Improvement Association, and numerous political campaigns. Bill and Marcia were proud to attended Bill Clinton's first Presidential Inauguration in 1993. Bill also managed Marcia's successful campaign for State Representative in the 92nd District. Understanding that friends and neighbors are important, Bill organized friendly "Second Friday" gatherings at their historic downtown home for several years until his health interfered. On his 80th birthday, he surprised everyone by getting a sailboat tattoo on his arm. He was also active in a men's lunch group and a gourmet cooking group. Bill and Marcia recently moved to Harbor Towne Condominiums, where Bill was delighted to be back at the Pigeon Hill area of his youth. Survivors include his wife, Marcia Hovey-Wright, his children, Tim (Pam) Wright, Steve (Rhonda) Wright, and Melinda (Robert Peale) Wright, and his step-children, Christopher (Kelli) Chessman and Kara (Christopher) Rozell. His grandchildren include Aaron (Dawn) Wright, Wendy (Matt) Miller, Shawn Wright, Alex Peale, Adah, Lila, and Eliana Rozell, and Gavin and Ryan Chessman and his great-grandchildren include Samuel and Benjamin Wright, Brooklyn Nuyen, and Marley Miller. He was pre-deceased by his parents (Helen and James), wife (Anne), and siblings (James, Malcom, and Evelyn). Please feel free to sign the on-line guestbook at youngfh.com MEMORIAL SERVICE: will be held 4:00 pm Friday, November 25th at Harbor Unitarian Universalist Congregation (1296 Montgomery Street in Muskegon, MI). Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 am 12:00 pm and 3:00 4:00 pm on the same day. MEMORIALS: ACL of Michigan, Planned Parenthood-Muskegon Health Center or Donors Choose.org (Classroom Enrichment).
Hello Marcia,
This is very late , but I just found out of Bill's passing.I;m soo sorry , have always thought soo much of you and Bill.We shared a best friend , that did seem special.
Marcia , please keep up the good - Democratic - fight!
tom hull
December 19, 2016 | Muskegon, MI
I was sorry to learn of Bill's passing, Marcia.I enjoyed conversing with him during the last few summers.
Penny Hermansader
November 29, 2016 | Long Beach, CA
Marcia and Family, so sorry for your loss. Bill was such an inspirational leader. He will truly be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lois Williams
November 27, 2016 | Muskegon
Marcia, so very sorry to learn of Bill's passing. It was a privilege to have known him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Helen
Helen Sherman
November 27, 2016 | Muskegon, MI
Dear Marcia,
I send both my sympathy, and my heartfelt respect for the work that you and your husband have done for our community. I last saw you and Bill, albeit briefly, at Faye&Donna's wedding, where my mother Ruth joined your table (and I sat with the volleyball crowd). Ruthie always updates me on your hard work for Muskegon, and I see that you had in Bill a like-minded spirit..
November 27, 2016
Bill and the family are in my thoughts and UU prayers. I remember Bill as a calm and helpful member of the UU Fellowship in the late 1960s and 1970s. My dad enjoyed his company in the "meat and potatoes" men's group. ❤
Martha McFerran Dahya
November 26, 2016 | Columbus, OH
Bill lit up the room. I will always remember how much fun he wanted everybody to have and how much his joyful manner transformed every gathering.
Amanda Weissert
November 26, 2016 | Muskegon, MI
What a distinguished, vibrant life he led, thanks for being an example to us all, Uncle Bill!
Gayle Cuny
November 26, 2016 | FL
Dear Marcia and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I was trying to tell my spouse, Linda Wikle, what kind of man he was. It's hard to describe the quiet strength I felt in his presence. He was someone who knew what is right and tried always to do it. We need his kind of steady strength and devotion to doing the right thing in our world. I'm so sorry he's gone. We were unable to be with you today but are holding you in our hearts.
Gail Trill
November 25, 2016 | Traverse City (Williamsburg), MI