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BORN
1937
DIED
2023
H. Wright Obituary
July 25, 1937 November 12, 2023
Bakersfield 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 frienda 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/
www.bakersfield.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for H. Wright
Audra Brister
May 8, 2025
I just found out about his home going. He was the best professor I ever had I use his works daily in my life and counseling.
Sharon Good
February 6, 2025
I was just thinking about Norm & I sadden to hear of his passing. As a Christian counselor, I have a tremendous amount of respect for Norm as a mentor, teacher & counselor. He will always be in my heart. I hope his family will always keep his proliferation of books & materials available for the next generation of counselors & pastors.
Lorraine Lee
July 14, 2024
I´m saddened to learn about Mr. Wrights death but happy he isn´t suffering and is in the presence of Jesus with his long lost loved ones. He made such a positive difference in my life beginning with hearing he speak on a Grief Share presentation. My mother died in 2015. I still think of her many times a day. The only thing that got me through her loss was the knowledge we´d be together again because of Jesus Christ. I read some of his books and continue to buy them hope anyone I learn is struggling with grief. He lived in Kern county. I lived in Silicon Valley and drive through once in awhile. Now in Boston, I support "Friends of Abandoned Dogs" in Bakersfield. Sadly there´s 100´s of dog young and old, sick, pregnant, injured, starving left on the streets of that city. You can find them on Facebook. Please consider giving to a truly compassionate group of volunteers. God lived a cheerful giver. Be the difference you want to see. I´m sure Mr. Wright would approve.
Nannette Wandrey
May 17, 2024
I'm sure my Dad, Verlyn Cornelius, was happy to finally see his nephew Norman again, as he had been wondering about Norman clear up to his passing the end of August 2023. I bet Dad and Norman have been fishing for the big Salmon and trout, just like they loved to, I their past memories, and now they are together again catching up with big stories and lots of laughs. Rest in Peace dear cousin Norman and see you again soon
Handy Majano
April 17, 2024
I can't believe it brother in faith Norman Wright just passed away a few months ago !!! I am deeply sad , I just finished right now to read his book "A Marriage under God " and the final pages talked about his wife Joyce illness , inviting to check about her in his website , when I discover that she passed away some years ago, and discovering his departure to heaven .
I am still single and preparing for the wife God has in His plan for me by faith , Great book !!!!
God bless you eternally brother Norman, Good Job servant !!!!
Bessie Lim
March 25, 2024
Sorry. I need to make a correction...`imprints´ in my sharing should have been `footprints´. My apology!
Bessie Lim
March 25, 2024
I was Dr. Wright´s student from Talbot Theological Seminary in the 80´s. My life was touched by him in many ways. I was inspired to be a people-helper. He was a patient, kind, thoughtful, compassionate, humble, caring and wise professor. He was also an active listener and insightful counselor. He always had time for his students. He had left his imprints in my heart. After all these years, I still remember the things that he had taught me. Most of all, his love for the Lord, for life, for his family and whoever God had sent his way was a reflection of God´s love! He had such a gift of writing and sharing from his heart! I had read many of his books. His books on grieving had helped me tremendously when I lost both of my parents and my grandmother.
Norm will be deeply missed!
May the Lord cover his family with His love, comfort and peace!
Jeffrey J. Williams, M.Div., Ph.D.
February 12, 2024
Captivated as a young Christian by the practical wisdom and genius of Norms' writing, I was deeply inspired to become a "people helper" after his example. I read most of his books and was so blessed to get to sit down with him over a salmon lunch and interview him in the process of writing my Ph.D. dissertation entitled: "Selected Contributions of H. Norman Wright to Marriage Counseling by the Minister." Always warm, humble, genuine and Christ-like in demeanor with a rock solid focus on the well-being of person or persons in front of him at the moment. He was a profoundly excellent model of a healthy person and an engaging minister. These qualities, together with his depth of knowledge and communication skills made him a magnet to hurting people -- very much like Jesus! What a wonderful and profound example of a life well lived as he focused on training and helping people as much as he possibly could. He has impacted me very deeply, even disciplining me via his clear and solidly biblical writing. Of course, his presence will be missed here, but his example and teaching legacy will continue his influence for many many years! I thank the Lord Jesus for giving us all a man like H. Norman Wright!
Patty Reis
January 22, 2024
Norm was the first therapist I saw after the murder of my two children in 2012. He was a patient and wise counselor as I waded through my grief. His work was instrumental in my grief journey. His books touched me deeply. Eventually, I attended his trauma and crisis training; as I learned to hold space for others in their grief. Toward the end of his life, I was honored to be able to help him work with zoom, and other technology, as he continued to share his wisdom with others even in his frailty. Thank you, Mary, for welcoming me into your home, to assist Norm in his final months as he continued to teach and mentor.
Norm, thank you for your deep listening, your gift of teaching, your humor. Thank you for listening to your call. Thank you for all the hearts you've touched. I'll never forget your kindness and expertise.
David Jenkins
January 16, 2024
Having known Norm for almost sixty years. I appreciated his warmth and care as a prof, counselor and friend.
It was fascinating to watch his ministry direction change as life circumstances significantly impacted his life.
No matter the life circumstances or ministry he was guided by his relationship to Christ through the Scripture.
He personally challenged to be my best by knowing him.
Sissy Hall
December 16, 2023
My life has been so impacted by H Norman Wright's books and been a blessing.
Becca Christian Buchanan
December 13, 2023
Beautiful tribute to a life well lived. I was privileged to attend his grief seminar years ago & I still use the techniques and principles not only for myself but to minister to others.
Heather Sproul
December 13, 2023
Norm worked out for a season at Terrio Fitness where two of my teenaged kid and I were learning about conditioning. On a number of occasions I found myself alongside Norm, on a bench or a treadmill. It was always a joy to see him, and I think he made me laugh each time. Rest in peace dear Norm.
Dr. T. Dixon
December 13, 2023
Mr. Wright´s books made an impact in the lives of my clients and mine. My condolences to his family and all who knew him.
Dr. Naomi Cramer Overton
November 29, 2023
Knowing the impact of someone who Norm influenced tells me so much about Norm's life. I am privileged to work with a ministry whose Norm's nephew, Mark Fugleberg, has enriched and strengthened remarkably. At remarkable times such as global pandemic. Mark speaks of Norm's influence, and others see Norm's influence through Mark. To God be the glory and may all who celebrate Norm know his influence goes farther than anyone can guess.
Vicki Roenspiess
November 27, 2023
I don't know anyone who changed my life more than Norm did - both by helping me understand the impact my own losses had on my life and by equipping me to help others who are grieving. No matter how many titles, degrees, and accomplishments he had, he was always warm, humble and approachable. He had such a great sense of humor, and had no problem laughing at himself. We will never know this side of heaven just how many people he helped. But I'm grateful to be one of them.
My sincerest sympathy to all who loved him. Norm would remind us to "always look for the forgotten grievers." I know there are many. If you were on the fringes, Norm would have acknowledged you.
May we all do our best to continue his amazing legacy.
Janis and Don
November 25, 2023
We were Bakersfield residents in 2009 when we lost our son. Through the grace of God, we were put in touch with Norman. He invited us into his home and provided such comfort through both his counseling and his book, "Experiencing Grief". Over the ensuing years, we were able to provide copies of Norman's book to others in their time of need. Little did we know of the sufferings that he had endured in his own life. Norman truly was a man of God.
Heather C
November 22, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I met Norm and rented his house back in 2012. He had a beautiful soul. Rest in Peace.
Merry
November 22, 2023
Such a "man after God´s own heart "! Norm Wright will be missed greatly, but be encouraged! We will miss him for only a short time. All of those born again by the Holy Spirit look forward to our reunion, but firstly and mostly, our Beloved God. Dear Lord, comfort Dr. Wright´s family in Your perfect way.
Dan Broyles
November 22, 2023
I am so thankful for him teaching me how to care for those who are grieving! He was truly a gift from God to so many people.
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