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BORN
1944
DIED
2025
Richard Wright Obituary
January 8, 1944 - July 17, 2025
Dillon – Richard "Rick" Leigh Wright, 81, passed peacefully from home in Dillon, Montana. A beloved husband and loving father, Rick lived a life marked by achievement, lifelong learning and interpersonal connections. Rick was passionate about and leaves a legacy in service to the Kern Community College District.
Born in Shelby, Ohio, Rick excelled in scouting, fishing, and academic achievement at Shelby High where he starred in football and ran track, graduating in 1962.
By 1968, Rick had earned both B.A. and M.A. from Kent State University. Next stop was University of Northern Colorado at Greeley earning a Ph.D in College Student Personnel Administration in 1971.
Accepting a position at Bakersfield College, Rick and his family moved to Bakersfield in 1977. In 1983 Rick began a 14 year tenure as Bakersfield College president. Throughout his career he taught psychology to up to 400 students per semester.
In 2016 Rick's dream to live in fly fishing heaven was realized upon moving to Dillon, Montana.
Rick is survived by wife Laurie, children Trent, Nicole, Colleen, and Asher, stepchildren Melanie, Amber, Jamie and Kimber. He was Papa to 20 precious grandchildren. He is also survived by former spouse Connie.
Celebration of Life services will be held in both Dillon and Bakersfield.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Samaritanspurse.org. Thank-you.
www.bakersfield.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Wright
1 Entry
Larry Fanucchi
August 8, 2025
Rick was a great friend and president. Had lots of good times at work, in the mountains, and streams. Sad that he could not have had many more years in Dillon!
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