Leon R. Wright

CODY, Wyo. - Leon R. Wright took his last ride on his beloved Razor into the sunrise August 8, 2014. He had been battling cancer.

Leon was born in Blue Mound, Kan. on Oct. 21, 1939, to Raymond (Slim) and Lois Wright. He grew up in Cody and as a young man he worked as pack trip hand, ranch hand and even did some rodeo riding. After high school, Leon married Patricia Ulmer. Together they had three children, Michele, Shawn, and Kelly. Leon worked construction in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana; many a highway was worked on by Leon in those years. Leon and Patricia later divorced. At that time, Leon fulfilled one of his dreams and went north to Alaska to work on the Great Alaskan Pipeline.

Returning to Cody, Leon married Margaret O'Mahoney and they had one child, Van. At that time, Leon fulfilled another dream - he became the owner of his own excavating company, Wright Excavation. Everyone always knew they could call Leon to help them bury a horse, dig a grave, or even clear a driveway. All who knew him also knew that he could spin a tale with the best of them. Leon and Maggie later divorced.

Leon married Irene (Butch) Rodgers in 1994. He loved camping and riding his 4-wheelers and Razor. He also loved the Cody area and was always telling his children about the local history. Leon retired and started many projects. He refinished sheep wagons, surpassing their former glory. He also became extremely active in his woodworking. He created so many beautiful shelves, step stools, Norweigan teines, wine boxes, the list is endless and his work was exceptional.

Survivors include his children, Michele (Mark) Wiherski of Missoula, Shawn Wright, of Seattle, Kelly Wright, of Pueblo,  and Van (Bobbie) Wright, of Sheridan; granddaughter, Chelsea Wiherski; grandson, Aayden Rodgers; brothers, Bill (Linda) Wright, Mark (Jeanine) Wright and sister, Sandy (Earl) Nichole.

He was preceded in death by both parents; his aunt, Maxine Jernberg; brother, Duane Wright; nephew, Raymond Wright; and wife, Irene Wright.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Spirit Mountain Hospice for the wonderful care they took with Leon during his stay there.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Dude Ranch Museum in Cody or Cody Meals on Wheels

There will be a celebration of Leon's life at a later date.