Daniel Robert Wright

1949 - 2023

Daniel Robert Wright
January 12, 1949 - June 29, 2023
Lee's Summit, Missouri - Caring husband and father, Daniel Robert Wright passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family on June 29, 2023 at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He was 74. Early that morning, a hawk soared outside the window signaling it was time for him to boldly go from this world.
Born January 12, 1949 to Robert and Mary Lou Wright, Dan grew up in Camden Point, Missouri with his brother Rodney Dean. Dan graduated from North Platte High School in 1967 and went on to earn his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Dan dedicated nearly 30 years of his career to Children's Mercy Kansas City where he served as Vice President of Human Resources from 2002 to 2014. Under his leadership, Children's Mercy was recognized annually as one of the city's best places to work from 2005 to 2014. One of his proudest achievements was the creation of the hospital's wellness center for employees, spouses, and partners.
Dan was a gentle, kind, and supportive husband and father. At home, he was often outnumbered by the two strong, independent, and opinionated women in his life, but he happily (and grumpily) went along with their plans and schemes, including taking cross-country roadtrips and learning to lindy hop. He never missed a dance recital, orchestra or choir concert, awards ceremony, or school event. Dan's discipline and determination provided a loving (and well-vacuumed) home.
Most every summer, Dan spent time in the mountains, usually venturing to Rocky Mountain National Park with his family. He loved hiking in the park, traversing Trail Ridge Drive, and relaxing by the Fall River. An avid reader, Dan's collection of historical nonfiction, political autobiographies, and sci-fi novels fill the shelves of his home library where he often could be found in the afternoons of his retirement. Well-known for his love of Star Trek, Dan refused to be considered a Trekkie because he drew the line at wearing a uniform, but he was well versed in Klingon traditions, Vulcan philosophies, and the space-time continuum. Dan also enjoyed watching old movies (here's looking at you, kid), placing baseball bets with his mother-in-law, sampling old and new gins, catching every crime show and Hallmark movie, taking in sunsets at Raintree Lake, and attending family game nights.
Dan will be greatly missed by his wife Holly, daughter Hilary, daughter-by-choice Beth, and pups Macy and Lily. He is survived by his brother Rod, mother-in-law Joann, aunt Norma, brothers-in-law Casey and John, sisters-in-law Mary and Sally, and multiple cousins, nieces, and nephews.
To honor Dan's wishes, no service will be held. His family will have a private celebration of his life. They encourage you to celebrate Dan's memory in your own ways. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Children's Mercy via Dan's memorial page at https://support.childrensmercy.org/danwright