Fulton Watkins Wright

Dr. Fulton Watkins Wright, Jr. passed away on October 27, 2025, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Born to Fulton and Margaret Baker Wright, he was raised alongside his three siblings in San Francisco and Pasadena, California. Dr. Wright earned a B.S. from Pomona College and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of California, Berkeley. His groundbreaking dissertation in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) contributed significantly to advancements in medical imaging that remain in use today. Following post-doctoral research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dr. Wright moved to Prescott, Arizona, where he joined the faculty at Prescott College. After the college's temporary closure in 1974, he began teaching at Yavapai College, where he met librarian Nancy Kirkpatrick. They married in 1980 and shared 45 years together. At Yavapai College, Dr. Wright taught physics and played a key role in establishing the computer science division during his 25-year tenure. He also remained committed to Prescott College, serving on its Board for 16 years. A passionate astronomer, Dr. Wright traveled with Nancy to 17 solar eclipses around the world. As President and long-time member of the Prescott Astronomy Club, he frequently lectured on celestial topics and constructed both his own telescope and a distinctive solar sundial at the Prescott Community Nature Center. Dr. Wright also contributed to the local arts community as a string bass player with the Prescott Orchestra for over 16 years and served on the Yavapai Symphony Board. He was an avid hiker and enjoyed photographing his travels with Nancy. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Kirkpatrick Wright; step-children Ann Kirkpatrick (Roger Curley), Kerry Kirkpatrick, and Robert Kirkpatrick; sisters Elizabeth Wright Pomeroy and Marcella Wright Ludwig (Robert); brother David Dukehart Wright (Pamela Bristah); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.