John Arthur Wright

John, you are forever in my heart. Thinking of you often and missing you.

It is hard to believe that John has been gone for a year already. My former colleagues and I at Global Sage miss him terribly. We still share fond memories of him as we remember his kindness, generosity and larger-than-life personality. He is forever in our hearts.
May God rest his soul and grant him eternal peace!

lover & tears,
May Koon

A year has passed. When I think of John the first thought is remembering him laugh. Throwing back his head and howling uproariously. A man with a wonderful sense of humour. I trust his loved ones have much to cherish, to help support them.

With sadness, I send my condolence and love. I feel honored that I had the opportunity to get to know John. He was a bright light in this world along with his kindness and compassion. Find comfort in knowing that he left a beautiful mark on you and everyone he met. With the best of my love,
Linda Schroeder

I met John only once at a dinner for his son, Sam while he was at Andrew's Osborne Academy. that dinner was amazing and John was a fantastic host and seemed like a wonderful father to his son. I know Sam is a better man because of having a father like John. I wish The Family my thoughts and prayers.

We knew John best from stories that my nephew Ryan shared, but it was always clear that John was a big personality and a kind soul. He will be missed. Our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time.

This year marks the 20th year of knowing John. I owe him a personal and professional debt I can never repay, but my gratitude is endless. We shared many adventures together, and I have had a richer life for knowing him. I am so sad that his godson will not benefit from his wit and wisdom as I had hoped, but I will tell stories and share insights that he taught me. Just brokenhearted at his passing. What an amazing man - bigger than life in every way. x

Most of us know how intelligent, wise and kind John was but probably few people realized that this big man had exquisite taste in art and design. John used to decorate our elegant offices of Global Sage in Hong Kong with beautiful orchids year-round. My husband Alan and I would like to remember him as a man who worked hard and achieved success but never forgot his love of nature and appreciation of the wonderful things in life.

With love & tears,
Alan & May Koon
Hong Kong

We shared home room in 6th grade. Mr. Close´s class at Blake School. It was all boys at that time.

I remember a wonderful visit with him in Hong Kong. He knew so much about all that was happening and was so energized by being part of the journalistic scene there. It was a very long lunch!

I am deeply sad to hear of John´s death. He deserved many more seasons and has gone before his journey should have ended. My deepest sympathy to Sam, Gabe, Lesley, Abby, Conrad, Arthur and family whom he loved deeply and gratitude to those who helped him during his illness. John was a remarkable man who was truly a Sage; always with a unique view which was valuable, deep felt and erudite. He taught me many things for which I am grateful, not least; the difference between heart and head, between being right and being smart and the rarity and value of original thought. I will miss you, I wish you had more time but I´m glad you´re no longer in pain and we´re surrounded by family. May you rest in eternal peace John and be reborn in ultimate bliss.

I first met John in high school working on the newspaper with him. We became good friends around the time his mom sadly passed away. I have many memories spending time at his cabin with family and friends, over decades, playing games, boating and laughing a lot!!! He became friends with my parents, siblings and my kids as well. When I traveled to Hong Kong he really showed us a wonderful time. I last saw John at Mayo Clinic in the midst of his treatments and toward the end, when he was both realistic and full of such hope. We all were. He was thin and weak yet his spirit and humor shined through. He loved his kids and grandkids more than anything. John was so interesting and so interested in everything around him. He leaves a big hole and I´ll miss him deeply. What a wonderful life and life well lived. Goodbye dear friend. Peace.

I am deeply saddened by the news of John's passing in mid-April. I still remember vividly the first time I met John in April 2008. We had an engaging conversation on a wide range of topics, including our shared experiences of starting career as financial journalists, dealing with back pain, and seeking alternative healing.

At the end of our meeting, John supported May's suggestion that I join Global Sage, which marked the beginning of a meaningful second career for me. Through this opportunity, I have had the pleasure of meeting numerous interesting candidates and clients from diverse nationalities and backgrounds.

During the 4 years from 2008 to 2012 that I worked in Global Sage, John, May and I successfully completed some of the most important assignments not only for Global Sage but also for Hong Kong as a whole. What I cherish the most about working with John was his warmth and kindness towards his colleagues. His encouragement was like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and a source of strength. I will be forever grateful to John.

I believe that John has now entered God's Tabernacle, where there is no more pain, sorrow, or death. He had an amazing life journey spanning 63 years. John, may you rest in peace. You will always be missed and remembered.

Sophia from Hong Kong

I recall and evening when he invited Breaca and I over to his house for dinner, it was just after the Mid-Autumn festival. Sitting in his garden after dinner we chatted about so many different things. Strangely, we never got the chance to do it again and had I but known it would be the last time, I would have lingered an awful lot longer. A wonderful guy, who leave behind a lot of great memories.

John and Breaca

we met in a business meeting in Hong Kong. John came in and in his punchy style told me why he was the best head-hunter in Asia. Over the years, he managed to prove it too!

The first time I met John was when he and Mike were at Blake together and I picked John and Mike and David up at school when they were11 years old and brought them to our house for dinner! It was a fit at first sight and many years of life, followed. John became one of us and was like another son, to me. We had many connections in common - his grandma and my mother grew up across the alley from each other and the families knew each other well/his Dad and my Dad rode horses together and the memories just accumulated from there! My friend and I stayed with John in his first apartment in Hong Kong which was over a grocery store surrounded by all the sounds of the city. with John as our tour guide, we did it all! Of course, the years blessed John with many gifts due to his beautiful, kind and generous personality! GENEROSITY- says it all when I remember John! He has left a legacy of the JOY OF LIFE! Always in my -

John and I grew up around the corner from one another; he was my oldest friend / acquaintance, and I am startled at his death. My deep feelings of condolence go to Russ, Sam & Abby & Conrad, Gabriel, and the others I never got to meet. We sang in the Blake School Glee Club together, too -- marvelous to see that such a giant of a man could sing a fine first tenor. Then he did me an enormous and unexpected favor, of a sort which I gather he did regularly: he hired me at Global Sage, for a very brief period (my unqualifications were lengthy), which led to a visit at his lake cabin (our little girl learned to fish there!) and a couple of lunches in New York. Wonderful, all of it. May God bless you, John Wright, as you blessed us. -Jim / Corny / James Cornelius (John, too, had several names.)

Many fond memories of working with John for over 30 years in Hong King, Tokyo, London, and New York. John had a very high bar for recruiting the best talent. He gave unfiltered advice and feedback. Always had your back and was looking out for you. A true friend, gentleman, and scholar. Extremely well read, and a man of conviction. An old soul with a warm heart. I treasure the time we spent to together at the lake house in Minnesota. Rest easy my friend. Jarett

I´m so saddened to receive the news that John is no longer with us. He was an amazing human, larger than life, and a dear soul. From the first time we met, it was if we´d known each other already, quickly becoming friends. His family brought him so much love and happiness. He was selfless, always thinking about others first. John, I love you and will miss our talks. My regret is not fully realizing you had such limited time with us. I know you are peace and that we will meet again. With love and gratitude- Darcy

In Loving Memory of John Wright
Our Supreme Leader, Amazing Mentor, Caring Boss & Generous Friend

John would undoubtedly be tickled pink if he knew that we, the majority of former employees of Global Sage in Hong Kong and Japan (Alex Wai, Andy Kwong, Angela Lee, Celia Lam, Danielle Lee, Doris Chan, Edmund Yu, Hirokazu Tamura, Karman Chung, Lani Torres, May Koon, Reiko Lau, Rita Lau, Sheila Wong, Sophia Yan, Stanley Soh, Sylvia Poon, Valerie Del Rosario, Vanessa Del Rosario, Vivian Tang, Wai Yee Leung) have banded together since 2012 to meet regularly to share updates on our lives and reminisce about the memories we made while working for him.

We still cherish the fine reputation of Global Sage, which held the distinguished position of being Asia's number one Global Search Firm, a company that John founded and nurtured. We deeply appreciate the incredible company offsites held in various parts of the world, which fostered a strong sense of camaraderie instilled by John. These cultural and educational experiences not only enhanced our values but also transformed us into better human beings. We are sincerely grateful for everything John did for us. We love and miss him dearly!

John fought bravely, finished the race and kept the faith. May the soul of this giant of a man rest in eternal peace. May God continue to shower His blessings on Sam, Gabe and family and on Lesley.

We would like to share several pictures of John taken during our company offsites. As a nature enthusiast, he taught us the importance of tree planting.

John would be pleased that we have purchased a grove of 100 memorial trees dedicated to his memory in the Chippewa National Forest in Central North Minnesota.

John was put on this earth to help people realize their dreams. That was his passion and he touched so many lives. Those fortunate people know John was the best.
Wonderful memories of moments together in Hong Kong and later in the US will be forever cherished by us.

Dearest John,

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again.

You will stay in my memory always.

Silvie Buchs & Family

The sense of loss at John´s passing will be felt very widely. He touched many lives, and was the conduit to opportunity and positive change for so many. My deepest condolences to Sam and family, to Gabe and family and to Lesley, and to all who have supported and helped care for John throughout his treatment. I am so thankful for John´s past support and friendship. We last met up in New York a number of years ago and the memory of our lunch that day at his club and our years working together in Hong Kong remain very vivid. Cheers JAW; thanks for inviting me along on a part of your amazing journey! Rest in peace. Leon

We are deeply saddened that a great and generous friend has passed away. Our condolences, George, Emily and Arthur Fenton - London

Deepest condolences and sympathy from the YOSHIDA family, Winchester Farm, Lexington, Kentucky.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

i knew john first as an editor at the Asian Wall Street Journal, and later when he went into executive search. He truly was larger than life, not only in size but in personality. i am saddened to hear of his death.

Being John´s Aunt Nola´s friend I was lucky yI meet John and see him, Russ and his son´s a few times over the years. Nola was so proud of both John & Russ so it was always nice to see them and the joy they brought to Nola.

John will always remain in my heart and will be remembered as my great boss and mentor! It has been such a pleasure working with him!

John truly cared for his staff. Words cannot express how grateful I am for everything he has done for me! I remember watching John as he sat at his desk writing cards to every member of staff with their own personalized messages on each of their anniversaries, accompanied by a very thoughtful gift. I used to think to myself "Wow, how many CEOs actually spend so much time doing this kind of thing for every one of his staff".

The photo attached is one of my favorites taken on our offsite in Argentina! I will never forget all our amazing company offsites! We would do the most craziest things and I am sure those who were a part of the Global Sage Team would agree and know what I mean!

It is very sad to have to say goodbye big John but I know that you are now in a safe and happy place and watching over your dear family and friends! Rest in peace and may we cross paths again in our next life!

Love always Doris

John was a big man in stature with a big open heart to match. He loved life and he loved people. His physical presence on this earth will be forever missed.

Dear dear John- such a larger than life person throughout his life. I met John at Blake. I remember him taking me through his grandmother Wagner´s home and exploring the attic. He was so funny as a Sumo wrestler in Blake´s Cinderella. If I can find the photo I will share it with the family. John showed much kindness to my family when he moved back to New York. Such a great man who made his mark on the world. It is a huge loss. My heart goes out to the family. Know your dad and grandpa made the world a better place. Rest in peace dear John.

Had the chance to meet him in Brussels a decade ago. Sincere condolences. Cathy Goldfinger and Jos Kumps