Geoffrey Robins "Jed" Wright

Geoffrey Robins "Jed" Wright, 54

FALMOUTH - Geoffrey Robins "Jed" Wright, 54, of Falmouth, took his own life on Oct. 6, 2017, following a recent struggle with severe anxiety.

He was born Oct. 9, 1962, in Cambridge, Mass., the son of Eleanor (Witte) "Polly" Wright and the late Winthrop R. "Rob" Wright Jr.

Jed met the love of his life, Stefanie Fairchild, while pursuing his undergraduate degree at Bates College. They married Aug. 11, 1990, and were admired as a couple by many for having a marriage full of joy and laughter. They shared an incredible bond of friendship and adoration.

Jed and Stef had two children together, Ania and Zachary, whom Jed loved dearly. He was ever present in their lives as a father, a mentor, and a friend.

Jed received his B.A. from Bates College in 1985, followed by a M.A. in geography from the State University of New York, Buffalo, in 1992, and a M.E.S. from the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies at Yale University in 1994.

Jed's career was shaped by his concerns about justice, the environment, and international development, and he leaves an amazing legacy through his work.

His early positions at the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy and with the Southern Africa Department of the World Bank took him to Mozambique and Angola, and included the design of a national land use and mapping program for rural planning and refugee resettlement. In 1994, he was hired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to work on the Gulf of Maine Coastal Program/Fisheries Stewardship Project in Falmouth, where he worked until his death.

He began in a position focused on habitat mapping for Atlantic salmon, which evolved into a project leader position where his work expanded to a broader focus on habitat assessment, protection and restoration projects. Through his work managing the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Fund, Jed was able to help permanently protect thousands of acres of riparian habitat, strengthen local conservation organizations, and develop innovative restoration approaches.

In addition to his work, Jed loved to support and mentor young environmentalist, both as interns in his office, and through his volunteer work with the Falmouth schools, through which every year fourth graders have helped to restock salmon in local streams.

A loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend to many, Jed was a man of numerous talents and interests. A great cook, Jed was both an artist and an adventurer in the kitchen. The flavors of the world were his painter's palette, and he explored new cuisines with relish. He delighted in finding twists on traditional dishes, and rarely repeated a recipe. He traveled with this in mind, and was on a constant lookout for the best restaurants of the particular foods that were native to the places he visited.

Always active, Jed was a lifelong runner, rower, and avid cyclist. He followed his father's example of commuting to work by bicycle, even in inclement weather. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and the perfect knack for sharing it. He was also incredibly creative, delighting his children, nieces and nephews (and any adults within earshot) with his fantastic storytelling, complete with sound effects and an amazing cast of characters. But above all, Jed will be remembered for his sense of social justice, and his kindness and generosity to others.

Jed is survived by his wife, Stefanie Fairchild; and his children, Ania and Zachary Wright. He is also survived by his mother, Polly Wright; and his siblings and their families: Eleanor L. "Lisa" Wright and Timothy Hoyt, and Christopher B. Wright; and nephews Liam, Benjamin and Jonathan Wright-Hoyt.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, at 2:30 p.m. at the First Universalist Church of Yarmouth (97 Main St.), with a potluck reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to
The Yellow Tulip Project, at: theyellowtulipproject.org
or to the charity of your choice