William *Bill* Wright

1944 - 2026

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 23rd, 2026 at the Riggins Community Center from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Bill was born the eldest of three sons, on October 11th, 1944 in Cleveland, Ohio to his parents John and Margaret Wright. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1962. He attended the Ohio State University, where he played on Ohio State's first varsity hockey team, and Parson's College graduating with a Bachelor's in Secondary Education in 1967. He earned his Master's Degree in Education Administration in 1972 from University of Northern Iowa. He taught Science and coached Wrestling and Football. He held several different jobs over his lifetime but education and coaching were his passion for 14 years including his time at Salmon River High School.

Bill met the love of his life Kathie Gerraty in 1960. They have been married for 59 1/2 years. They raised three children, Sandy, Mark and Leo in Iowa, Ohio and settling in Idaho in 1983 at Boulder Creek. If you knew Bill he entertained you with many amazing stories and knew no strangers!

Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoying traveling and anything outdoors. He had a deep passion for Yellowstone National Park and vacationed there for over 50 years. He was successful at bowhunting, waterfowl, fishing and a huge supporter of wildlife conservation. He and Kathie enjoyed traveling a lot in their retirement, especially Hawaii and Ireland.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Kathie; his daughter, Sandy (Louie) Martinez, Mark (Bambi) Wright and Leo (Stephanie) Wright. Grandchildren Damian Martinez, Abby Clay, Tim (Alicia) Wright, AJ Martinez, Louie Martinez Jr, Janey (Ethan) Clay Hofhine, Sarah Wright, Robert (Kira) Martinez, Zachary Wright, Lucas (Cassie) Wright, Larisa Wright, and Lucy Wright. His brothers Jack (Isabelle) Wright and Jim (Kathy) Wright and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He leaves behind many wonderful friends that are like family especially Robin and Micheal Held. Special thank you to St Luke's McCall Hospital and Scott Carver of McCall Funeral Home for their kindness and care.