Darrell Stout Wright

Darrell Stout Wright was born on December 9, 1937, in Hurricane, Utah, to Grant and Vinetta Wright. He was one of six children, growing up alongside his siblings Sherma Radmall, Mary Anne Evans, Deanna Judd, Ginette Bunderson, and Ricky Wright.

Darrell spent his early years in Southern Utah, where he enjoyed an active and happy childhood surrounded by family, friends, and the wide-open desert landscapes of his hometown.

In high school, Darrell was a standout — catcher on the baseball team, running back on the football team, president of the local Future Farmers of America chapter, and even crowned Prom King. He carried that same mix of drive and charm throughout his life.

Darrell married Mavis Joy Miles on November 28, 1958, and the young couple moved to Salt Lake City, where he drove a taxi to support his family while studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah. He was just one quarter shy of earning his degree when he was offered a position at Ford Aeronutronic in Irvine, California — an opportunity too good to pass up.

Darrell and Mavis had three children together: Derrek, David, and Russell. They divorced in 1969.

Darrell’s career spanned many industries, but the common thread was always his remarkable talent for sales and human connection. Over the years he served as Vice President of Sales for several companies, including NAE (National American Enterprises) — a vending machine firm headquartered in the old Hotel Newhouse Building in Salt Lake City — and later the Pantastic Pantyhose Company. He even spent a period as a Keno salesman during the Rat Pack era, a job that perfectly suited his charisma and love of people.

In later married Guri Grindberg and together they had three children: Monika, Darrell Jr., and Tone Marie. The family lived in Orange County, California, for many years with a brief stint in Crystal Lake Illinois and Dallas Texas.

Darrell’s life was not without struggle. His mother passed away in childbirth on his 15th birthday which left a void for the rest of his life. He faced and ultimately overcame alcoholism — a battle that became one of his greatest triumphs. Through Alcoholics Anonymous, he found purpose in helping others. He sponsored many fellow alcoholics, co-founded the First Step House of Orange County, and gave countless people a second chance at life.

In addition to his mentorship work, Darrell started several small businesses that provided jobs and stability for those in recovery. He ran a used television repair business — buying, fixing, and selling TVs while employing recovering alcoholics as technicians. Later, he owned a roofing company with the same mission: offering dignity and opportunity through honest work.

Summers with Dad and Guri were filled with laughter and adventure — days at the beach, trips to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, and deep-sea fishing excursions that became treasured family memories. They divorced in 1992.

In 2004, Darrell married Chun Ying Ye Wright, the love of his life. Chun Ying cared for him deeply and devotedly until his final days. During their marriage, Darrell worked for World Savings Bank, where he headed the national appraisal department. His innovative approach to property valuation earned him respect throughout the banking industry.

Beyond his business and service to others, Darrell was a gifted musician. He played piano entirely by ear — no sheet music, just instinct and soul — and could sit for hours entertaining family and friends with melodies that filled the room with warmth and joy.

Darrell is survived by his wife Chun Ying Wright, his children Derrek Miles Wright, David Miles Wright, Russell Stout Wright, Monika Grindberg Siebers (Wright), Darrell Grant Wright Jr., Tone Marie Wright, as well as his siblings Marianne Evans, Deanna Judd, Ginette Bunderson, and Ricky Wright. He was preceded in death by his older sister Sherma, younger sister Leanna, parents Grant and Vinetta, and his stepmothers Allie and Jennie.

He leaves behind not just a family, but a legacy of resilience, humor, music, and redemption — a man who lived, learned, and ultimately helped others find their way home.