Richard Wright

1939 - 2025

Richard Wright

May 4, 1939 ~ December 19, 2025

Salt Lake City, UT-Our beloved Father, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, and friend Richard Mathew Wright passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving children. He was born on May 4, 1939, in Pleasant Grove, Utah, to Harold Mathew Wright and Genevive Fugal. After losing his father to cancer as a young man, Richard honored him by living a life of faith and light that drew others to Christ. He inherited his mother's quiet grace, humor, and forgiving heart. His parents' spiritual legacy led Richard to a life of quiet service. For the past 13 years, he served as Ward Welfare Specialist, and despite the cancer that drained his energy, he continued to serve someone every day. Richard met the love of his life, Marjorie Vriens, while attending East High School. He won her over by throwing a snowball at her. After serving in the United States Army Reserves and then completing a mission to the Eastern States Mission, he returned and married Marjorie in the Salt Lake Temple on August 31, 1961. They celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in August. They had loved each other for 70 years. He graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in business, then worked for Moore Business Forms for 35 years first as a salesman and later as a corporate executive. They are the parents of five children, all of who adore their dad. He lovingly cared for Marjorie in her declining years until her passing on October 6, 2025. He and Marjorie lived the commandment to welcome the stranger. Over the years, they opened their home to 18 teenagers and young adults, treating them as family. As news of their hospitality spread, the Wright children often woke up to find young adults in need of a safe home, comfort, and support sleeping in the basement and sharing breakfast with the family. These relationships often lasted for decades. Richard and Marge served four missions together for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Salt Lake City Inner City Mission (1995-2004), New York, New York, North Mission (2005-2006), Thai Laotian Salt Lake City Mission (2006-2008), and New Mexico Albuquerque Mission (2008-2009). Our Dad never turned someone in need away. He was known for his gentle teasing, legendary water fights, and naming everyone George. As his health declined, people would ask him, "How do you feel?" Without missing a beat, he would answer, "With my hands." When asked about his hobbies, he would say, "My children and family are my hobbies." Richard was never late; he taught his children, "If you are not ten minutes early, you are late." Our family is comforted knowing that Dad was not late to reunite with his trusted Savior and his sweetheart, Marjorie. He is preceded in death by his wife Marjorie, parents, his siblings, Janet Clyde, David Wright and Legrand Wright, seven grandchildren (Bradley, William, Paul, Jacob Wright, KendraAnne Follett, Thor Follet, Anchor Hillam). He is survived by his five children: Brad Wright (Janene), Camile Nielson (Eric), Andrea Johnson (David), Melisa Nelson (David), and Sarah Follett (Russell); 39 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren and his loving sisters Suzie and Marilyn. His family wishes to express their gratitude to all the caregivers who assisted our dad, especially Avery and Linda, who served him with such tenderness at the end of his life. His posterity numbered 124 souls, with three on the way. To honor Richard's legacy, find someone to serve every day. Funeral Services will be held Saturday December 27th at 11:00 am with a viewing prior from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Building located at 3820 South 2000 East.