Alfred Forest Wright

1925 - 2022

BORN

1925

DIED

2022

Alfred Wright Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Alfred Forest Wright
Start: 2022-10-21T23:00:00.000Z
Location: at his hanger by his house

Pioneering Alaska aviator Alfred Forest Wright took his last flight on Sept. 29, 2022, at his home in Fairbanks. Al was the second son of Arthur and Myrtle Wright, born on April 26, 1925, in Tanana Crossing, Alaska, currently known as Tanacross, and lived in Nenana and Minto in his early years before making home on the Chena River in Fairbanks.

Al Wright was a fantastic son, brother, father, uncle, friend, fisherman, hunter/guide, aviator and businessman. He was a Native leader and founder of Wright Air Service and, of course, so much more to those that knew him. He was about 6 years old, when living in Minto, and loved watching the aircraft fly in and out and was in awe of pilots but thought it would be expensive for him to get a license. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II and used money from his G.I. Bill to obtain his pilots license. He is one of the first Alaska Natives to own and operate an Air Taxi. He bought his first airplane, a Taylorcraft, while working at the coal mine in Healy.

When he and Jeanne were married in 1966, they developed some land Jeanne owned in Hawaii and eventually ran an air taxi business there for several years. He also became a helicopter pilot after retiring from running the air service.

Al has slipped the bonds of Earth and soared to heaven; he will be missed.

Al was predeceased by his brothers Eugene, Gareth, Jules, Don, Link (Lawrence) and Punk (Forest); his wife Jeanne; daughter Janet and son Jack.

Al is survived by daughter Cathleen Wright of Hawaii; grandchildren Susan Sherwood, Brooke Schacht, Monday (Beau) Schacht, Summer (Matt) Appleton, Chrystal (Chad) Richardson, BJ (Veronica) Alo, Jesse Emsley, Jason Emsley and Jamie (Jerry) Emsley; 15 great grandchildren; granddaughter Chelsea Wright and great grandson; daughter-in-law Heidi Wright of Manley Hot Springs; grandchildren Franc (Chloe)Wright and Alfred Jack Wright (Cori, Jordan).

Al's many stories survive. A truly kind man of immense energy, he will be missed by family and friends. There will be a celebration of life for Al at his hanger by his house on Oct. 21 at 3 p.m. The family will bury him and Jeanne together in the Nenana Cemetery the following day.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily News-Miner on Oct. 6, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Alfred Wright

9 Entries

Donald Bounds

November 6, 2022

I remember the hunting trip my father and 2 of his friends and I had with Al in September 1973. He was a great guide and our trip was a very personal trip for us. We are hunters who participate in all the duties of the hunt. So for Al as he told my dad it was a pleasure to go on hunting trips with my dad and his friends, since we participate in all the activities, unlike other hunters who only want to shoot and get a trophy. It was my first and only Moose that I got. I will never forget this once in a life time hunt and Al's graciousness. Jeanne was a great host as well, as we spent a night at their house and she fixed a wonderful dinner for us. The family is fortunate to have had such a great man and to have great memories.

Nancy Petersen (Clayton)

October 26, 2022

I grew up down the road from some of this 'Wright' family, but I well recall the aviation part of things. My Mom, Dad and brother were very much in the world of aviation at several levels and spent a lot of time around the airport (east and west --and actually back when it was there where the Arctic Bowl is now...)
I send regards to the family on behalf of my parents, now deceased.. Ginny Merrill Clayton,
George C Clayton (Wien pilot retired)
Nancy Clayton (Petersen)

Shirley Schneider

October 22, 2022

As told to me, Jules was a GREAT admirer of Al. Long live his legacy.
Shirley Schneider

Carl and Gerrie Jauhola

October 15, 2022

So many memories from building their log home by the Chena river to a number of cabins at fish camp in Minto Flats and on the Yukon River to time together in Hawaii. Beautiful memories. Wonderful people both Al and Jeannie. RIP Al you lived a fantastic life.

Stephenita Devlin

October 13, 2022

I was privileged as a teenager to fly with Al to watch the UConn 800 races are. I was living with his brother and wife, Don and Carol when I was in high school so the rights were like family to me. It´s saddening that they have all passed away now. I have very good memories of all the brothers, their wives and children.

Missy Adams

October 9, 2022

Life is to be lived and Al´s zest for life was contagious. He lived his life like an adventure and it was a big big long life. Thinking of all his stories puts a smile on my face just as he did in life. It was my honor and privilege to get to know this wonderful human being. He will be sorely missed But always remembered. Sending my Love and Prayers always.

Missy Adams
Family friend

Kyra Smith

October 8, 2022

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Al was a wonderful person!! He will be greatly missed. Amazing memories will always be cherished. Love Kyra, Owen, & Jay

Amy Wright

October 8, 2022

Al Was an amazing individual! wonderful uncle and friend He is already missedprayers to all who loved him

Greg Garrels

October 6, 2022

Al was a great guy. He was always willing to share what he knew, and there was almost nothing he didn't know about flying. Some of my fondest memories are of "hangar flying" with Al and Tom Kushida. When Al started talking about some flying experience I was all ears. May he always have a tailwind.

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