Father John Wright

(Nov. 25, 1931 - May 23, 2015)

Father John Wright died in Powell, on Saturday, May 23, 2015. He was born John Anthony Wright, the adoptive son of Fred and Pauline (Gilmore) Wright, in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Nov. 25, 1931.

In 1951 he entered the Benedictine Monastery of Subiaco Abbey, in Subiaco, Arkansas. Father Wright was ordained a priest on May 26, 1956. He then went to St. Louis University and received his degrees in mathematics and secondary school administration. On Dec. 17, 1960, he became the principal at the same school that he graduated from — Corpus Christi Academy.

In 1968, he left the Benedictines and came to Wyoming. This was his opportunity to serve in small, rural towns. His initial attraction to Wyoming was to be closer to the outdoors and recreational opportunities like rodeos and hunting. He was stationed at the Cathedral in Cheyenne, and at St. Laurence O'Toole in Laramie. 

He was pastor of St. Anthony's in Upton; Our Lady of Peace in Pinedale; Our Lady of the Mountains in Jackson; St. Joseph's in Cheyenne; and St. Barbara's in Powell. He also served Our Lady of the Valley in Clark. 

Father Wright's moves to rural parishes gave him satisfaction with his life, and a growing joy in the love he both received and was able to return. 

After a stroke in 1999, Father Wright retired from active ministry and continued to live in Powell until his death.

Father Wright's enthusiasm for living fully was obvious. The priesthood was his primary interest, but he liked to dabble in doing things that were different. He was a Ham radio operator, and a pilot, and he spent his leisure time playing golf and tennis, hunting, rowing a single scull, and working with horses. As one of his friends said, "Father Wright was a pretty good team roper, but a darn good Padre!" 

He brought many people to the Catholic Church because of his various interests. In his retirement years, music became a big part of his life. 

He enjoyed playing his guitar and violin, and being part of the musical group, "The Travelers.” He enjoyed the staff and residents of The Heartland, where he resided during his retirement years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother and sister. He is survived by his sister-in-law, many nieces and nephews, and many friends.

A vigil service, followed by the rosary for Father Wright will take place Tuesday, May 26, at 7 p.m. The funeral Mass will follow on Wednesday, May 27, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Barbara's in Powell. Interment will be in Crown Hill Cemetery immediately following the Mass. 

He wished to have the following placed on his tombstone: "He tried to be strong, loving, and wise, but sometimes he was weak, selfish, and dumb." 

Memorial donations may be made to: St. Joseph's Society for Priests, c/o Leo Riley & Company, 141 S. Center Street, Suite 200, Casper, WY, 82601.

Please pray for the repose of his soul. “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”