Raymond Lee ‘Cy’ Wright

(Dec. 14, 1927 - Aug. 28, 2011)

Raymond Lee “Cy” Wright, a native of Powell, died in his home in Huntington Beach, Calif., with his beloved wife, Dorothy, by his side.

Cy was born in Powell on Dec. 14, 1927, to Boston Ora and Ada (Harrington) Wright, the youngest of five children. His mother died when he was a baby and his father died when he was in his teens, but he was very fortunate to have his loving family. Cy’s elder siblings were always very close to him and they meant the world to him, as well as many special aunts, uncles, cousins and later on nieces and nephews, all having such heart-felt memories to share. His cousin Melvin Scott said he was like a brother to him. His childhood friend, Harold Underwood, was as dear to his heart as family.  

Cy was first and foremost a family man. His daughter Vicki and daughter Kelley were born to him and his first wife, Betty Webber. After his divorce, Cy and Dorothy (McDugald) married on July 24, 1959, and she brought with her four girls, Bertha, Dorothy, Mary and Suzie. He quickly settled into family life to raise his six girls. He was the most wonderful father and husband a girl could ever ask for. A natural artist, he put his talent to work and started his sign-painting business, “Cy’s Signs,” making many signs, and leaving his mark in and around Powell. He worked in the oil fields as well to help make a living. The family lived in Powell until the youngest daughter was in high school when they moved to Huntington Beach, Calif., Dorothy’s hometown. They owned and operated “Wright Signs,” a successful sign shop and crane service, for many years until retirement. It was at this time that he met another of Dorothy’s daughters, Judy,  Ed, and their five young children. His role of dad and grandfather was instant and his love unconditional.

With many interests, Cy was never bored, always busy building and inventing things. He loved reading and staying up on current events. He loved camping with his family, his favorite spot being Jackson Hole. He loved each and every one of his 21 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren. He was a great storyteller and loved to tell humorous stories of his younger days and all throughout his life. He had stories to tell up until the end of his days, never missing a detail, and always with a chuckle.

Making his positive contribution during his time on earth, Cy was a true role model. He has been described more than once as “one in a million.”

Those fortunate to have known him will likely remember the twinkle in his eyes, his wonderful humor, his gentle, compassionate nature, his infinite patience and the integrity and honesty with which he lived throughout his life.

Cy was preceded in death by his father, Boston Ora, his mother, Ada, brothers Wayne Wright and Wilber Wright; sisters Virginia (Schock) Nelson and Mary Ellen Coorough Burgener; three daughters, Bertha Smith, Vicki Kylander and Mary Gilbert; and three grandsons, Daniel Banks, Shannon (Baxter) Smith and Glenn Smith.

Cy is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Dorothy of Huntington Beach, Calif.; daughters Kelley (Rocco) Mare, Broomfield, Colo., (Deana (Keith) Millikan and Trisha Banks), daughter Dorothy (Steve Lovelace) McDugald, Wilkeson, Wash., (David Schmidt and Dayna Bedford), daughter Judy (Harrington) McDugald, Santa Cruz, Calif., (Kelly (Yvonne) McGuire, Naomi (Mike) Herzberg, Beth (Steve) Rowett, Melinda Harrrington, Katie (Mae) Harrington, daughter Suzie (Joe) Pearson, Huntington Beach, Calif., (Jennifer (Carson) Pearson-Smith, Jasmine (Robert) Alvarado, and Jade Pearson), daughter Bert’s sons Mitch (Debbie) Baxter, Chad Baxter, and daughter Kasty (Bill) Brown, daughter Vicki’s sons Torry Kylander and Trevor Kylander, daughter Mary’s sons Sean (Orr/Gilbert (Deanna) and Lance Gilbert.