Donald Wright

Donald Arthur Wright

“Tic Tac Man”

On Saturday, November 19, 2016 in Layton, Utah, Don, loving grandfather, father and all around great example, was reunited with his eternal partner after being separate for only six months.  This “gentle giant” stepped from one realm to another as he lived, with little fanfare, but with understated grace and determination.  Those closest to him in life were there to witness his last teaching moment.

Don was a great mentor to all that surrounded him.  He was born in Ogden and as a young man, along with his brothers, loved hunting and fishing.  Don did not realize that “hunting and fishing” for souls searching for something beyond self, was to be his calling in Houston, Texas with his wife Hannah many years later.  These two had a life together on this earth spanning 64 wonderful years.  Their journey started in the Logan Temple.  Their time together would then add four children, seventeen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren.  All have been blessed with Don’s quiet example of service and love.

Don started his working career right out of Ogden High School in the Marine Corp, serving his country in WWII.  Becoming a Marine airplane mechanic was a good fit, since he would later become an amateur pilot himself.  After the war, he continued with military service as a civilian.  It is said by those that worked closely with him, that he could find a fix to any problem, when others would give up.  This problem-solver, won the respect of all that surrounded him in the workplace.  Whether Don was having his traditional morning break of two donuts and a “Tab” or counting how many more bologna sandwiches were left until his retirement, his sense of humor was always appreciated.

As his children married and grandchildren came, it would not be unusual to have the van packed with nearly all the grandchildren, to explore this great country.  The “vacations” they were a part of, would discover LDS church and US historical sites.  Each adventure would bring new enlightenment to all that participated.

With all the fun Don and Hannah provided for their grandchildren, spirituality was always part of the mix.  Don was an active member of the LDS church and served in many callings.  He was not flashy, but steady, in his service and influence of others.  If this was ever in doubt, just ask the many Primary children that he served for over twenty years.  These children, now grown, are undoubtedly telling their children of the kindness and love expressed by the “Tic Tac Man.”  He was such a fixture in their developing young lives.  These young ones were blessed to be taught by this gentle servant of the Lord.  Late on Saturday, as Don was setting his last great example of humility and quiet stewardship, his earthly bonds were severed and he was greeted by his loving spouse, many family and friends that had gone before.  The crowd that gathered for this reunion must have quietly stepped back allowing a single greeter to enter.  First, a gentle embrace, than a firm hearty handshake as the words were spoken, “Brother Don, SUPER-FANTASTIC!”

Don was preceded in death by his wife Hannah, his parents, a sister and two brothers.  A reunion with two grandsons, must be especially sweet, Benjamin and Jeffrey Cottrell.  He is survived by his children: Peter (Rosetta) Wright, Robyn (Marlin) Furse, Sandra (Lanny) Cottrell and Belinda (Lynn) Christensen as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.  Friends may visit family Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary.  Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.

Don’s family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Apple Village Assisted Living Center and Brighton Hospice for their compassionate care.