Johnny R. (Rick) Wright

Family and friends mourn the passing of Johnny R. (Rick) Wright. He left this world on August 14, 2014 after an extended illness with a rare brain disease.

Rick was born January 25, 1947 in Phoenix, Arizona to Doris and Philip Wright. He was raised in Port Orford, Oregon until his high school graduation in 1965. He attended college in Coos Bay, Oregon at SWOCC then completed his education at SOU majoring in business and education.

While in college he met and married the former Rebecca Smith on December 28, 1968 who survives.

Rick lived his passion working with young people teaching and coaching at Glendale High School for his entire career of 31 years. He continued to substitute for another 7 years.

Rick so enjoyed all outdoor activities including hunting and fishing. He was active as a weight lifter finishing second in the nation bench pressing one year. He enjoyed all types of long distance running. He was also an avid Oregon Duck fan. He was a member of Grants Pass golf course until failing health made it impossible.

Rick’s pride and joy was spending time with his three grandsons.

Besides his wife Becky, Rick is survived by daughter Trisha, son-in-law Rod, daughter Alyson, son-in-law Rod, three grandsons, brother Russell and sister Brenda. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers we ask donations be made in his memory to Lovejoy Hospice, 939 SE 8th Street, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526.

A celebration of life will be held at 12 noon, August 25th at Saint Anne Catholic Church in Grants Pass with a reception to follow at Grants Pass Country Club.