"Page Pioneer" Dr. William F. "Bill" Wright,
Page High School Class of 1960,
Ed.D., Professor,
Northern Arizona University,
Flagstaff, Arizona
(B.S., M.A., Arizona State University; Ed.D., Nova Southeastern University 1982)
Supervision, administration, leadership and management, governing board and supervisory relations and school law
At NAU since 1995.
On Sunday morning, February 19, 2017, Dr. William F. Wright of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away at his home swiftly and sweetly in the arms of his wife, Martha C. "Beany" (Reddick) Wright. William and Martha’s storybook marriage spanned 56 years and includes three surviving children, Julie, Michael, and Matthew. Their posterity includes 23 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren.
William Frank Wright was born on November 22, 1940, to John and Gladys in Tolleson, Arizona, while his parents were undertaking seasonal harvest work there.
World War II divided the family shortly after his birth, and Bill lived in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arizona, eventually landing in Page, Arizona, where he finished his high school career as a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball. There he met the beautiful cheerleader and classmate, Martha "Beany" Reddick '60, who would become his wife just three years later on October 29, 1960.
Bill, at age 17, came to Page with his father and his new stepmother -- he met her for the first time when his dad came to pick him up in Glendale, AZ, at his grandparents' (John William, Sr. & Angie Wright) motel on Grand Avenue. They had been married that summer, on August 5, 1957. Bill, his dad, his six-year-old sister, Rita Wright, his stepmother, Mildred F. (Throop) Curtis "Butch" Wright, headed to Page from Glendale (she was nicknamed "Butch" for the rest of her life, because she worked at a butcher shop when Bill's dad met her), and his stepmom's three children:
Johnnie Ray Curtis (7), Linda Curtis Sparks (5), & Ricky Allen Curtis (2). Bill's dad and stepmom had three children of their own after they arrived in Page: "Patti Sue" Wright Vehmann was born in Page in June 1959; Russell D. Wright (Oct. 25, 1962 - Sep. 3, 2010); and Gary Leon Wright.
Bill played on Phoenix College’s National Championship football team, and thereafter earned his BS in education at ASU. As an educator his career was centered in Apache Junction, AZ, where Coach Wright was the head football coach until 1974, then principal and, later that year, was named superintendent of schools.
Bill's granddaughter wrote that he was in a college football hall of fame--also that he had been in a John Wayne movie and modeled for Polaroid. He was definitely known to burst into dance in the classroom.
Dr. Wright earned his doctorate degree in 1982, and retired as superintendent in 1995. During his tenure he became a lead author for national educational publications and earned high honors, including Superintendent of the Year for Arizona, and was a National Superintendent of the Year nominee. As a professor and department chair in the College of Education at NAU (1995-2017) he has mentored hundreds of students through their doctoral programs. For over a half a century, Dr. Wright has led and served Arizona’s educational community.
Dr. Wright was a devoted disciple of Christ, serving the Lord faithfully as a bishop, high councilor, teacher, and church-service missionary with his with wife, Martha, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Viewing Friday, Feb. 24 from 6-8 pm at Bunker Family Funeral at 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213, 480-830-4105. Services held Saturday, Feb 25 at 10 am at the LDS Church, 3580 East Houston Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85234. Burial at San Tan Memorial Gardens, Queen Creek, AZ, 480-987-2488 (1).
A scholarship fund has been established in honor of Dr. William F. Wright, in response to an outpouring of support for he and his family.
Bill was listed among the leadership scheduled to participate in a June 14-16, 2017 conference:
William Wright, EdD: Professor and Director of:
NAU/AZ Trust Risk Management Academies & Education and Learning Internship Program.
Rita Wright was six years old at Page & only stayed two months.
Rita Wright Olsen wrote:
William Frank Wright was my brother for 72 years. I am the “last of us”, as he called us. I am his sister, Rita, his only sibling born of the same parents.
I knew him as "Billy Frank". He was my only hero.
My oldest memories are from the age of three. He was eight.
He carried me on his back when we walked over stones on a railroad track. I had no shoes. He held me when I burned my knee on a wood-burning stove. I cried on his shoulder.
He rescued me from a flooded street where we waded, waist deep for me. I had cut my big toe on glass; I had no shoes. He knew. He carried me to dry ground and wrapped my toe, then he hugged me. He was eight, and I was three.
Then there was the time we were in a wooden house with wood walls and wood floors. I sat on a wooden chair beside a big metal tub, snapping peas 'til my fingers hurt. He came in the room and finished my pan. Then he carried me outside to play. He was eight and I was three.
Billy Frank was a Man-Child with the heart of a Father, the innocence of a child. His life exemplified Christ then and throughout his life.
He remained my only hero; my shelter from the storm.
What would he say today? “I only did what Christ told me to do.”
Many know his story of adulthood. I shared only a glimpse of a boy who became the Man that God called him to be. The finest example of husband to his dear wife, Martha, an exemplary Father and Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, and friend to many. I loved him. He knew.
My Eternal Brother, my hero, my friend: William Frank Wright.
Rita Olsen wrote on Memorial Day, May 29, 2017:
Today is a day to honor and remember all our men and women who have blessed us with their loving sacrifices to keep us safe and free. It is a pleasure and an honor to do so. However, my heart would not feel I had completely covered such an honoring and remembrance if I neglect to mention the heroes of my family who didn't go to war in a foreign land; rather, stayed on the home front and fought the good fight here. I would like to mention My Beloved departed Brother Bill. His exemplary life was spent fighting for the underprivileged and poor, for better education and employment. He was a good Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. This Man among men gave his devotion and love to his huge family of well over a hundred! Myself, His Sister, being counted among them. It remains a mystery how he could manage to be a Father to us all! He was always there holding a hand, giving a warm hug, cheering us on, sometimes challenging us hard, but always faithful to carry us if need be! This Man never knew an idle moment in his life! He was highly accomplished in life, highly educated and highly motivated to see the success of others, leaving no one behind nor feeling abandoned. He was a warrior, too, and my life is more blessed and free because of his complete devotion and sacrifice of love!
William F. Wright, RIP, Until we meet again.
Rita Olsen wrote on March 19, 2020:
"Phil Olsen (her husband) was called Home at 9:43 on March 18th
Celebration of life to be in April "
Patti Vehmann wrote:
Sunday morning Bill Wright, my oldest brother, was called home to heaven. It was very sudden, and it is still difficult to believe. There have already been so many loving tributes posted. He loved God and served Him well. He was a loving husband, Father and Grandfather to many sweet ones, an educator and author, coach and community leader. There will be more shared, but I understand Bill inspired and encouraged people to be the best they could be and equip them in their dreams. He understood work ethic and overcoming obstacles. He had a big heart and a big hug and shared the words "I love you" freely.
James Steinepreis wrote:
Yesterday I lost my hero, my grandpa Bill. To me, he was somewhere between God and John Wayne. As I look back on all my time with him, a flood of lessons and memories fill my mind: "don't walk with your hands in your pocket", "look a man in the eyes when you shake his hand", "we don't start fights, we finish them" and "a true measure of a man is what he does when he gets knocked down. You get knocked down 7 times, you stand up 8". But what stands out in my mind most is how he was a man who came from a broken home and absolutely nothing and, with my grandmother by his side, built an empire of wealth, knowledge, love and devotion. His riches and great success in life weren't measured by money, in his eyes. His greatest riches and success were his family. He was a devoted husband to my grandmother for over 57 years. He was an amazing father to my mother and uncles. He was the best grandpa to all 20 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren (who he knew not only by name, but personally). He was the smartest, hardest working man I have ever met. But the love for his family is what I will always remember him for. I am thankful that he and my grandma started our family down the path of eternity all those years ago by joining the church and living exemplary lives of unconditional love and service. They are the best examples of parents and sweethearts. My grandpa doted over grandma, called her his girlfriend and treated her like they were newlyweds every day. I will miss his bear hugs, his voice, his smile, his laugh, his wisdom and guidance, his dapper sense of style and his quick wit. I hope I live my life 1/10th of the way he lived his. Love you, Grandpa.
At the time of his dad's death, Bill's living brothers were Russell D. Wright of Berryville, AR; Gary Wright of Springfield, Missouri; Dennis Wright of Fresno, California; Johnnie Ray Curtis and Rick Curtis of Berryville; four sisters, Rita Olsen of Queen Creek, Arizona (his only sibling with the same parents who survives him); Denise Sniffin of Fresno, California; Patti Vehmann of Springfield, Missouri and Linda Sparks of Berryville; paternal uncles, Charles M. Wright of Tucson, Arizona; Carlton L. Wright of Terre Haute, Indiana and Royce (Carol DeGrie '61) Wright of Park Rapids, Minnesota; one paternal aunt, Donna Roberts of McCook, Nebraska; twenty nieces and nephews; twenty-five grandnieces and grandnephews; seven great-grandnieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents (John William & Angie Wright), two brothers, one aunt and one niece.
Bill's half-brother, who survives him, is Frank McGill of Phoenix, AZ; and Frank's daughter, Naomi Greene.
ONLINE CONDOLENCES
Page High School Class of 1960,
Ed.D., Professor,
Northern Arizona University,
Flagstaff, Arizona
(B.S., M.A., Arizona State University; Ed.D., Nova Southeastern University 1982)
Supervision, administration, leadership and management, governing board and supervisory relations and school law
At NAU since 1995.
On Sunday morning, February 19, 2017, Dr. William F. Wright of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away at his home swiftly and sweetly in the arms of his wife, Martha C. "Beany" (Reddick) Wright. William and Martha’s storybook marriage spanned 56 years and includes three surviving children, Julie, Michael, and Matthew. Their posterity includes 23 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren.
William Frank Wright was born on November 22, 1940, to John and Gladys in Tolleson, Arizona, while his parents were undertaking seasonal harvest work there.
World War II divided the family shortly after his birth, and Bill lived in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arizona, eventually landing in Page, Arizona, where he finished his high school career as a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball. There he met the beautiful cheerleader and classmate, Martha "Beany" Reddick '60, who would become his wife just three years later on October 29, 1960.
Bill, at age 17, came to Page with his father and his new stepmother -- he met her for the first time when his dad came to pick him up in Glendale, AZ, at his grandparents' (John William, Sr. & Angie Wright) motel on Grand Avenue. They had been married that summer, on August 5, 1957. Bill, his dad, his six-year-old sister, Rita Wright, his stepmother, Mildred F. (Throop) Curtis "Butch" Wright, headed to Page from Glendale (she was nicknamed "Butch" for the rest of her life, because she worked at a butcher shop when Bill's dad met her), and his stepmom's three children:
Johnnie Ray Curtis (7), Linda Curtis Sparks (5), & Ricky Allen Curtis (2). Bill's dad and stepmom had three children of their own after they arrived in Page: "Patti Sue" Wright Vehmann was born in Page in June 1959; Russell D. Wright (Oct. 25, 1962 - Sep. 3, 2010); and Gary Leon Wright.
Bill played on Phoenix College’s National Championship football team, and thereafter earned his BS in education at ASU. As an educator his career was centered in Apache Junction, AZ, where Coach Wright was the head football coach until 1974, then principal and, later that year, was named superintendent of schools.
Bill's granddaughter wrote that he was in a college football hall of fame--also that he had been in a John Wayne movie and modeled for Polaroid. He was definitely known to burst into dance in the classroom.
Dr. Wright earned his doctorate degree in 1982, and retired as superintendent in 1995. During his tenure he became a lead author for national educational publications and earned high honors, including Superintendent of the Year for Arizona, and was a National Superintendent of the Year nominee. As a professor and department chair in the College of Education at NAU (1995-2017) he has mentored hundreds of students through their doctoral programs. For over a half a century, Dr. Wright has led and served Arizona’s educational community.
Dr. Wright was a devoted disciple of Christ, serving the Lord faithfully as a bishop, high councilor, teacher, and church-service missionary with his with wife, Martha, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Viewing Friday, Feb. 24 from 6-8 pm at Bunker Family Funeral at 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213, 480-830-4105. Services held Saturday, Feb 25 at 10 am at the LDS Church, 3580 East Houston Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85234. Burial at San Tan Memorial Gardens, Queen Creek, AZ, 480-987-2488 (1).
A scholarship fund has been established in honor of Dr. William F. Wright, in response to an outpouring of support for he and his family.
Bill was listed among the leadership scheduled to participate in a June 14-16, 2017 conference:
William Wright, EdD: Professor and Director of:
NAU/AZ Trust Risk Management Academies & Education and Learning Internship Program.
Rita Wright was six years old at Page & only stayed two months.
Rita Wright Olsen wrote:
William Frank Wright was my brother for 72 years. I am the “last of us”, as he called us. I am his sister, Rita, his only sibling born of the same parents.
I knew him as "Billy Frank". He was my only hero.
My oldest memories are from the age of three. He was eight.
He carried me on his back when we walked over stones on a railroad track. I had no shoes. He held me when I burned my knee on a wood-burning stove. I cried on his shoulder.
He rescued me from a flooded street where we waded, waist deep for me. I had cut my big toe on glass; I had no shoes. He knew. He carried me to dry ground and wrapped my toe, then he hugged me. He was eight, and I was three.
Then there was the time we were in a wooden house with wood walls and wood floors. I sat on a wooden chair beside a big metal tub, snapping peas 'til my fingers hurt. He came in the room and finished my pan. Then he carried me outside to play. He was eight and I was three.
Billy Frank was a Man-Child with the heart of a Father, the innocence of a child. His life exemplified Christ then and throughout his life.
He remained my only hero; my shelter from the storm.
What would he say today? “I only did what Christ told me to do.”
Many know his story of adulthood. I shared only a glimpse of a boy who became the Man that God called him to be. The finest example of husband to his dear wife, Martha, an exemplary Father and Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, and friend to many. I loved him. He knew.
My Eternal Brother, my hero, my friend: William Frank Wright.
Rita Olsen wrote on Memorial Day, May 29, 2017:
Today is a day to honor and remember all our men and women who have blessed us with their loving sacrifices to keep us safe and free. It is a pleasure and an honor to do so. However, my heart would not feel I had completely covered such an honoring and remembrance if I neglect to mention the heroes of my family who didn't go to war in a foreign land; rather, stayed on the home front and fought the good fight here. I would like to mention My Beloved departed Brother Bill. His exemplary life was spent fighting for the underprivileged and poor, for better education and employment. He was a good Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. This Man among men gave his devotion and love to his huge family of well over a hundred! Myself, His Sister, being counted among them. It remains a mystery how he could manage to be a Father to us all! He was always there holding a hand, giving a warm hug, cheering us on, sometimes challenging us hard, but always faithful to carry us if need be! This Man never knew an idle moment in his life! He was highly accomplished in life, highly educated and highly motivated to see the success of others, leaving no one behind nor feeling abandoned. He was a warrior, too, and my life is more blessed and free because of his complete devotion and sacrifice of love!
William F. Wright, RIP, Until we meet again.
Rita Olsen wrote on March 19, 2020:
"Phil Olsen (her husband) was called Home at 9:43 on March 18th
Celebration of life to be in April "
Patti Vehmann wrote:
Sunday morning Bill Wright, my oldest brother, was called home to heaven. It was very sudden, and it is still difficult to believe. There have already been so many loving tributes posted. He loved God and served Him well. He was a loving husband, Father and Grandfather to many sweet ones, an educator and author, coach and community leader. There will be more shared, but I understand Bill inspired and encouraged people to be the best they could be and equip them in their dreams. He understood work ethic and overcoming obstacles. He had a big heart and a big hug and shared the words "I love you" freely.
James Steinepreis wrote:
Yesterday I lost my hero, my grandpa Bill. To me, he was somewhere between God and John Wayne. As I look back on all my time with him, a flood of lessons and memories fill my mind: "don't walk with your hands in your pocket", "look a man in the eyes when you shake his hand", "we don't start fights, we finish them" and "a true measure of a man is what he does when he gets knocked down. You get knocked down 7 times, you stand up 8". But what stands out in my mind most is how he was a man who came from a broken home and absolutely nothing and, with my grandmother by his side, built an empire of wealth, knowledge, love and devotion. His riches and great success in life weren't measured by money, in his eyes. His greatest riches and success were his family. He was a devoted husband to my grandmother for over 57 years. He was an amazing father to my mother and uncles. He was the best grandpa to all 20 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren (who he knew not only by name, but personally). He was the smartest, hardest working man I have ever met. But the love for his family is what I will always remember him for. I am thankful that he and my grandma started our family down the path of eternity all those years ago by joining the church and living exemplary lives of unconditional love and service. They are the best examples of parents and sweethearts. My grandpa doted over grandma, called her his girlfriend and treated her like they were newlyweds every day. I will miss his bear hugs, his voice, his smile, his laugh, his wisdom and guidance, his dapper sense of style and his quick wit. I hope I live my life 1/10th of the way he lived his. Love you, Grandpa.
At the time of his dad's death, Bill's living brothers were Russell D. Wright of Berryville, AR; Gary Wright of Springfield, Missouri; Dennis Wright of Fresno, California; Johnnie Ray Curtis and Rick Curtis of Berryville; four sisters, Rita Olsen of Queen Creek, Arizona (his only sibling with the same parents who survives him); Denise Sniffin of Fresno, California; Patti Vehmann of Springfield, Missouri and Linda Sparks of Berryville; paternal uncles, Charles M. Wright of Tucson, Arizona; Carlton L. Wright of Terre Haute, Indiana and Royce (Carol DeGrie '61) Wright of Park Rapids, Minnesota; one paternal aunt, Donna Roberts of McCook, Nebraska; twenty nieces and nephews; twenty-five grandnieces and grandnephews; seven great-grandnieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents (John William & Angie Wright), two brothers, one aunt and one niece.
Bill's half-brother, who survives him, is Frank McGill of Phoenix, AZ; and Frank's daughter, Naomi Greene.
ONLINE CONDOLENCES
"Page Pioneer" Dr. William F. "Bill" Wright,
Page High School Class of 1960,
Ed.D., Professor,
Northern Arizona University,
Flagstaff, Arizona
(B.S., M.A., Arizona State University; Ed.D., Nova Southeastern University 1982)
Supervision, administration, leadership and management, governing board and supervisory relations and school law
At NAU since 1995.
On Sunday morning, February 19, 2017, Dr. William F. Wright of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away at his home swiftly and sweetly in the arms of his wife, Martha C. "Beany" (Reddick) Wright. William and Martha’s storybook marriage spanned 56 years and includes three surviving children, Julie, Michael, and Matthew. Their posterity includes 23 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren.
William Frank Wright was born on November 22, 1940, to John and Gladys in Tolleson, Arizona, while his parents were undertaking seasonal harvest work there.
World War II divided the family shortly after his birth, and Bill lived in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arizona, eventually landing in Page, Arizona, where he finished his high school career as a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball. There he met the beautiful cheerleader and classmate, Martha "Beany" Reddick '60, who would become his wife just three years later on October 29, 1960.
Bill, at age 17, came to Page with his father and his new stepmother -- he met her for the first time when his dad came to pick him up in Glendale, AZ, at his grandparents' (John William, Sr. & Angie Wright) motel on Grand Avenue. They had been married that summer, on August 5, 1957. Bill, his dad, his six-year-old sister, Rita Wright, his stepmother, Mildred F. (Throop) Curtis "Butch" Wright, headed to Page from Glendale (she was nicknamed "Butch" for the rest of her life, because she worked at a butcher shop when Bill's dad met her), and his stepmom's three children:
Johnnie Ray Curtis (7), Linda Curtis Sparks (5), & Ricky Allen Curtis (2). Bill's dad and stepmom had three children of their own after they arrived in Page: "Patti Sue" Wright Vehmann was born in Page in June 1959; Russell D. Wright (Oct. 25, 1962 - Sep. 3, 2010); and Gary Leon Wright.
Bill played on Phoenix College’s National Championship football team, and thereafter earned his BS in education at ASU. As an educator his career was centered in Apache Junction, AZ, where Coach Wright was the head football coach until 1974, then principal and, later that year, was named superintendent of schools.
Bill's granddaughter wrote that he was in a college football hall of fame--also that he had been in a John Wayne movie and modeled for Polaroid. He was definitely known to burst into dance in the classroom.
Dr. Wright earned his doctorate degree in 1982, and retired as superintendent in 1995. During his tenure he became a lead author for national educational publications and earned high honors, including Superintendent of the Year for Arizona, and was a National Superintendent of the Year nominee. As a professor and department chair in the College of Education at NAU (1995-2017) he has mentored hundreds of students through their doctoral programs. For over a half a century, Dr. Wright has led and served Arizona’s educational community.
Dr. Wright was a devoted disciple of Christ, serving the Lord faithfully as a bishop, high councilor, teacher, and church-service missionary with his with wife, Martha, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Viewing Friday, Feb. 24 from 6-8 pm at Bunker Family Funeral at 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213, 480-830-4105. Services held Saturday, Feb 25 at 10 am at the LDS Church, 3580 East Houston Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85234. Burial at San Tan Memorial Gardens, Queen Creek, AZ, 480-987-2488 (1).
A scholarship fund has been established in honor of Dr. William F. Wright, in response to an outpouring of support for he and his family.
Bill was listed among the leadership scheduled to participate in a June 14-16, 2017 conference:
William Wright, EdD: Professor and Director of:
NAU/AZ Trust Risk Management Academies & Education and Learning Internship Program.
Rita Wright was six years old at Page & only stayed two months.
Rita Wright Olsen wrote:
William Frank Wright was my brother for 72 years. I am the “last of us”, as he called us. I am his sister, Rita, his only sibling born of the same parents.
I knew him as "Billy Frank". He was my only hero.
My oldest memories are from the age of three. He was eight.
He carried me on his back when we walked over stones on a railroad track. I had no shoes. He held me when I burned my knee on a wood-burning stove. I cried on his shoulder.
He rescued me from a flooded street where we waded, waist deep for me. I had cut my big toe on glass; I had no shoes. He knew. He carried me to dry ground and wrapped my toe, then he hugged me. He was eight, and I was three.
Then there was the time we were in a wooden house with wood walls and wood floors. I sat on a wooden chair beside a big metal tub, snapping peas 'til my fingers hurt. He came in the room and finished my pan. Then he carried me outside to play. He was eight and I was three.
Billy Frank was a Man-Child with the heart of a Father, the innocence of a child. His life exemplified Christ then and throughout his life.
He remained my only hero; my shelter from the storm.
What would he say today? “I only did what Christ told me to do.”
Many know his story of adulthood. I shared only a glimpse of a boy who became the Man that God called him to be. The finest example of husband to his dear wife, Martha, an exemplary Father and Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, and friend to many. I loved him. He knew.
My Eternal Brother, my hero, my friend: William Frank Wright.
Rita Olsen wrote on Memorial Day, May 29, 2017:
Today is a day to honor and remember all our men and women who have blessed us with their loving sacrifices to keep us safe and free. It is a pleasure and an honor to do so. However, my heart would not feel I had completely covered such an honoring and remembrance if I neglect to mention the heroes of my family who didn't go to war in a foreign land; rather, stayed on the home front and fought the good fight here. I would like to mention My Beloved departed Brother Bill. His exemplary life was spent fighting for the underprivileged and poor, for better education and employment. He was a good Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. This Man among men gave his devotion and love to his huge family of well over a hundred! Myself, His Sister, being counted among them. It remains a mystery how he could manage to be a Father to us all! He was always there holding a hand, giving a warm hug, cheering us on, sometimes challenging us hard, but always faithful to carry us if need be! This Man never knew an idle moment in his life! He was highly accomplished in life, highly educated and highly motivated to see the success of others, leaving no one behind nor feeling abandoned. He was a warrior, too, and my life is more blessed and free because of his complete devotion and sacrifice of love!
William F. Wright, RIP, Until we meet again.
Rita Olsen wrote on March 19, 2020:
"Phil Olsen (her husband) was called Home at 9:43 on March 18th
Celebration of life to be in April "
Patti Vehmann wrote:
Sunday morning Bill Wright, my oldest brother, was called home to heaven. It was very sudden, and it is still difficult to believe. There have already been so many loving tributes posted. He loved God and served Him well. He was a loving husband, Father and Grandfather to many sweet ones, an educator and author, coach and community leader. There will be more shared, but I understand Bill inspired and encouraged people to be the best they could be and equip them in their dreams. He understood work ethic and overcoming obstacles. He had a big heart and a big hug and shared the words "I love you" freely.
James Steinepreis wrote:
Yesterday I lost my hero, my grandpa Bill. To me, he was somewhere between God and John Wayne. As I look back on all my time with him, a flood of lessons and memories fill my mind: "don't walk with your hands in your pocket", "look a man in the eyes when you shake his hand", "we don't start fights, we finish them" and "a true measure of a man is what he does when he gets knocked down. You get knocked down 7 times, you stand up 8". But what stands out in my mind most is how he was a man who came from a broken home and absolutely nothing and, with my grandmother by his side, built an empire of wealth, knowledge, love and devotion. His riches and great success in life weren't measured by money, in his eyes. His greatest riches and success were his family. He was a devoted husband to my grandmother for over 57 years. He was an amazing father to my mother and uncles. He was the best grandpa to all 20 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren (who he knew not only by name, but personally). He was the smartest, hardest working man I have ever met. But the love for his family is what I will always remember him for. I am thankful that he and my grandma started our family down the path of eternity all those years ago by joining the church and living exemplary lives of unconditional love and service. They are the best examples of parents and sweethearts. My grandpa doted over grandma, called her his girlfriend and treated her like they were newlyweds every day. I will miss his bear hugs, his voice, his smile, his laugh, his wisdom and guidance, his dapper sense of style and his quick wit. I hope I live my life 1/10th of the way he lived his. Love you, Grandpa.
At the time of his dad's death, Bill's living brothers were Russell D. Wright of Berryville, AR; Gary Wright of Springfield, Missouri; Dennis Wright of Fresno, California; Johnnie Ray Curtis and Rick Curtis of Berryville; four sisters, Rita Olsen of Queen Creek, Arizona (his only sibling with the same parents who survives him); Denise Sniffin of Fresno, California; Patti Vehmann of Springfield, Missouri and Linda Sparks of Berryville; paternal uncles, Charles M. Wright of Tucson, Arizona; Carlton L. Wright of Terre Haute, Indiana and Royce (Carol DeGrie '61) Wright of Park Rapids, Minnesota; one paternal aunt, Donna Roberts of McCook, Nebraska; twenty nieces and nephews; twenty-five grandnieces and grandnephews; seven great-grandnieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents (John William & Angie Wright), two brothers, one aunt and one niece.
Bill's half-brother, who survives him, is Frank McGill of Phoenix, AZ; and Frank's daughter, Naomi Greene.
ONLINE CONDOLENCES
Page High School Class of 1960,
Ed.D., Professor,
Northern Arizona University,
Flagstaff, Arizona
(B.S., M.A., Arizona State University; Ed.D., Nova Southeastern University 1982)
Supervision, administration, leadership and management, governing board and supervisory relations and school law
At NAU since 1995.
On Sunday morning, February 19, 2017, Dr. William F. Wright of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away at his home swiftly and sweetly in the arms of his wife, Martha C. "Beany" (Reddick) Wright. William and Martha’s storybook marriage spanned 56 years and includes three surviving children, Julie, Michael, and Matthew. Their posterity includes 23 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren.
William Frank Wright was born on November 22, 1940, to John and Gladys in Tolleson, Arizona, while his parents were undertaking seasonal harvest work there.
World War II divided the family shortly after his birth, and Bill lived in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arizona, eventually landing in Page, Arizona, where he finished his high school career as a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball. There he met the beautiful cheerleader and classmate, Martha "Beany" Reddick '60, who would become his wife just three years later on October 29, 1960.
Bill, at age 17, came to Page with his father and his new stepmother -- he met her for the first time when his dad came to pick him up in Glendale, AZ, at his grandparents' (John William, Sr. & Angie Wright) motel on Grand Avenue. They had been married that summer, on August 5, 1957. Bill, his dad, his six-year-old sister, Rita Wright, his stepmother, Mildred F. (Throop) Curtis "Butch" Wright, headed to Page from Glendale (she was nicknamed "Butch" for the rest of her life, because she worked at a butcher shop when Bill's dad met her), and his stepmom's three children:
Johnnie Ray Curtis (7), Linda Curtis Sparks (5), & Ricky Allen Curtis (2). Bill's dad and stepmom had three children of their own after they arrived in Page: "Patti Sue" Wright Vehmann was born in Page in June 1959; Russell D. Wright (Oct. 25, 1962 - Sep. 3, 2010); and Gary Leon Wright.
Bill played on Phoenix College’s National Championship football team, and thereafter earned his BS in education at ASU. As an educator his career was centered in Apache Junction, AZ, where Coach Wright was the head football coach until 1974, then principal and, later that year, was named superintendent of schools.
Bill's granddaughter wrote that he was in a college football hall of fame--also that he had been in a John Wayne movie and modeled for Polaroid. He was definitely known to burst into dance in the classroom.
Dr. Wright earned his doctorate degree in 1982, and retired as superintendent in 1995. During his tenure he became a lead author for national educational publications and earned high honors, including Superintendent of the Year for Arizona, and was a National Superintendent of the Year nominee. As a professor and department chair in the College of Education at NAU (1995-2017) he has mentored hundreds of students through their doctoral programs. For over a half a century, Dr. Wright has led and served Arizona’s educational community.
Dr. Wright was a devoted disciple of Christ, serving the Lord faithfully as a bishop, high councilor, teacher, and church-service missionary with his with wife, Martha, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Viewing Friday, Feb. 24 from 6-8 pm at Bunker Family Funeral at 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213, 480-830-4105. Services held Saturday, Feb 25 at 10 am at the LDS Church, 3580 East Houston Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85234. Burial at San Tan Memorial Gardens, Queen Creek, AZ, 480-987-2488 (1).
A scholarship fund has been established in honor of Dr. William F. Wright, in response to an outpouring of support for he and his family.
Bill was listed among the leadership scheduled to participate in a June 14-16, 2017 conference:
William Wright, EdD: Professor and Director of:
NAU/AZ Trust Risk Management Academies & Education and Learning Internship Program.
Rita Wright was six years old at Page & only stayed two months.
Rita Wright Olsen wrote:
William Frank Wright was my brother for 72 years. I am the “last of us”, as he called us. I am his sister, Rita, his only sibling born of the same parents.
I knew him as "Billy Frank". He was my only hero.
My oldest memories are from the age of three. He was eight.
He carried me on his back when we walked over stones on a railroad track. I had no shoes. He held me when I burned my knee on a wood-burning stove. I cried on his shoulder.
He rescued me from a flooded street where we waded, waist deep for me. I had cut my big toe on glass; I had no shoes. He knew. He carried me to dry ground and wrapped my toe, then he hugged me. He was eight, and I was three.
Then there was the time we were in a wooden house with wood walls and wood floors. I sat on a wooden chair beside a big metal tub, snapping peas 'til my fingers hurt. He came in the room and finished my pan. Then he carried me outside to play. He was eight and I was three.
Billy Frank was a Man-Child with the heart of a Father, the innocence of a child. His life exemplified Christ then and throughout his life.
He remained my only hero; my shelter from the storm.
What would he say today? “I only did what Christ told me to do.”
Many know his story of adulthood. I shared only a glimpse of a boy who became the Man that God called him to be. The finest example of husband to his dear wife, Martha, an exemplary Father and Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, and friend to many. I loved him. He knew.
My Eternal Brother, my hero, my friend: William Frank Wright.
Rita Olsen wrote on Memorial Day, May 29, 2017:
Today is a day to honor and remember all our men and women who have blessed us with their loving sacrifices to keep us safe and free. It is a pleasure and an honor to do so. However, my heart would not feel I had completely covered such an honoring and remembrance if I neglect to mention the heroes of my family who didn't go to war in a foreign land; rather, stayed on the home front and fought the good fight here. I would like to mention My Beloved departed Brother Bill. His exemplary life was spent fighting for the underprivileged and poor, for better education and employment. He was a good Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. This Man among men gave his devotion and love to his huge family of well over a hundred! Myself, His Sister, being counted among them. It remains a mystery how he could manage to be a Father to us all! He was always there holding a hand, giving a warm hug, cheering us on, sometimes challenging us hard, but always faithful to carry us if need be! This Man never knew an idle moment in his life! He was highly accomplished in life, highly educated and highly motivated to see the success of others, leaving no one behind nor feeling abandoned. He was a warrior, too, and my life is more blessed and free because of his complete devotion and sacrifice of love!
William F. Wright, RIP, Until we meet again.
Rita Olsen wrote on March 19, 2020:
"Phil Olsen (her husband) was called Home at 9:43 on March 18th
Celebration of life to be in April "
Patti Vehmann wrote:
Sunday morning Bill Wright, my oldest brother, was called home to heaven. It was very sudden, and it is still difficult to believe. There have already been so many loving tributes posted. He loved God and served Him well. He was a loving husband, Father and Grandfather to many sweet ones, an educator and author, coach and community leader. There will be more shared, but I understand Bill inspired and encouraged people to be the best they could be and equip them in their dreams. He understood work ethic and overcoming obstacles. He had a big heart and a big hug and shared the words "I love you" freely.
James Steinepreis wrote:
Yesterday I lost my hero, my grandpa Bill. To me, he was somewhere between God and John Wayne. As I look back on all my time with him, a flood of lessons and memories fill my mind: "don't walk with your hands in your pocket", "look a man in the eyes when you shake his hand", "we don't start fights, we finish them" and "a true measure of a man is what he does when he gets knocked down. You get knocked down 7 times, you stand up 8". But what stands out in my mind most is how he was a man who came from a broken home and absolutely nothing and, with my grandmother by his side, built an empire of wealth, knowledge, love and devotion. His riches and great success in life weren't measured by money, in his eyes. His greatest riches and success were his family. He was a devoted husband to my grandmother for over 57 years. He was an amazing father to my mother and uncles. He was the best grandpa to all 20 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren (who he knew not only by name, but personally). He was the smartest, hardest working man I have ever met. But the love for his family is what I will always remember him for. I am thankful that he and my grandma started our family down the path of eternity all those years ago by joining the church and living exemplary lives of unconditional love and service. They are the best examples of parents and sweethearts. My grandpa doted over grandma, called her his girlfriend and treated her like they were newlyweds every day. I will miss his bear hugs, his voice, his smile, his laugh, his wisdom and guidance, his dapper sense of style and his quick wit. I hope I live my life 1/10th of the way he lived his. Love you, Grandpa.
At the time of his dad's death, Bill's living brothers were Russell D. Wright of Berryville, AR; Gary Wright of Springfield, Missouri; Dennis Wright of Fresno, California; Johnnie Ray Curtis and Rick Curtis of Berryville; four sisters, Rita Olsen of Queen Creek, Arizona (his only sibling with the same parents who survives him); Denise Sniffin of Fresno, California; Patti Vehmann of Springfield, Missouri and Linda Sparks of Berryville; paternal uncles, Charles M. Wright of Tucson, Arizona; Carlton L. Wright of Terre Haute, Indiana and Royce (Carol DeGrie '61) Wright of Park Rapids, Minnesota; one paternal aunt, Donna Roberts of McCook, Nebraska; twenty nieces and nephews; twenty-five grandnieces and grandnephews; seven great-grandnieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents (John William & Angie Wright), two brothers, one aunt and one niece.
Bill's half-brother, who survives him, is Frank McGill of Phoenix, AZ; and Frank's daughter, Naomi Greene.
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Also on gravestone Martha C Dec 15, 1942——
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