ROBERT EARL WRIGHT

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ROBERT EARL WRIGHT It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert Earl Wright of Winnipeg, MB on December 18, 2005 at the Concordia Hospital at the age of 85. He was predeceased by his parents, James and Maggie Wright; his brothers, James and Howard. Earl is survived by his wife Jennie; daughters, Elaine (Duncan) and Eldyia (Birnie); son Brian (Marie); grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brother and best friend Ralph, nieces, nephews, family and friends. Earl was born in Greenway, MB on October 15, 1920. At an early age Earl had a skill for working on anything mechanical and learned to work on Model T's, 490's, Over Landers and McLaughlin Buicks. Earl left school when he was 16 years old and started a hauling business with his brother James. They had a team of horses and would haul anything to make money. By the time he was 17 he had saved enough money to buy a Model A one ton truck and began his own trucking business. Earl moved to Winnipeg to work for the C.N.R. until the outbreak of the Second World War. He signed up with the Manitoba Dragoons and began training in Portage La Prairie. Earl was sent to work in the Technical Wing in Hamilton to repair vehicles used in training. After his Honourable Discharge he worked for C.N.R. until his retirement in 1977. Earl met Jenny Pyra in Carman, MB in 1939 and married in Winnipeg July 3, 1941. They had three children, Elaine, Brian and Eldyia. Earl retired in Lorette, MB, where they custom built their own home. Earl worked as an ice maker at the curling rink. Earl learned to play the violin as a child and bought his first guitar for $13 from the Eaton's mail order catalogue. He wrote many of his own songs and took his guitar and violin with him across the country during the war. When Earl was 71 he joined a band called the Springfielder's. The band played in nursing homes and on different occasions in Beausejour, Emerson, Sprague and Stoney Mountain Jail. He drove to many of the fiddling contests in Manitoba, his favourite were Carman or Miami. It was always fun to listen to and jam with the guys in the parking lots. Earl said it was the nicest time of his life. Many thanks for those who supported Earl during his illness: his nurse Hope, Meals on Wheels, Molly Maid, HPCM volunteers, his buddies from the band, his friend Johnny and staff at the Concordia Hospital. A memorial service will be held at Green Acres Funeral Home, Hwy. No. 1 E. at Navin Road on Friday, December 23 at 2:00 p.m. Interment to follow in Green Acres Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Manitoba Fiddle Association, P.O. Box 236, Portage La Prairie, MB R1N 3B5. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery Hwy. No. 1 E. at Navin, (204) 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 21, 2005