GRANT WRIGHT

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GRANT WRIGHT On October 4, 2002 Grant Wright was taken from us due to cancer. Grant was born on June 16, 1936 in Flin Flon, MB to Molly and Orson Wright who were lawyers. Orson Wright was Crown Attorney for the Northern region. His childhood was spent in Flin Flon happily scrambling over rocks, and fishing in the local pools, but as a teenager, Grant contacted polio. He wore braces and used crutches for the rest of his life, but was never in the hospital again until the cancer. Grant did what any man had to do..he got on with it. He attended Brandon College and the University of Winnipeg where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then moved to Columbia, MI to study Journalism, but, shy of a few credits, came home to marry his childhood sweetheart, Joan Brownell. After their marriage, the couple moved to The Pas, MB where Grant became editor of The Pas Herald. After a year, Grant and Joan went off to Thompson (1961), to make his millions. On the three year plan, like so many other northerners who have stayed and raised their families in the North, Grant founded the Nickel Belt News, a weekly newspaper. Over the next few years, he partnered with, and then bought out his competition, The Thompson Citizen. These two publications are still printed today in Thompson after 42 years, and continue to be a family operation. During his 35 years in Thompson, Grant was involved in every aspect of the community; from covering the local city council in its infancy, to hockey games, the provincial court, and not to mention writing thought provoking editorials on local and national issues. He was proudly a member of the local Rotary Club, which established life long friendships and fellowship. Grant was a man who sculpt the North, a pioneer in his community, and left a legacy of honesty and warmth. As a child, Grant loved Beaver Lake, SK where his family had a cabin. After his move to Thompson, Joan and Grant had their own cabin at Paint Lake which was the joy of his life. Many summer evening you could find him sitting on the porch reading, talking softly to one of the labs he loved. In later years, he would spend his winters in Florida, where he would spend long hours by the ocean. He had one last winter there this past year, and was able to see his American friends who were from all parts of the USA and he loved dearly. Upon his return from Florida, and diagnosis of his illness, Grant was able to spend a peaceful spring and summer visiting with relatives and friends. He was humbled by their love and friendships. Grant leaves his wife of 42 years, Joan Wright (Brownell) his daughters, Shelly Wright of Winnipeg, Carolyn Wright (Mark Slotta) of Thompson and her daughters, Rebecca, Mary, and Kimberley; plus his sister Joy Wright (William McMaster), who teaches in Ile La Crosse, SK. Grant was appreciative of the good care by the home care nurses. Lorraine Booth was the primary nurse, and made his remaining time easier. His family was thankful for the Palliative Care under Mary Ashcroft and Dr. Garcia of Riverview. On his bedroom wall was a picture entitled Dont go into the night, quietly and he didnt. We love and miss you. Cremation has taken place at Cropo Funeral Home. In his memory, a reception will be held by his family at his home on Tuesday, October 8, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at 58 Roslyn Crescent, in Winnipeg. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 08, 2002