On September 25, 2007 our founder, Bill Wright, passed away quickly while playing golf with friends. Although we are all going to miss him terribly, we are so thankful that he left us living life to the fullest.

Bill was born in Toronto, Canada, to Bert and Olive Wright and married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen in 1956. They moved to the U.S. with Omark Industries for whom Bill was National Sales Manager. They settled in Beaverton, Oregon, with their two children, Kelley and David.

When Omark wanted to transfer them to New York, they turned down the offer, and in 1977, Bill started W.G. Wright and Associates. He started as a one-man agency, working out of his home, and in the last 40 years it has grown into a multi-facility operation with many employees. His son, David, joined the business in 1987.

In 2000, Bill changed his role with the company and began his retirement. He and Kay traveled the world, golfed and spent lots of time with their grandsons and friends. His grandsons loved their “Papa,” and they formed an incredibly strong bond which had an impact on all three of his special guys. He always made the boys the center of his world.

Bill had many friends in the business and in life. We have received many beautiful cards, emails and phone calls telling us that Bill was instrumental in their success or served as a key mentor to them. He was a lively, caring person, and when he spoke to you, it seemed like you were the only person in the world he was interested in. And he truly was.

Bill often told us that loyalty is the key ingredient to success. Bill lived and taught this to his family and employees.

While we will all miss him, we find peace and joy in the memories of this rare and loving man. His grandsons will follow his teaching and use their experiences with him to guide them forward. He was a role model for all of us to emulate.

God bless you, Bill. We will always love you!

In lieu of flowers, etc, please make a donation in William Wright’s name to:

Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation (DCHF)
1121 S.W. Salmon Street
Portland, OR 97205