Gary D. Wright

Wasilla resident Gary Deane Wright Sr., 56, died Oct. 2, 2010, at home surrounded by his family.

There will be a celebration of life with Pastor John Moropoulos officiating at the Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel in Wasilla at 11 a.m. Oct. 23, with a potluck following. His ashes will be scattered at Archangel Valley by close family next spring.

Mr. Wright was born Oct. 9, 1953, in Adak to Ladd and Berniece Wright. He lived in Anchorage, Seattle, Cold Bay and Aniak before moving to Wasilla.

Mr. Wright worked on office equipment most of his life. He not only worked for different business, but owned his own for a period of time. He travelled to a number of villages throughout the state of Alaska. Everywhere he went he made fast friends. He always came back with stories of his new acquaintances and adventures.

“Gary’s family always came first,” his family wrote. “His wife, children and grandchildren were his life. He loved being out in the wilderness. His best memories were out hunting with family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all. His practical jokes as well as his vocal opinions on life in general will be missed. He lives through our memories we all made and share together. He was looking forward to the birth of his first grandson in November.”

Mr. Wright is survived by his wife, Ellie; daughter, Christina (Joshua) Beshaw and granddaughter Denali; son, Gary Jr. (Kimberly) and granddaughter Luci Su; son, Gerald (Lacey); son, Joshua; daughter, Charlene (Paul) Toombs Jr.; son, Pete; mother, Berniece Wright; brothers, Terry and Kevin Wright; sister, Linda Wright; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his father, Ladd Wright; and brothers, Kelly, Laddie and Robert Wright.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the American Cancer Society or the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements were by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory of Wasilla.