Donald McKay Wright
May 03, 1916 - February 28, 2006
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Donald McKay Wright
May 03, 1916 - February 28, 2006
Obituary
Donald McKay Wright, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, born May 3, 1916, passed away at home on February 28th, 2006 in Laguna Woods, California.
Don was born in Park Rapids, Minnesota to Harvey and Ida Wright. He grew up in Park Rapids and graduated from Park Rapids H.S. in 1934. He spent two years in the CCC and four years in the construction business prior to joining Battalion G of the National Guard. On February 10, 1941 he was called into active service where he served as Ordinance Recovery Officer lieutenant with the 78th Infantry Division in Europe. During his service he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He was separated from the service Army in November 1945. On July 7th, 1942 he married Sussie Christensen in Oakland, CA.
He was owner and operator of Compton Store Fixtures in Compton, California for 30 years, a business which designed and manufactured custom store fixtures. Upon his retirement he sold real estate for 10 years, ?for fun?. He and wife, Sussie raised their four children in Compton and Long Beach, CA. In 1991 he and Sussie moved to the pine covered hills of Prescott, AZ where they built a new home. They moved back to Laguna Hills, CA in 2004.
Don loved his family, trailering, woodworking and his church. He was a lifelong Baptist, raising his family and attending Calvary Baptist Church in Long Beach for 40 years, then Bethel Baptist Church in Prescott Valley, AZ. Don once wrote, ?My wife, kids, grandkids, great-grandkids and all of their spouses mean more to me than anything else in this world. I pray everyday that God will watch over them and that we will all spend eternity together in Heaven?. He would like us all to remember the promise of John 3:16? ?For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life?.
Surviving Don are his wife, Emma ‘sussie? Wright; sons, Donald ?Pete? Wright and Chris Wright; daughters Linda Tobin and Joyce Wright; grandchildren Kim Wright, Jeff Wright, Greg Tobin, Kevin Rentch and Kristen Rentch; great-grandchildren Summer Wright, Savannah Wright, Davis Peterson and Zachary Rentch; Sister Grace Storey. Preceding him in death were his parents; brother Laurie; sisters Bernice, Florence and Joyce.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 18th, 2006 ~ 11:00 A.M. at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA.
He will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts and memories.
18 responses to Donald McKay Wright
John & Becky Adair says:
March 18, 2006
Once I had the pleasure at a very young age to go with Uncle Don and give Christmas gifts to a needy family, I didn’t know things like that were done, I never forgot it. Uncle Don always had a good story and we always had a good time boating, camping, and fishing. We are so blessed to have seen Uncle Don and Aunt Susie recently and to have shared his life with his family.
John
What a blessing to have had Uncle Don in my life. He was so loving and kind, and such a pleasure to talk with. He was so proud of his beautiful home in Prescott, especially his work shop in the basement where he really put his creativity to work. I am so glad we got to spend time with Don and Emma there, and I will always remember them together, living in that beautiful setting.
Becky
Nancy Escovedo says:
March 18, 2006
I would like to tell my family how very sorry I am for the loss of Uncle Don. I have such fond memories of him when I was growing up. We will all miss him. All my love to Linda, Pete, Joyce and Chris and all of his extended family. All my love Nancy and Bill
Jeanne Park Waldren says:
March 24, 2006
My loving thoughts to Don’s family.
When I was a young teenager, I visited Linda on a regular basis. Don always greeted me with a warm smile and a welcoming spirit. He continued to welcome me into the family home as I grew up and became a wife and mother. He offered me “gentle” advice when I talked with him about the complications of an adult life and I thank him for that.
My love to the family —