William H. Wright, of Laramie Wyoming, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 20th, with loved ones at his side. He was born in New York to Herbert and Emily Wright. He met his wife Ruth in New York City when both were in high school working as lifeguards at a local pool. After graduating high school, Bill entered the Cadet Program with the United States Air Force. Upon graduation, Bill pinned on the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, married Ruth, and thus began his career in the USAF.
Early in his career, Bill and Ruth moved to Wyoming, where Bill served as a Missileer. They brought up three children (Bill, Jennifer and Pamela), spent time in both Cheyenne and Laramie, and served in Vietnam flying C-130s. Finally, because the “mountains were in his blood”, he retired from the military in Laramie. Following military service, Bill taught at WyoTech.
He enjoyed racing cars in his earlier years, was a member of the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America), and won several awards. He was always an avid outdoorsman and could often be found snowmobiling in the Rocky Mountains, skiing and/or hiking. He built radio control airplanes and flew with the local club in Laramie and was an active member of the Laramie Masonic Lodge.
He is survived by his three children, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 9th at the Masonic Temple, 401 E. Ivinson Laramie, WY. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 10th at the Cheyenne National Cemetery, 8611 Hildreth Rd. Cheyenne, WY 82009 with Military Honors by the FE Warren Air Force Base.
Bill and Ruth were great Eastern Star friends to me and my folks. Bill often sent me postcards of Canadian Mounties on them, suggesting that I should find a nice Mountie to marry (when I became a divorcee). Didn't happen, but I loved those two. He will be missed.
I met Bill at WyoTech. He was a leader in the development of the Applied Service Management Program and a dedicated educator. Bill had a witty personality and I enjoyed working in the same building with him. He could see the good in everyone and loved to throw out a good “punch line “that would catch people off guard. I have fond memories of Bill, thank you Bill for sharing! My Condolences to your family
I met Bill through his daughter, Pam. He was an amazing man. I always enjoyed talking to him about flying and spending time with the family. He and Ruth were always so good to me. He will surely be missed and my prayers are with him, Ruth, and the rest of his family.
Sending condolences to all the family. We really miss Bill he was so active in Eastern Star and other masonic lodges. A great guy. Duane and Julie Houchin
Sorry to hear of Bill's passing - he was always such a gentleman and I remember fondly how much he loved your mom. May your warm memories comfort you during your time of grief.
Met Bill at Wyo Tech, Such a nice person, always enjoyed his conversations. He is missed.