Robert "Bob" Bruce Wright

Called back to The Lord’s ever-loving arms from a peaceful sleep on the morning of Thursday, March 13, 2014, where he was tenderly cared for by the selfless and giving staff at the Carewest-Sarcee Hospice, in Calgary, at age of 80 years.

Born in Sudbury, Ontario as the oldest son of the late Albert and Isobel Wright. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Marlene; daughter, Rhonda (nee Harrison); son, Brent (wife Jennifer); and son-in-law, Robert Harrison.  He is further cherished and missed by his sister, Barbara (nee McLeod; husband, Al); and brothers, Ted (wife Betty), and Brian (wife Sharon).  Known as “Papa” to his adoring grandchildren, he will be deeply missed by Bobby and Brandi Harrison, as well as Lorie (nee Therres; husband Reagan), Bradley Wright (fiancée, Taylor Makarowski), and Emily Wright.  “Papa” also shared his enormous joy and happiness at meeting and holding his first great-grandchild, Mason Therres, born in October of 2013.  And of course, he shall be sorely missed by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends all across the continent, and beyond.

Bob started his first career in 1951 as a letter carrier with Canada Post, and eventually moved into management as a route measurement officer until he took his first retirement in 1989.  Not willing to just stop and settle down, he then took several part time jobs, before relocating to Calgary in 2002. More recently, he was perhaps best known as a popular Walmart Greeter in South Calgary, assisting thousands of customers over the last ten plus years, working right up until this January, when his illness finally forced him to be hospitalized.

Most people who knew Bob credit his previous good health and strength to his lifelong pursuits of physical activity, such as with team sports in his early days, to skiing and jogging in midlife, and to biking and strenuous canoe trips as a senior. His recent illness was a shock to everyone, as well as the terrible speed with which it engulfed his body.  More importantly, however, be assured that the disease never robbed Bob of his genuine loving and caring spirit, and that his heart remained as big as you’ve always remembered it was, right up until his quiet passing.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 2:00 pm at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 7 Sunmills Green S.E., Calgary. It was Bob’s wish that his family members and many friends would meet there together to celebrate the life of honour and service that he was proud of sharing. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to St. Paul’s Anglican Church.