Tejiri, Teh Teh, T.J., Omotayo Wright was born April 13, 1995 in Lagos, Nigeria to Evelyn Utuyorume and Wright Eruebi. In 1999, his immediate family, including his siblings Jack Vikose and Vikoni emigrated to B.C., Canada.
Two years later, the family was joined by the birth of the youngest sibling Jedidiah Ovie and T.J's maternal grandmother, Hannah, who emigrated from Nigeria to help the family, and has been a pillar ever since.
T.J. was born with a spark; an indomitable, warm, sensitive, humorous and infectious spirit that was noticeable from birth. His uncle remarked to his mother "who is this!?" followed by a hearty laugh upon first seeing him. He carried that essence throughout life.
In school, Tejiri excelled athletically. He played football throughout childhood. He attended Enver Creek and Pacific Academy Secondary Schools in B.C. before moving to the Prairies to live with his father. There, he attended Oak Park Secondary school and represented their football team in Dublin, Ireland.
He briefly attended Vancouver Island University, in Nanaimo, but dropped out after suffering two major concussions, while playing university football.
Tejiri had a deep, thoughtful, creative intellect which was reflected in several interests including: music production, the humanities, and culinary arts.
T.J. worked as a line chef at Brown's Social House; work he thoroughly enjoyed and took great pride in. T.J. was the family's BBQ master, manning the grill with flair during gatherings. T.J. battled ADHD, the effects and major concussions, and substance use disorder which took him on a journey of pain and resilience.
His humanity was deepened and strengthened by these struggles, and he used it to connect with people.
T.J. cared deeply about people, especially those in the throes of trauma and addiction. In 2021, he endeavored to put his vast, caring heart to vocational use, and enrolled in the Addictions Support Worker program at Sprott Shaw College. Through this work, he aimed to destigmatize and ameliorate mental illness and addiction.
Thanks to his mother, T.J. returned to Nigeria in early 2023 to spend time with dear extended family and re-discover his roots. He worked with his younger brother, Jed, doing vocational work with his Uncle's ministry.
T.J. found great meaning and joy teaching young, disenfranchised children and contributing to the daily upkeep of the foundation.
He passed shortly after returning to Canada, from Nigeria. Tejiri lived a short and impactful life. His boisterous energy and broad, beaming smile reflected his nature and heart, and, left an indelible mark. He lives on the minds and hearts of all who knew and love him.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hendersonsfunerals.com for the Wright family.
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