Clyde and I were blessed to have Troy and family in our lives.   Dan and Janet raised wonderful sons which we knew in their growing up years!   Dan was a true friend and was a great help to me during my husbands illness.   May God continue to hold this family close and sustain them with blessings of memories of their precious Troy to find peace in their hearts.   Thinking of you and miss you.    Love, Gail Colman

I have the privilege of meeting Troy after becoming very close friends with Robin at work. Everytime Robin talked about Troy her eyes lit up. It was so obvious that they were head over heels in love with each other. Last Summer when I visited them both before they moved to North Carolina, Troy met my sister who had recently been diagnosed with cancer. He was very encouraging and positive and that meant the world to my family. Troy will never be forgotten as the strong and courageous Warrior that he was. And my heart goes out to his family and his beautiful wife Robin who is also a courageous Warrior! Love you all

My husband Clyde and I had the privilege of friendship with Dan and Janet and their boys in Berrien Springs, Michigan.  With great sadness I received the news of the tragic loss of Troy.  As you know, Clyde has passed but please know how very much we loved you and family.   You are blessed with many friends and  most important God’s  Love and Grace.

Mr.Wright always was a great role model in my life. I had him junior and senior year of high school, and I felt as if he was more of a friend to me than a teacher. Always showed me tough love and always had genuine concern for me.  We had this on going joke that we went to Vegas together, and I would tell the class and he would get irritated but I always saw a grin on his face right after. Such a beautiful soul, amazing teacher, and will be dearly missed. Thank you so much Mr.Wright. See you soon. 

Mr. Wright was my history teacher my freshman year. Although, I wasn't the best student. Mr. Wright always instilled the importance of doing your work, being on time, and having integrity.

If he was kicking me out of the class into the hallway or down to the principals office. He was always extremely respectful, and would communicate why he was doing such things and would give me advice along the way. 

Lessons I've passed along to troubled kids in my current career.

You were tough, but fair and I have always held the utmost respect for you because of this and it has benefited me over the years and I know that it will also have a rippling effect with the youth I work with. 

Thank you for the lessons. 

My prayers are with your family and loved ones. 

Although I was not the best student in high school as far as applying myself, Mr. Wright saw something in me and pushed me in a way that I only understood as I got older. I will be forever grateful that he unceremoniously and thanklessly cared to push me to my potential and am saddened that his time to do that with other students and people was cut short.  He made a lasting impact on my life and I wish his family and friends healing throughout this very difficult time. 

It is with great heartache that I learned of Coach’s battle and his passing. Dear Wright family, I am so sorry for your loss (the world’s loss) of such a remarkable soul. Coach guided and directed so many of us. His role as a teacher was one who “preached the Gospel” through his life.  He modeled the type of teacher and coach I hope to be by truly being present to us all at Mattawan. Your family is in my family’s prayers. May God bless you today and always with His peace.

Heartfelt condolences to Troy’s family & friends.  What a wonderful journey he had & he touched so many lives. 

God bless...The Kesteloot Family

Mr. Wright was one of my favorite teachers He's the reason I fell in love with history His teaching helped the information sticking my head and ignited a passion to learn everything I could about what happened in the past He was a great man and will be greatly missed RIP Mr. Wright 

Very saddened to lose a wonderful man, but smiling in recalling a great many happy memories of having the honor to know and to play Varsity Basketball under the great Coach Wright. 
💛💙
Now you may not have guessed this, but I was no basketball star. Coach Wright saw something in me, though. He knew I belonged on that team. He taught me that teamwork and strategy and skill and kindness and grit and glory don't only matter if you're the best. In those 2 seasons of Mattawan Wildcat basketball, he helped shape me into the type of leader and professional and woman I am today. I know he did that for countless young lives as a coach and educator. 
🏀
My fondest memory of Coach Wright, though, came off the gym floor. He was my World History teacher on September 11, 2001. The district had instructed teachers not to show students any footage as this world-altering event was unfolding (this was before iPhones, so we were at the mercy of regular old TV and internet). I watched the towers fall, agape, in his classroom, because he knew that if he was to teach World History, well, here it is. I will never forget that feeling and am forever thankful that he understood that his students needed to see to understand, that they were mature enough to handle such a massive event, and so, turned the TV screens on. 
💙💛
Thank you, Coach Wright, for all you brought this world while you were here.

Troy was an awesome young man great person great coach great father and a great teacher, much too young to leave us but our memories of him will last forever, I had the opportunity to play basketball with him coach against him and we always remained good friend he will definitely be in my thoughts always.Rest in peace.

So many... Troy was a gentle giant with me. He notices things about me as a younger person that inspired me even more,  I remember once he told me that there was something different about me... I told him that I had found Jesus again… And he told me “it definitely shows I notice a difference”... he has impacted my life for forever because it showed me that my actions and words and decisions mattered every day… Troy was a confidant… I shared personal struggles and celebrations with him. I’ve valued his input about many issues. I especially love to hear him rave on and on about Robin, the love of his life.  In fact I can still see him standing in the copy room smiling and saying..”Robin... she’s amazing!”

Being a teenager, you often never fully realize the impact that your teachers have on you. When high school students graduate, they move on to create new relationships, often never looking back upon the teachers that made them who they are. Names become hazy, memories begin to wash away, and eventually, the entirety of the experience is forgotten about. Mr. Wright was not one of these teachers. The impression he left on his students could never be forgotten, and the memories made in his class will live on forever. I believe I speak for the entirety of Mattawan alumni when I say that Mr. Wright will be deeply missed, his memories will be cherished, and his caring demeanor will live on forever inside of us.

 My prayers go out to the family. May you find peace knowing that he is in a better place.


Troy was my friend and colleague at Mattawan for over twenty years. Normally, when teachers pass each other in the hall, we just smile and wave. But when I would run into Troy, he always came up to me and stopped me, saying "Hey! You good?" or "Do you need anything?" That was his way - always checking on everyone's well being. 

The year before I retired, Troy and I had common plan time and saw more of each other. We talked often and while he wasn't one to boast, Troy did share several proud dad stories!

 I will miss my friend, and I am forever grateful for the memories. Sending love and prayers to the Wright family.

My dad was the most incredible man I’ve ever known. He protected me and made me feel safe. He encouraged me to face my fears and pushed me to be the woman I am today. When I was about 3 we went to the ocean for the first time and I was completely taken out by a wave. It’s quite funny thinking about it now and I’m glad we got it on video because it looked hilarious. After I got up though my dad immediately picked me up and brought me right back into the water so that I wouldn’t be afraid. That was the kind of man he was. The kind of man that was there for you when you fell to help you get back up. He was my hero. I am so grateful to have known him for all 23 years of my life. I’ll miss him my every day. I love you, dad. 

Coach,
Thanks for all the time and teaching over my high school basketball career, and even before with youth camps and summer workouts and way back in the day with Courthouse league. Basketball was and is my favorite sport, and I looked forward to every season. I am so glad to have won Districts back in 2010, and I have such fond memories of team dinners, watching motivational sports movies, and tearing down the net when we won at Portage Central.  I hope you found a hoop up there to continue playing. Thanks for everything and rest in peace... you are missed! 

God Bless, 
Cargo

Troys professionalism was incredible, but even more importantly, he was great man. I always looked forward to running into him. Prayers for the family. 

Thanks for imparting knowledge that I've used for my whole life. I think you mostly taught world history but I think I had you for Consumer Economics or variant during your early teaching days. Thought you a fun teacher, vibrant, smart, entertaining. 

I also really enjoyed your passion for Channel One when it came out (starring a young Anderson Cooper and Lisa Ling) and showing it to us each day and discussing events after. In fact, we all got points for discussing recent events from the news, bringing in newspaper clippings etc. I'm not sure if Andy Lewis should have gotten credit for discussing that the Dow Jones Industrial Average had reached a new record every single day (Dow at 10,000 then) but whatever haha. Your point was to encourage us to pay attention to the world and that we did and still do.

I was happy to find the Fight One More Round group and to see your energy and passion for people and world events still strong. I'm inspired by how connecting you have been with everyone and will take that lesson forward as one of your most important teachings.

We'll be thinking of you, Coach.

Kevin Triemstra
Class of 1995

There are not enough kind words to say here.  How do you measure a life of a co-teacher and friend?  He was so supportive of the battle that my husband fought against ALS and all while he was fighting the beast of cancer.  There is a great place in heaven for this guy ... and an empty spot here on earth.


Troy always had an opinion.  Sometimes in staff meetings, I could hear him grumble under his breath about yet another thing administration was adding to our plate.  I'd see him in the halls and say, "Hello" but we really didn't get a chance to talk much.  That changed after he married Robin.  A few summers ago, Nyberg and I met Troy and Robin at DTE for a Duran Duran concert.  We had a few beverages and a lot of laughs.  After that, he and I would talk about all sorts of things whenever I'd see him:  his wins at the casino, our mutual appendectomies, and how much he loved his wife and daughters.  He was a different guy after marrying Robin and I only wish I could've spent more time with him.  I will always remember our little talks and that concert, especially when all the lights were turned off and concertgoers turned on our phone lights.  It was like a million stars fell from the heavens onto the crowd.  Now when I look at the sky at night and see the stars, I'll think of Troy as one of those bright shining lights.  I am so very sorry for your loss and for the loss in terms of all of us who knew Troy.  

So very sorry for your loss. Coach Wright was a positive influence in our daughter Taylor’s life. He was always so positive and helpful.   He will never be forgotten 😢

We lost a beautiful soul. Troy was such an incredible coach and friend, I will cherish all the memories and know that he is resting easy with the Lord. 
Love you Coach ❤️

Dear Robin, Mackenzie and Cara, I am so sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort from your warm memories.

Robin, am so saddened over this news. From pictures I could tell you were love of his life. He will never leave you, but walk beside you in spirit.
Prayers and hugs

I am so sorry for your loss. Troy made such a big impact on the students, staff and community of Mattawan. You knew when Troy was in the room and he was always so quick to tell you a story and hear yours. Celebrate his life and take this time to reminisce as a family. Rest in Peace.
Carrie Wendell & family

I will always appreciate Coach Wright and the things I learned from him. He was an amazing coach and mentor and always kept us on our toes on the court and in the classroom. Those who knew and learned from him are better because of him. I know he has an important job alongside Jesus in Heaven.❤️ 

My dad was the strongest person I knew. He instilled that strength within me and my sister, and I’m grateful to him for his guiding presence in my life. He was my role model, the person I admired the most and did my best to make proud. I will miss him every day. 

Rest easy, you earned it brother. The Havers family has a hole in their hearts. But we will be more thankful for the times that we had with you, then being sorrowful for the times we lost. You’ll be with me in the boat brother, I’ll pack an extra bag of your smoke colored grubs. Keep looking out for us, just like you always have, luv ya brother.

Havers Family 

I'm so sorry for your loss, Wright family.  I was happy to have known Troy.  Though we taught in separate buildings, anytime that I would run into Troy, I received a big, Troy hug!  I was saddened to hear of his passing.
I pray for comfort, peace, and healing for you all.  
~Debbie Davis (retired teacher from Mattawan Early Elementary)

We are sadden to hear of Troy's passing. He was a wonderful person who fought hard until the end. Our prayers are with Robin and his entire family. 

Troy Wright - Father, Husband, Colleague, Coach and Friend..... If you knew him, you were blessed. Comfort for his family and wife, and fond memories to all. Celebrate this Man, he was awesome! Rest In Peace my friend.  Love, KB

So sorry to hear about his passing. Prayers for comfort to the whole family.

So sorry to hear of Troys passing:(. May you be comforted by all the memories shared... and love of family and friends!  Love and prayers to all!        Patti

OBITUARY

Troy Daniel Wright

15 August, 1965 – 29 January, 2021

Cotten Funeral Home

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