Frederick "Fred" Charles Wright

Fred is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ruth Wright, his son Geoff Wright, daughter-in-law Debbie Wright and granddaughter Kyla Wright. Fred is also survived by his brother Carl Wright, numerous nieces, nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.

Fred was born in Mill Valley California to Barak and Irene Wright and grew up in Santa Rosa California where he graduated from High School in 1946. Fred went on to graduate from Santa Rosa Junior College in 1949. In 1951 Fred enlisted with the Army and served in Germany for several years. In 1957 Fred began his career in the aerospace/hydrospace industry. While working, he attended night school at Northrup University and received his degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1961.

On October 22, 1966, Fred married Ruth A. Straight in Gardena California and then adopted their son Geoff Wright in August of 1968. Fred and Ruth purchased their first home in Lawndale California where they lived until 1972 when they decided to move to Kalispell Montana where they lived until 1991. From there they moved to Boise Idaho and then on to Colorado Springs in 1999.

Fred was passionate about his work and loved engineering. He started his career working on aerospace and hydrospace projects until moving to Montana where he spent 10 years designing equipment for the forest products industry. In 1982 Fred moved to a role designing processing equipment for the semiconductor industry which he enjoyed until 1998 when he retired from full time work and started his second career working part time at Desert Glass Works in Colorado Springs designing quartz equipment and tooling. Fred loved everyone he worked with at Desert, he considered them family and truly enjoyed going to work every day. Although Fred struggled with macular degeneration over the past several years, he was able to continue working at Desert Glass which he enjoyed doing up until the time of his passing.

Fred liked to be busy and enjoyed building and racing boats, woodworking, reading, bicycling, fishing, modeling (cars, boats and aircraft) gardening and hiking. Fred was a loving father to his son Geoff and the two of them enjoyed multiple adventures around the country together. Fred was also a very proud papa of his granddaughter, Kyla, and enjoyed watching her learn and grow.

Fred was a member of Village 7 Presbyterian church.

I lieu of flowers donation can be made to Pikes Peak Hospice.

A celebration of Fred’s life will be held at Swan Law Funeral Directors 501 North Cascade Avenue on Monday, March 4th at 2:00 pm with a reception immediately following.