Melbourne Millar Wright “Mel” left this earthly life to join his beloved sweetheart Merilyn on February 16, 2023. He was 92. Mel was born July 26, 1930 in Ogden, Utah to Marjorie Millar and Melbourne Ellsworth Wright. He was the oldest of five children: two brothers and two sisters. Mel’s family were converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he was baptized at the age of eight. Mel’s father travelled extensively with his occupation, so they were able to live in Idaho, a short time in Oregon, and settled in Salt Lake City when Mel started junior high school at Roosevelt Junior High. He graduated from East High in 1948.
Mel served a two-year mission in the West Central States Mission and he was a missionary his whole life in everything he did. Shortly after arriving home from his mission, he was drafted into the US Army 373 Port Command as a Stenographer in 1953. He was soon after placed on Army Temporary Duty with the 373 Transportation Battalion as a Chaplain in Argentia, Newfoundland.
Mel met his beloved Merilyn Kelsey through his friend CK Cummings of Cummings Chocolate. They married on June 25, 1953. They bought a home in Salt Lake City, making it their home for over 60 years before Merilyn’s passing. The friends they met there during those years were so special and a blessing to them throughout their lives.
Mel graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. He was an avid Ute fan and had season tickets to basketball and football, and enjoyed attending many gymnastics meets. He was a football season ticket holder for 35 years. He went on to work with the Utah Department of Transportation for 31 years. It allowed him to travel throughout the state, which he loved.
Mel was faithful in the Church, serving in many church callings, and he especially loved working with the youth. He loved the outdoors and shared that love with his family, grandchildren, and many young men. Every year he took a scout troop into the Uintas, as well as hiking and camping with his family and many "weenie" roasts and smores. After many years of service in scouting in which he helped over 100 youth receive their Eagle awards, he was a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award.
Mel was blessed with a beautiful talent of singing and whistling. He selflessly shared his talents throughout his life, singing at many funerals and other special events. He will be greatly missed by so many.
He has 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Merilyn Kelsey Wright, brother Bob Wright, brothers-in-law Les Palfreyman and Bill Erickson, and daughter-in-law Susan Wright.
Survived by Sons-Lynn (Jill)-Kaysville, Doug-Midvale, David-Hanahan, SC, Paul-Salt Lake; Daughters-Melanie (Youn)-Salt Lake, Jennifer (Brian)-Farmington. Brother-Denny (Edy) Wright, Sisters-Carol Palfreyman, Ann Erickson; Sister-In-Law-Joyce Wright.
We are very appreciative of all the caregivers at Legacy House of Bountiful and Utah Home Health for their unconditional love and care for our dad.
Viewing will be held Thursday February 23rd from 6-8 PM at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City. Funeral Services will be held Friday February 24th at 11:00 AM with a viewing prior from 9:30-10:30 AM at the Bountiful Tabernacle, 55 South Main Street, Bountiful. The funeral services will be streamed for those who are unable to join in person at https://bit.ly/3ICUjEF
