Ian Gordon Wright

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Ian Gordon Wright on October 9, 2016, at Riverview Health Centre with his loving wife of 47 years, Carole, at his side. Diagnosed with ALS in 2008, Ian fought a long and courageous battle, never losing his enthusiasm for life. Ian is pre-deceased by his parents Edwin Percival Wright and Marion Barr (Fleming) Wright. Ian is survived by his brother Barry (Judith) of Peterborough, Ontario, and Alan (Marie-Jeanne) of Windsor, Ontario, as well as by many nieces, nephews and a goddaughter.

While working in Halifax for Imperial Oil, Ian met and married Carole. They were subsequently transferred to Toronto and Edmonton.

In 1985 they moved to Winnipeg. Through his career Ian headed up such corporations as ICG Propane, the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission, the Manitoba Hazardous Waste Management Corporation, and Kraus Global. Ian served on many affiliated national and international boards.

Born in Lachine, Quebec, Ian made many friends and won many admirers for his strong athletic performances in hockey, football, and at the Lachine Racing Canoe Club. Ian captained the Mount Allison Mounties football team in 1962 and was honoured with the prestigious Don Norton Memorial Award for the top male athlete, scholar, and student leader at the University.

Although Ian and Carole traveled to many countries around the world, Ian’s most memorable times were spent in the company of close friends at St. Charles Country Club and enjoying fun times with family and neighbours at Victoria Beach.

Ian was involved in the greater Manitoba community through his voluntary contribution to many boards and was particularly committed to the arts through Arts Stabilization Manitoba, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, and the Manitoba Theatre Centre.

Ian and Carole give heartfelt thanks for the loving, quality care provided by the health professionals and staff at the Grace Hospital, the Health Science Centre and the Riverview Health Centre, Ian’s home for more than five years. These dedicated professionals deserve kudos for their ability to design adapted care services to meet Ian’s changing needs. A special thanks to the services of the Respiratory team at each of these locations.

As Ian struggled with the challenges of ALS, he never lost his buoyant personality and spirit: friends and staff alike note that a wink, a twinkle, or a roll of the eyes said it all! Thanks for the support of dear family members and friends who were faithful visitors throughout the prolonged and difficult period.

There will be a private burial for Ian in a family plot in Nova Scotia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Society, the Riverview Health Centre, or to the charity of your choice.