Donald A. Wright |
Posted 2009-06-13 by Eastern Arizona Courier |
Dr. Donald A. Wright, 94, died April 4, 2009, at his home in Safford. During World War II, he rose to the rank of major while serving in the Army Veterinary Corps in Asia. Upon his return, he and his wife, Elmere, settled in Portland, Mich., established a large animal veterinary practice and built their first home. Don was never content to let others do the work. In Portland, he promoted a summer youth recreational program and maintained a winter skating rink with shelter. With his effort, the local hydroelectric dam became part of the power grid in the Portland area. He also directed the Congregational Church choir and designed and built the sound chamber for the organ. Always a tinkerer, he built his own rototiller. After a series of back injuries, he returned to the university, where he received a Doctor of Education in guidance counseling. He worked until his retirement for the Wayne County marriage counseling service in Detroit. His own personal therapy was building a tri-hulled sailboat. Upon retirement, he and his wife returned to Portland and built their first solar home. Wintering in the Southwest, they settled on Safford because it was a diverse farming community. His first endeavor in Safford was to establish a sailing club at the First United Methodist Church and build a small sailing boat. Don then built his second solar home. He became an avid promoter of durable, economical solar-heated housing. With the help of many in the community, he built solar Habitat for Humanity homes in Safford. His passion for the use of solar energy was enduring. A memorial service was held Monday, June 15, at the First United Methodist Church of Safford, 1020 S. 10th Avenue. Published on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 in the Eastern Arizona Courier, Safford, Arizona. |
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