WRIGHT, Ron

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, April 6, 2010 Ron Wright died peacefully in his sleep March 31, 2010. He was born in Swansea, Wales, Aug. 6, 1914, just two days after the beginning of WWI. His dad, Thomas Rees, a member of the North Wales Volunteers, was killed in action (France) early in the war. His mom, Florence (nee Escott) then married Thomas Wright. Ron was the eldest of four and a confirmed teacher's pet, although he was no stranger to the headmaster's switch as he liked to make his own itching powder and stink bombs. His many stories from the early years in Wales (whether funny or sad) are poignant and fascinating. When Ron was 17, his mother died. The children were separated and went to live with various relatives. Ron's uncle lived in Oregon and so he immigrated to the States - sailing over in 1932. Once arriving in Portland he went to barber college. He owned a barbershop in downtown Portland for seven years and then had an opportunity to become a journeyman watchmaker with Montgomery Ward. He sold his barbershop and became a jeweler/watchmaker. He met and married his first wife, Emmy, at a young age. They were married for 16 years, living most of those years in Portland. Looking for a warmer climate, they bought a jewelry store in South Laguna Beach, Calif. Soon after moving to California, Emmy became ill and died. Distraught, Ron traveled around and eventually moved back to Portland, where in 1954 he met and married Shirley. They had four children together (Tom, David, Cynthia and Richard). These were the middle years of Ron's life when he worked hard, even bringing work home every night, but also traveled extensively and fished at every opportunity. The family loved fishing together. Detroit Lake, Eastlake, the Columbia River, all along the Oregon Coast and over the bar in little 12-14-foot boats, and salmon fishing off Vancouver Island every summer is naming but a few of the seemingly endless list of fun-filled trips. Ron and Shirley divorced in 1978. He retired, sold his store, bought a motor home and reconnected with an old friend, Arline Ayers. They had 22 years of fun and traveling together. This was one of the best times in his life and he was lost for quite a time when Arline passed away in the fall of 2000. After some months of traveling around the west coast, he settled in Gilbert, Ariz., in 2001 to be near family, moving to Prescott in 2006. Ron was such a pleasant person. He had an arsenal of jokes and always had one for you or a smile on his face. He had a quick and clear mind, even near the end of his life - for which he was grateful. He was a true gentleman and was greatly missed at the very moment he took his last breath. He is survived by his son Tom of Newport Oregon, his son David (Cynthia) of Gilbert, their two children, Jessica and Gabriel; his daughter Cyndi Arbona (Fred) of Prescott, their two children, Freddie and Nichole, his ex-wife/good friend Shirley Wagner and numerous honorary children and grandchildren, thanks to Arline. A memorial for Ron will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 2010, at Prescott Lakes Senior Community, 2105 Blooming Hills Drive in Prescott. Friends and neighbors please join us if you are able, if not, please raise a glass with a final toast for Ron. "Iechyd da." Cheers dad, go in peace and we'll see you in heaven. Information provided by survivors.