William F. Wright ’47

"Wid" Wright led a rich life, dedicated to his ministry and service to others.

During World War II he served in the Coast Guard aboard troop ships, participating in the invasions of Leyte, Lingayen Gulf, and Okinawa.

He began Princeton in 1946, married Anne Parsons in 1947, and graduated in 1949. He said his Princeton experience was "invaluable in providing a broader view of life" that helped him to discern the deep-seated values that guided his pastoral career.

In 1955 he became a committed Episcopalian; in 1964 he abandoned a promising career in his family business and began studies leading to his ordination in 1969. He served as rector of St. Thomas' Church ("under the big sky") in Rawlins, Wyo., and later at St. Stephen's Church in Sierra Vista, Ariz.

In 1988 health problems forced his retirement, but Wid pursued his longtime passion, astronomy. Anne died suddenly in 1995. Fortunately, Wid's desolation and despair were relieved by his happy marriage to longtime family friend Joyce Wick.

Wid died Dec. 3, 2005. The lodestar of his career was providing deep-seated love, friendship, and service to others. "A truly creative life," he wrote, "comes as we enjoy each other by loving and sharing with each other."

We celebrate his career, and tender our heartfelt sympathy to Joyce and to Wid's four children.