DONALD LeROY WRIGHT

La Conner resident, Don Wright, died at home on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at the age of 69.

Don was born in Mount Vernon on March 29, 1946. He attended Mount Vernon schools and graduated with the Mount Vernon High School class of 1964.

After graduation, he moved briefly to Eastern Washington. He came home to Skagit County and settled in La Conner. He embraced life here and became an active part of the community.

Don was married twice and raised two sets of stepchildren. He worked as a forklift driver to support his family, but his real passion was community service.

He started as a Little League coach when his stepsons, Danny and Steven, played baseball in La Conner. After the boys graduated, he dedicated his time and energy to support the La Conner Fire Department and the La Conner Town Council.

Don loved being a member of the fire department and was active for 38 years. He responded to fire and aide calls in the role of firefighter and EMT. In addition to his first responder duties, he also taught CPR classes, worked with fire cadets, and attended high school games as a member of the medical support team.

Don retired from the fire department as the assistant fire chief but remained a proud supporter. He could be seen around town — and the casino — wearing his fire department hat and, in the winter, his “retired” fire jacket. His little red Mazda pick-up still sports the La Conner Fire Department sticker.

Don became politically active in 1980 when he became a member of the Town Council. He served continuously until 2011. He was motivated by his love of La Conner. He wanted growth and progress in his community to support the quality of life for its citizens.

Don’s hero was his grand-father, Leonard “Tex” Harold, who taught Don the value of generosity, compassion and helping others. Grandpa Harold died in 1968, but Don honored his memory daily in order to make La Conner a better place to live.

Grandpa Harold also taught Don how to shoot firearms. Don became an avid hunter and a competitive trap shooter. Don hunted ducks, rabbits, deer and elk. As a byproduct, Don always had a hunting dog. Over the years, Don’s dogs became as familiar around La Conner as Don.

And, of course, Don added a volunteer aspect to his hobbies; he became a gun safety instructor so younger people could share his passion.

Sadly, the wear and tear on his body from his job and volunteer activities forced Don to retire from his hobbies as well. He missed competitive trap shooting and hunting and shared stories about the good times.

Don is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Arvin and Debi Wright of Sedro-Woolley; and his sister, LeRona Allan of Las Vegas, Nevada. Four stepchildren also survive him: Sherie Thomas and her husband, Michael Handorf of La Conner; Shawn Thomas of Samish Island; and Danny and Steven Lopez.

Don became a grandfather in 2003. His grandson, Spencer Olson, attends La Conner schools and has always been the apple of Don’s eye. Spencer is an athlete, and Don always enjoyed attending his sporting events. He was very proud of all of Spencer’s academic and athletic accomplishments.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Judd and Wanda Wright of Bellingham, and his brother, Leonard Wright of Burlington.

Don Wright was a kind and generous man, who gave selflessly to his community, neighbors and family. As a history buff, he respected the impact one’s actions can have on the future. He chose to leave a positive footprint.

A memorial service will be held at Maple Hall in La Conner on Wed., Feb. 24 at 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the La Conner Fire Department.