It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of James Donald Wright on Monday April 9, 2018 at the age of 75. Jim leaves to mourn the loves of his life, his wife Cyrena, daughter’s Kim (Ardel Oversby), Kathy Wright and Taralynn Wright (Harold Desaulniers), 5 grandchildren, Blaine (Demi), Matthew (Cherie), Katelynn, Kallie, Cody and 1 great grandaughter “Papa’s Princess Alice”He is also going to be missed by sister Eleanor and brothers Bill, Wilfred, and Brian, and several nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Nelson and Elena Wright, son in-law Grant Ollis and Grandson Davin Arnold.
Jim was born in Truro NS on August 3, 1942. They then moved to Toronto until his father came back from the war, at which time the family moved to Kenora, Ont until his teens. His final move was to Dryden, Ontario, where Jim gained employment at the Dryden Paper Mill, working in many departments, with his final position being a shipping foreman. Jim was also involved in Paper Maker Union 1324 as President for many years. Jim retired in 2002 at which time he could finally fulfill his dream of building a garage and to fill his bucket list of returning to his birth place.
On March 1, 1963 Jim, married the love of his life Cyrena (Cockriell) and had 3 daughters. Family was very important to Jim, he always made them his #1 priority. Jim loved cooking and baking. He helped prepare many meals, the best being Christmas dinner when he made his famous Christmas Pudding. Jim enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and camping with his family, he was a jack of all trades, and was a wonderful supporter of his daughters and grandchildren and all their sports and his teachings.
In 1985, Jim and Cyrena purchased their 1st purebred Norwegian Elkhound, Sheena. They joined the Dryden Dog Fanciers Club and began showing and breeding for many years and received “Best in Show” two times and many other awards, he was so proud of his many pets.
After Jim retired, he volunteered for the Dryden Ice Dogs for 15 yrs, from selling tickets, sponsorship, being on the executive, sharpening skates, billeting, anything to help out. The last 8 yrs Jim was the trainer for the team, he loved it. The Ice Dogs, became Jim and Cyrena’s 2nd family, including having billets for seven years. He treated them well and vise versa. Jim will never be forgot for his famous banana bread and chocolate milk that was always a hit in the dressing room. Both Jim and Cyrena loved the game and continued to attend after Jim retired from being a Trainer two years ago.
Jim was also involved in United Church and the men’s group. He also volunteered for the local Food Bank.
Jim was a very outgoing man, always had a smile, a friendly word and always there to help, whom ever needed it, he had a heart of gold. Jim had a unique laugh and whether he was in a small or large group, people would know “Jim is here”. Jim loved life and did his best to enjoy it and to have those around him to do the same.
A Memorial Funeral Service will be held Saturday, April 14th at 11:00 a.m. in First United Church with
Rev. Erin McIntyre officiating. Interment of ashes will take place in the Dryden Cemetery at a later date.
Jim is and will be missed by all that knew him. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First United Church or Dryden or the Dryden Ice Dogs through Stevens Funeral Homes P.O. Box 412, Dryden ON P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca