Obituary of Joan Brown Wright

Quietly, Joan Wright passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2006 at the age of 87 years. Joan is survived by a brother Thomas and his wife Olive of Winnipeg as well as numerous relatives including nieces and nephews who reside in various parts of Canada and the United States. She was predeceased by her husband H. Clifford Wright in 1995; her daughter Barbara in 1997; as well as an older sister Dorothy; and two brothers, William and James. Joan was born in Winnipeg on September 30, 1918 to parents Thomas and Margaret Milne who were descendants of a long line of Scottish grain farmers and millers, one of whom was a pioneer in Upper Canada in the early 1800’s. She moved with her family to Los Angeles in 1920 and commenced her education in 1922 with a pledge of allegiance to the Stars and Stripes, but returned later to complete her schooling at the old Scottish settlement of Kildonan and allegiance to the Union Jack. On finishing school, Joan worked for the T. Eaton Co. and the Bank of Commerce in Winnipeg. In 1942, she married Cliff. In 1960, she and her husband, who was with Imperial Oil, moved to Edmonton and resided there until they retired, moving to Calgary to be with their daughter who was a practicing Chartered Accountant until her untimely death. Joan maintained a life-long interest in accounting and financial affairs and worked with her daughter from time to time in her accounting practice. For a number of years she acted as treasurer of the Imperial Oil Retired Employees Association. Joan enjoyed music and traveling. She and Cliff made many trips to their west coast property at Sechelt, as well as to California, Hawaii and South America. A Celebration of Joan’s Life will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (703 Heritage Drive S.W.) on Monday, May 15, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. with the Rev. Peter Coutts officiating. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 521-3433. Joan was deeply appreciative of all her caregivers, especially the nurses at the Calgary Southeast Community Portfolio and the Chinook Hospice. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Joan Wright, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 Bannister Road S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.