Obituary of Jim Wright

June 24, 1928 - Bishopmill, Elgin, Scotland
May 11, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

James (Jim) Wright of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at the age of 94 years.

Dad was predeceased by Mom, Luigina Ida Wright (Razzolini), his wife of 39 years in September 2007, and by granddaughter Carly Hawkins in November 1995.

Dad is survived by sons, Murray Croome (Kathy Zenti) of New Westminster, BC and Dale Croome (Annette) of Calgary; daughter, Rina Hawkins (Bruce) of Calgary; grandchildren, Adam, Becky, Meghan, Andrew, Lindsay, Jason, Christopher, Anna, and Katie, and great-grandchildren, Ethan, Ryder, Cohen, Wyatt, Ayaan, Presley, Kaelan, and Andi.

Dad was born in Bishopmill, Elgin, Scotland and grew up in Eckville, Alberta. At 16, he started working at the local creamery and in April 1951 moved to Yellowknife, NWT where he worked as a millwright for Con Mine (there’s a great photo of him with a gold brick).

In 1958, after moving to Calgary, Dad joined the Laborer's International Union of North America where he worked as a laborer until retirement in 1987. At the time of his passing, he was their longest serving member (65 years), something he was especially proud of. Dad was also proud of the 165 pints of blood that he donated to the Canadian Red Cross Society over the course of his lifetime.

Mom and Dad married in November 1967 and had a good life together. In retirement, they discovered cruising and enjoyed many great trips together. Dad’s passion was gardening and fixing things. He was an expert tomato grower and would always gift family and friends with baskets of vegetables every summer. Up until recently Dad would be up first thing every morning and out walking the halls of McKenzie Towne Retirement Residence where he lived. He was also always up for a lively game of Crib and looked forward to Friday “Happy Hour” at the residence.

Dad will be remembered for his gardening prowess, and of course for that big, bright, beautiful smile. Cheerio and Arrivederci Daddio.     

As Dad didn’t want a service, the family would appreciate condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Jim Wright, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.