Obituary of Frederick Gailey Wright

June 19, 1932 - December 10, 2023

Fredrick (Derick) Wright, the Irishman, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at the age of 91 years.

Derick was born in 1932 in Castlederg, Northern Ireland, the middle of three boys. He immigrated to Canada from Ireland in 1957, settling in Calgary in 1958. It was his first night in Calgary when he met Ann, the pretty brunette with the great legs; in 1962 they wed, going on to have two children, Brennan and Laura.

He worked for the City of Calgary Parks and Recreation for 35 years. Derick had a lifelong passion for sports. He was a founding member of the Calgary Canadian Irish Athletic Club and sat on the board of the Calgary Boxing and Wrestling commission. His love of rugby continued throughout his life. He coached both boys and girls’ rugby teams at Western Canada High School for over 30 years.

Derick had a fondness for the outdoors and spent many days fly fishing, ice fishing, cross country skiing, and camping. He had a love for animals and enjoyed spending time helping his daughter and son-in-law on the farm with cattle and harvest, even into his eighties. 

Derick is predeceased by his wife, Annabelle (Ann) of 60 years, his brother Leighton (Betty) of South Africa, and his brother, Brennan (Joan) of Australia. He is survived by his son Brennan of Calgary, daughter Laura (Lyle) Starosta, and grandchildren Spencer and Clare of Dalroy, AB. He will be dearly missed by his nieces, nephews, and friends in Canada, Ireland, South Africa, and Australia.

A Celebration of Derick's Life will take place on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, 2:30 p.m.  at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB, T2E 2V6) with a reception to follow at the Calgary Canadian Irish Athletic Club (4334 18 Street NE, Calgary, AB) for refreshments and a time of remembrance.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Frederick’s family here.

In living memory of Frederick Wright, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.