Melvin Ronald Wright

On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, our happy-go-lucky, fun-loving Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather, Melvin Ronald Wright (Ron), returned home to his Heavenly Father and to his eternal companion, Marcia. Ron was born on June 26, 1934, to Melvin Butterworth and Dorothy Livingston Wright in Salt Lake City, Utah. He married Marcia Merrill on January 4, 1960. They enjoyed almost 60 years by each other’s side. He has missed Marcia every day for the past 7 years. Together they welcomed 6 children, who were the joy of their lives. As a family, they lived in Europe for many years and traveled together extensively. He was a proud alumnus of Granite High School and the University of Utah. Ron dedicated his life to service. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy and later as a Salt Lake City Policeman before beginning his career as a life insurance agent. In addition to spending time with his family, Ron had many talents and hobbies. He was perhaps best known for his magic. He brought a lot of happiness to those around him when he put on magic shows, made candy appear, and pulled rabbits out of hats! He was a stamp collector who delighted in sending mail so heavily covered in stamps that there was no mistaking who the sender was. Whether he was tying flies, fishing, hunting, collecting coins, playing chess, working with leather, or traveling the world, Ron lived life to the fullest. He had endless stories that he told over and over to anyone who would listen, and never went any place where he didn’t know someone from somewhere. Ron was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He spent many Mondays, including almost every holiday, during the 1970’s serving as a missionary on Temple Square. Later, he and Marcia served a mission in Melbourne, Australia from February 2007 to August 2008. He loved service and embraced each of his callings, especially his most recent calling as Elder’s Quorum President in the Friendship Manor Branch, where he made many friends. His devotion to temple work was a cornerstone of his later years. He attended weekly with friends, and was pleased to share that he had completed over 900 ordinances in the past 5 years. Our family is deeply grateful to the many special care givers who became Ron’s friends. Thank you for your patience, your smiles, and for looking after our dad as if he were your own. We love you Dad and are so happy that you and Mom are together again. Happy Eternity! Thanks for EVERYTHING! Love, your kids: Tammy (Dave) Thayer, Brad (Wendy) Wright, Wendy (Dave) Morris, Greg (Heather) Wright, Marci Wright, and Misty (Andy) Newman. . . plus 20 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Melvin Ronald Wright

June 26, 1934 - March 17, 2026