Gerard Joseph Wright

GERARD, JOSEPH WRIGHT (nee; Ulrich)
Sunrise: March 13th, 1956; Sunset: September 07th, 2025

It is with profound sadness and loss that we announce that Gerry has left this earthly existence. We also feel great gratitude, for being fortunate enough to have shared the many years of his life, years that have shaped who we are today and who we will ultimately become, as we continue our journeys, in the brilliant after-glow of his life.

Gerry was born in Wilkie, Saskatchewan to parents Leroy and Helen Ulrich (nee Derendorf), on March 13th, 1956. Gerry’s father died when Gerry was a mere 5 years old. Gerry and his mom relocated to Watson Lake, where Helen met and married Larry Wright. Larry legally adopted Gerry, which explains the new surname. He met the girl who would eventually become his wife, Sheila in 1967. Sheila and Gerry wed in 1978.
Gerard was commonly known as “Gerry”, by most people, but he was simply known as “G”, by our children and their friends. When Gerry wasn’t occupied with improving the gene pool, he was busy working for the Provincial Government in the Department of Correctional Services. He began his career in 1976, working with inmates in the Outward Bound Program in Nordegg. It was during that time that Gerry built a fiberglass canoe and discovered his passion for canoeing. His career in corrections continued from 1976 until his retirement in 2011, from head office, as Manager of Mental health Programs, Provincial Young Offenders Branch. Gerry was very proficient at his job, and was often a practical joker towards his colleagues, and as such, was often at the receiving end of such pranks. The stories of theses antics were notorious! Gerry was a mentor to many and was loved and respected by everyone that worked with him. His retirement years were spent wintering in California, with his wife, Sheila. During the spring and summer, time was spent with his children, their spouses and his 6 grandchildren. He enjoyed working with wood, playing games, and was passionate about hockey, but what he really loved was canoe trips with the guys.

Gerry was a gentle giant; at 6’4”, he towered above most people, a stature that mirrored the quiet strength and power of his personality. He never demanded respect, it was willingly given to him. He was simply and awesome human being, a walking example of what we all could aspire to be. He will be eternally loved, and he will be missed all the days of our lives.

Gerry was predeceased by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his mother, father, step- father, brother, 1 sister-in-law and 1 brother-in-law. He leaves to mourn his wife, of almost 47 years, Sheila; daughter, Jessi (Al); sons, Roy (Emma); Jojo (Erin); 3 granddaughters, Maria, Layla, and Rosie;3 grandsons, Jasper, Logan, and Nema; his brother-in-law, friend and canoeing partner, James; brothers-in-law; John, Nestor, Joe, and Dave; sisters-in-law, Therese Lorin, Shannon, Jana, Carla, Shivaune and Shelby; 19 nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends and cousins.
May your spirit soar freely among the heavens and watch over our continuing journeys.