Gerald Edwin Wright, Jr

Gerald Edwin Wright, Jr. passed away on July 1, 2013. He was born on June 20, 1918 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Gerald Edwin Wright and Florence Silva Thompson. He was raised in Salt Lake City, attended South High School, and graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in June 1941.

He served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Canadian Mission in the Toronto and Windsor areas from June 1941 to June 1943. While there, he enjoyed his service and made many friends. When he was released as a missionary, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He spent most of his time in the U.S. Navy as an engineering officer on Destroyer Duty in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. He was in Tokyo Bay and witnessed the armistice ending World War II.

After his release from the U.S. Navy, he married Thora May Little on November 25, 1946 in the Salt Lake City Temple. They are the parents of Gaylyn (Dee), Wendy (Darron), and Randall (Heidi). They have 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

As a professional he was an accomplished mechanical engineer. He was a founding partner of Wright, Cowley and Evans: Consulting Engineers in Salt Lake City and designed commercial heating and air conditioning systems for the Intermountain West. He continued his engineering career at Hill Air Force Base designing mechanical systems for the buildings on base.

He served in numerous callings for his church throughout his life. He and his wife served as couple missionaries in Cape Town, South Africa; London, England; and Tampa, Florida. They treasured their experiences in the mission field.

He lovingly cared for his wife, Thora May, through the the end of her life. He survived her by only 5 days, eager to be reunited with his sweetheart of nearly 67 years.

The family would like to give a special thank you to CareSource Hospice, for caring for our Mom and Dad.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah at the LDS Cottonwood 12th ward located on 1750 East Spring Lane, where friends may visit with family from 10:30am to 11:40am prior to services. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. On line memories and tributes can be sent to the family at www.holbrookmortuary.com