Arthur Wright, 79, passed away from natural causes on November 17, 2024. Art was born to Mary (Barrett) and John Arthur Wright, on January 6, 1945, in Anaconda, Montana. He was raised in Kalispell and part of a big Catholic family, of four sons and two daughters. Art graduated in the 1965 class of Flathead High School, before starting his career as a mechanic and welder. He worked for Flathead Country Road and Bridge department for 26 years before retiring in 2003.
Art married Diane (Connors), on May 12, 1973, in Diane’s hometown of Butte. They made a life together in Kalispell, where they lived until 2023. Together, they enjoyed 51 years of marriage. They had a daughter, Kathi, and a son, John. Art loved his family more than anything in the world and would do anything for them. He was not a man of many words, but instead showed his love through actions. He took his responsibility to provide for his family very seriously. He worked hard and was never above any odd job or side gigs to put food on the table.
Art was a tinkering builder-type and in his retired life he spent countless hours at thrift stores finding furniture to fix up and sell. Their garage was filled with highchairs, dressers and anything else that caught his eye. He always had a project to make a little cash, which he would then hoard in his sock drawer. He kept a meticulous lawn and took daily walks until his body would no longer allow these activities.
His true joy was his children, and he had a built-in best friend with John. They spent hours working together in the garage or in the mountains hunting. He taught Kathi how to fish at a young age – something she’s still grateful for. He loved his three grandsons with all of his heart. He built a cradle for Kathi’s son Josh, the first grandchild, and later collected over 25,000 pencils for him. Just a month before his passing, when his health was already declining, he traveled to Bozeman and to Kalispell to watch Kathi’s son Luke and John’s son Rylan play in their football games. Rylan lives in Kalispell and so he and Art spent a lot of time together. They bonded over their love for cars and engines and basically anything else Rylan wanted Grandpa to do.
He and Diane have a dog named Lily that was his walking companion. He spoiled her in so many ways that it was comical to watch. His love for children was so deep – he never saw a baby at a store without waving to it. He just couldn’t resist. He was thoughtful, kind and caring. He loved his family deeply.
Art is preceded in death by his mother, father, and siblings, John, Mary Jane, Tom, Patricia and Mike.
He is survived by his wife, Diane; daughter, Kathi (Mike); son, John; and grandsons, Josh, Luke and Rylan.
Please join us at the Bar Nine Grille on December 8 from 2-4 PM. There will be services in Kalispell at a later date.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Art.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Art and his family.
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Debra Ann Birks says
Diane, we are so sorry for your loss. Art was truly a gentle and loving soul. Your family are in our prayers.