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In Memory Of

Arthur “Art” Wright, Age 79, of Butte

January 6, 1945 – November 17, 2024

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 Back 9 Sports Bar and  Grille, 3152 S Utah Ave, Butte, 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.

Service Schedule

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sunday December 8, 2024

Back 9 Sports Bar and Grille

3152 S Utah Ave

Butte, Montana 59701

View map

Service Schedule

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sunday December 8, 2024

Back 9 Sports Bar and Grille

3152 S Utah Ave

Butte, Montana 59701

View map

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Debra Ann Birks says

    November 20, 2024 at 3:31 pm

    Diane, we are so sorry for your loss. Art was truly a gentle and loving soul. Your family are in our prayers.

  2. Ginny Bellmore says

    November 21, 2024 at 5:53 am

    Diane, my prayers are with you and your family! Art was a very kind man and I am so sorry for your loss! I did not realize you had moved to Butte! Comfort and Peace for you all!
    Ginny Bellmore

  3. Kathy Reiner says

    November 21, 2024 at 9:25 am

    Diane,
    Soooo sorry to hear of Art’s passing. My deepest sympathy to you & your family. I didn’t realize you had moved either. I know you have relatives & friends there for support during this sad time & of course your children. Hugs & prayers from Kalispell…

  4. LoLynn Melby says

    November 22, 2024 at 4:19 pm

    Diane, Kathy and John,

    I am so sorry to hear Uncle Art passed, very sad. My sincere condolences to all of you and your families. Lots of thoughts and prayers for all of you.

    The obituary was beautiful, LOVE that Art collected 25,000 pencils for Josh, THAT is so fun, so him.
    Thinking of and praying for you.
    Sincerely, LoLynn

  5. Rhonda c Knudsvig says

    November 25, 2024 at 2:29 pm

    Diane I was so very sorry to hear about Art. My sincere thoughts go out to you and family. Hugs and my prayers from LeRoy and myself
    Rhonda

  6. Dennis Winkel says

    November 26, 2024 at 8:15 pm

    It has been a pleasure to have known Art all of these many years. He was truly a great man who was under-appreciatied. He will be remembered fondly by all of us who knew him. My deepest sympathy to Diane , Kathy and John.

  7. Barb Pearson McMahon says

    November 28, 2024 at 11:28 am

    Diane you may not remember me but my brother Don was a childhood friend of Art growing up in Kalispell. As you know Don passed in May and Sharon in July. Sorry for you
    Loss. Prayers for you family .

  8. Nanci Williams says

    December 3, 2024 at 5:06 pm

    Hello Diane – I am adding my sympathies for your loss. I am thinking of you and I hope you are doing well as you adjust to this sad change in your life. I think I may have met Art one time when you came into the ACE store where I work but I knew that you had been together for a long and loving time. If I could get to Butte for the memorial I would be there for sure but please know that I am with you in spirit. Sending you hugs and much love.
    oxoxo,
    Nanci Williams

  9. Robin Larrick Graham says

    December 11, 2024 at 10:05 pm

    Dear Diane and family, sending you love at this sad time. Art was such a gentle soul and you all were such lovely neighbors.

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Service Schedule

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sunday December 8, 2024

Back 9 Sports Bar and Grille

3152 S Utah Ave

Butte, Montana 59701

View map

Share

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Please visit the floral shop page for assistance in choosing a local florist.

Photo Gallery

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