Tribute

On Sunday, December 3, 2023, Darryl George Wright of Osoyoos B.C. passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.

Darryl is predeceased by his parents William and Florence Wright. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Lucy; son Jeffrey; grandchildren Justine and Jase Wright; brother Glen (Liz)Wright; sister Sharna (Joe) Redinger; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Taber Alberta, Darryl moved to Osoyoos as a young man to pursue a career in the trade of autobody with Don Bates. He met and fell in love with Lucy Fernandes at her family’s Texaco gas station. They married in 1969 in Taber, Alberta and welcomed their only child Jeffery in 1970.

Together, in 1980, they purchased land and built the very first business in the industrial park of Osoyoos; Wrights Autobody and Towing, which he operated for 36 years. During those years he made many long-lasting friendships through his loyal customers and employees.

Darryl enjoyed going on camping trips with his wife and many friends through the years. Starting with a tent, small campers and eventually purchasing their beloved motorhome and travelling to California, Texas, Arizona, Oregon and Mexico. He and Lucy also travelled to Hawaii 3 times.

One trip that Darryl always looked forward to was “The Annual Guys Get Away Trip” to Mazatlan. He would always come back with such great stories and memories.

Darryl volunteered with The Osoyoos Fire Department for 17 years. His specialty in the department because of his trade was extrication from motor vehicle accidents. Many great memories and lifelong friendships were made during his years in the fire department.

Darryl enjoyed sports. He played men`s hockey in his earlier years eventually coaching his son`s Minor Hockey team with Dennis Williams, Walter Lemke, and others. He played on the Wrights Men`s Fastball League, and the RCMP Softball team with friends Paul Dawkins, Tim Mac Donald, Phill Fry, etc., eventually playing on the Seniors Softball team with Tom Burton, Wayne Marcotte and Bryan Lobb just to name a few. He also coached Ladies’ softball with Paul Dawkins in the 80s.

Darryl’s true love was music. He played guitar and was in many bands over the years; The Gaspar Brothers; Sun Valley Ramblers with Glen Read and Milt Stevens; Tommy and the T-Birds with Tom Shields but the most popular band of his time was his band named “The Six Pack’ featuring Lydia Ferreira, Dave Charleton, Armando Ferreira and Flory Goncalves. They played at weddings, March of Dimes Dances, etc.

One of the highlights for him with his band was one summer day in the 70s when they performed on top of the Garcia Texaco. Darryl also loved to dance the jive. He was the best at it! At dances, all the ladies loved dancing with him.

Other hobbies included electronics, ordering the newest gadgets off Amazon and watching movies. He loved spending time with his two grandchildren and many pets. He also loved getting the family together and cooking Maderia-style shish kabob.

The last few years Darryl had many health struggles but, beside him every minute was his loving wife, Lucy, taking care of all his needs, she truly was an amazing and dedicated life partner.

He had a very full and happy life, leaving us all with many great and cherished memories. He will be lovingly missed by his whole family for his sense of humor and quick wit, making us all laugh with light-hearted and funny jokes.

The family has made private cremation arrangements.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday April 20, 2024 at Nostalgia Winery, 4900 Black Sage Road, Oliver, BC.