Vernon Eugene Wright

   Vernon Eugene “Gene” Wright went home to his Lord and Savior on September 4, 2024.

   Gene arrived in Emmett, Idaho, on July 30, 1929, as the middle child of five children born to Vernon Andrew and Meta Wright. Born during the Great Depression, his family had their own garden and animals to help support them through this challenging time. He would continue this love of gardening with his own family, always sharing his harvest with friends and neighbors. 

   Gene graduated from Emmett High School in 1947 and went to work at the Emmett Ice Company, delivering block ice to homes and businesses in the days before electric refrigerator units were widely used. He also delivered coal to keep people warm. Gene started work at Boise Payette Mill (Boise Cascade) in 1948 for a few months before enlisting in the Army. He didn’t want to wait for Uncle Sam to draft him – especially since he had plans to marry his high school sweetheart. He saw a little country including Japan. When he returned home, Gene married Virginia Uribe on July 1, 1950, and began work again at Boise Cascade. Then just a few months later, the Army called him back into service for a little tour of Korea. His military training as a mechanic served him well throughout life, as he or family always had vehicles needing his skilled repair. 

   After completing military service, Gene returned to work at Boise Cascade and beginning a family – adding four children, Jana, Mark, Kevin, and Martin. During his nearly 40-year career with Boise Cascade, he worked many jobs, including work as a sawyer, grader, and finally as a plant security watchman. He also served both as a union and a district council president for six years, often spending time on the road meeting with workers in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

   When Gene retired in 1991, he and Virginia spent time traveling to U.S. national parks, Canada, the Oregon coast, and traveling east to visit family, seeing the sights along the way. Many a day was spent at Cascade Lake and Horsethief Reservoir, catching fish, and making new friends. They enjoyed time spent with grandkids on many of these outings. Gene usually had some type of woodwork project underway and made hundreds of curly willow walking canes, sharing them freely with anyone who needed one.

   Gene was a generous friend to all, always helping any neighbor or family member in need. He loved a good story and was quite the family storyteller, remembering details, dates, and names that belied his age. His mind was sharp and his sense of humor, sharper yet! He loved his life in Emmett, calling it the best place in the world. 

   After Virginia’s passing in 2016, Gene decided to sell their home and join the community of Grace Assisted Living. There he met new friends and enjoyed playing (and teaching others) Pinochle and having weekly breakfast or lunch outings with his kids. He was known for feeding the ducks outside his patio, who practically knocked at the door if they thought he was late!

   Gene was preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Meta; his wife, Virgina; his son, Mark Wright; his brother Lauren Wright; and his sisters, Darlene DeHass, and Helen Grider.

   Gene is survived by his daughter, Jana (John) McAdams; his sons, Kevin (Diane) Wright and Martin Wright; grandchildren, Adam (Tracy) Wright, Nick Wright, Jason (Sadie) Wright, Tony McAdams, Jerry (Dana) McAdams, Monica Rowan; 14 great-grandchildren and one on the way; 6 great-great-grandchildren; his brother, Ron Wright; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

   The family would like to thank the caring and loving staff of Grace Assisted Living who were especially kind during this past year when Gene (Vern) had some tough days. You helped see him through and made him smile.  

   We also thank the compassionate angels from All Care Hospice, Whitney, Jenny, Regina, Robin, Kelsey, Navi, Constance, Andrea, and the weekend and on-call Hospice nurses who came when needed.

   A special thank you to Clayton Potter, for his caring friendship, guidance, and love. You became family to Gene and his kids, and we love you as much as he did.

   Charitable donations may be made to Emmett Valley Friendship Coalition (719 S. Johns Ave., Emmett, ID 83617) or your favorite charity in Gene’s name.  

Use this link to view Vernon's Remember Page: https://my.gather.app/remember/vernon-wright-sep-2024

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