WRIGHT, Robert Charles (Bob)

Robert Charles Wright of Guelph, passed away on July 14, 2017 in his 85th year. He will be dearly missed by his sons and daughters-in-law, David Wright and Beth Reade, Bruce Wright and Darlene Blair, his granddaughter, Sarah and grandson, Ben. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 54 years, Ruth Wright (nee Craig). Born in Windsor, Bob moved to Guelph in 1939 when his father became the wartime manager of Zephyr Looms. He was a student at GCVI High School. After graduating from Queens University, he returned to GCVI for his entire career, initially as a History teacher and later as a Guidance Counselor. He became the Head of Guidance and the President of the Ontario School Counsellors’ Association. He commanded the GCVI Cadet Corp and was a Major when he retired from the Reserve Forces. Bob worked to develop Wyndham House youth services. Known as ‘Mr. Volleyball’, he was a respected coach of multiple championship men’s volleyball teams and became a nationally ranked referee. He refereed at the Pan Am Games and was President of the Ontario Volleyball Association. An accomplished musician life-long, Bob performed as a trumpet soloist in his youth. A fan of big bands, Bob admitted that he spent more of his time at Queens performing in swing bands than studying History! Locally, he was a concert bandmaster and choir director. Bob enjoyed performing as a vocal soloist, accompanied by Ruth, and added his rich baritone voice to many local choirs, including the Kitchener-Waterloo Philharmonic Choir with Howard Dyck, the Guelph Male Choir and the Trinity United Church Choir. After retirement, Bob and Ruth enjoyed international travel and wintering in Arizona. Friends will be received at the Wall-Custance Funeral Home & Chapel, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph on Wednesday, July 19 from 7 to 9 pm and at Trinity United Church from 1 to 2pm on Thursday July 20. A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Church, 400 Stevenson St. N., Guelph on Thursday, July 20 at 2 pm with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Wyndham House would be appreciated.