Joseph William Wright, 88

Joseph William Wright, 88, passed away, Tuesday, March 30, 2004, in Sandpoint.

A memorial gathering has been held.

Joe was born on Oct. 23, 1915, in Scranton, Pa. His parents were William and Margaret Wright. He grew up and attended schools in California. After high school Joe apprenticed as a sheet metal worker at Mare Island Navel ship yard in Vallejo, Calif.

Joe married Mary Wann on March 16, 1940, in Reno, Nev. The couple made their home in Mill Valley, Calif. Joe served his country as a chief warrant officer in the United States Navy. He spent some time in Guam during World War II.

After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Joe opened Wright Brothers Heating and Sheet Metal Company in Mill Valley. The family moved to Nevato, Calif., in 1952 and Joe later opened Wright's Hardware. After selling the hardware store, Joe went into the real estate business and later became a broker. He retired in 1985 and moved to Hope.

Joe was a member of Elks Lodge No. 1376 in Sandpoint, where he enjoyed golfing. He also enjoyed traveling, fishing, gardening, working with wood and metal, and family gatherings.

Joe is survived by his wife, Mary Wright of Sandpoint; two sons, Bill (Leslie) Wright of Clark Fork and Jim (Irene) Wright of Sonoma, Calif.; a daughter, Linda (Mark) Heisel of Hope; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and his beloved dog, Molly.

He was preceded in death by a son, Richard Wright; and a sister, Maxine Hinds.

Memorial donations may be made to the Community Cancer Services, PO Box 2213, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is in charge of the arrangements. Please visit Joe's memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his online guest book.