Roland Wright

In the early morning hours of July 25, 2022, Roland S "Corky" Wright slipped quietly away from the pain and suffering finding the peace that he so desperately sought. He was born to Ruth Taylor and Roland W Chamberlain, later adopted by Chester W Wright. He spent many carefree hours with cousins living in a pioneer home on a farm in Magna, Utah. Corky attended schools in Magna, graduating from Cyprus High School.

His college education began at Utah State University where he was a member of the Air Force ROTC Saber Squad with Arms. They took top honors in competition with other units from around the United States. He left USU to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the French East Mission, serving in France and Switzerland. The last 9 months of his service were in the mission home as editor of all the French-speaking publications. Upon his return, he attended the University of Utah, majoring in graphics design. He was recruited by an Institute of Religion teacher to join the University of Utah Festival Folk Dancers, where he met Dale Ann Preece. They danced into each other's life and ended up partners for eternity. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1967.

It was a short 2 weeks after their wedding when Uncle Sam came calling and he was drafted into the Army. After attaining Soldier of the Cycle in basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas, he was chosen to join the chaplaincy as a chaplain's assistant. Dale Ann followed him to Texas, and they had 9 months together while he trained. As their decision to start a family became a reality, Corky was reassigned to the Kishini Army Hospital in Yokohama, Japan, to give comfort to the most seriously wounded soldiers from Vietnam. He had prayed fervently not to have to take any lives and was able to give peace and comfort to so many who desperately needed it. He loved Japan and the Japanese people.

Corky returned on December 24, 1969, to meet his 10-month-old son, Jody. Although Jody couldn't quite figure out who this strange man was, it didn't take long to become a family and begin life together. He worked for Safeway Stores for 27 years and advanced to Regional Produce Merchandiser. He began studying at the University of Utah and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. All this, in the meantime, welcoming 4 more children, James Aaron, Jessica, Jared Glen and Juliet. (Yes, they are all J names) He traveled widely for Safeway Stores, having responsibilities over the Western States. After Safeway Stores left the area, he gave 22 years to Steel Coatings, Inc. in their shipping and receiving.

Of all his endeavors in life, his service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was most important. He has a firm testimony of the truth of the Gospel, and he shared it every chance he got.

After his retirement, Corky and Dale Ann were able to travel around the world. His most treasured trip was to the Holy Land. He was an accomplished visual artist and in the last week of his life he sketched a tree from the Garden of Gethsemane. It seems fitting, as he was experiencing his own Gethsemane.

Roland S. Wright was a man filled with love and compassion. He leaves a legacy of 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was honest and faithful and a true example to those he loved and who love him. We look forward to the day we will embrace again.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 30, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2901 West 9000 South, West Jordan, Utah. Viewings will be held Friday, July 29th, 6-8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah and prior to services at the church on Saturday from 10-10:30 a.m. Graveside, Tuesday, August 2, 2022, 10:00 a.m., at Utah Veterans Memorial Park, 17111 South Redwood Road, Bluffdale, Utah.