Robert Ellery Wright, 96, of Libby

Robert Ellery Wright, 96, beloved father of Judy Tabis, passed away Sunday, May 5, 2013, at Libby Care Center. 

Robert was born in Marvin, S.D., on Jan. 5, 1917, to Ellery and Wanda Wright. He grew up around Brookings, S.D., and the family later moved to Cross Lake, Minn. 

He worked as a mechanic with his father for a time after he got out of school. In October 1936, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps at Ely, Minn. He was honorably discharged in March 1937.

It was in Seattle where he also met his first wife, Marion. They were married on Sept. 5, 1946, and spent 31 years together until Marion’s death in October 1977.  

In 1954, he went to work for the Forest Service in Sisters, Ore., as an engineer and firefighter. He spent 20-plus years in that career until his retirement. At that time, he was living in Prineville, Ore. That is where he met his second wife, Helen Still, and they married in February 1979 and spent 28 years together until Helen’s death in May  2007. 

After living there for a short time, they moved to Kalispell in September 2004 to be closer to family. They lived in assisted living there. In May 2012, Robert moved to Libby Care Center.

As a descendent of Wilbur and Orville Wright, Robert was a man of many talents.  He was able to build, fix and create anything as well as grow beautiful flowers, roses being his favorite, and bountiful vegetable gardens. 

Fishing was another passion for Robert, from fly fishing the high lakes in the Cascade Mountains and rivers around Sisters, to fishing the reservoirs around Bend and Prineville. The Deschutes River by Sisters was one of his favorite places to fish. He could tie any kind of fly that would entice the wariest of rainbows.

When he couldn’t get outdoors as much in his later years, he took up a craft called Pretty Punch using yarn to create beautiful wall hangings.

Robert loved spending time with his family, especially his great grandchildren, who always brought a big smile to his face. He had some great stories to tell from a long life of memories. 

Survivors include his daughter, Judy (Ed) Tabis of Libby; son, David Wright of Kasilof, Alaska; stepsons Lester (Carol) Still of Kalispell, and Paul (Marilyn) Wright of Washington; grandchildren Bill (Katie) Tatum of Billings;  Mike (Shawna) Tatum of Plains; Angela (Jon) Alexander  of Lexington, Ky., and Diana and Sara and their families of Iowa; great-grandchildren John and Ellie of Billings, Will and Gregory of Plains, and Havah and Susannah of Lexington, plus many step grand- and great-grandchildren; nephews Don (Christi) Ellwood of Libby, David (Jane) of Hudson, Wis., niece Leora Peterson of Rosemount, Minn., and special friend Johnnie Burrill of Kalispell.

A memorial service has not been planned at this time.  

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home & Crematory of Libby.