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1921 - 2006
 Clifford N. Wright, 84, a long-time resident of Greenville, died after a short illness Thursday, August 24, 2006 in Grand Rapids.
He was born October 23, 1921 in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin and attended Wisconsin Rapids High School. He joined the US Marine Corps in 1941 serving three years in the Pacific during WWII.
On January 17, 1947 he married Mildred (Mickey) Filgas in Detroit, Michigan. They moved to Greenville in 1948 where Cliff was employed with Michigan Consolidated Gas Company. In 1968, he bought Don’s Trading Post, a furniture and carpet business in North Greenville, which he and Mickey ran until they retired in 1983. Dividing their time then between Greenville and Sun Lakes, Arizona.
Cliff was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Greenville, had over fifty years of perfect attendance as a member of the Greenville Lions Club, remaining active with the Lions’ in Arizona. He recently resigned his 30 year membership in the Greenville Country Club.
He was a lifelong learner, avid reader, and an adult literacy volunteer. For over twenty years, whether in Michigan or Arizona, Cliff spent every Tuesday tutoring 4th grade students in math and reading at either Baldwin Heights Elementary in Greenville or Neely Elementary in Gilbert, Arizona.
Preceded in death by his wife, Mickey, in October 2000 and by his brothers Harold (Hans) and Temple (Tim). Cliff is survived by his daughter Susan L. Wright-Miller and Dan Miller of Ada, and his son Richard N. and Jill Wright of Idaho Falls, ID and three grandchildren, Tommy Miller, Leslie and Hannah Wright.
Funeral services will be Monday August 28, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Greenville. The family will meet with friends at the Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville, from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 27th. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Flat River Community Library.
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There are currently 7 condolences.
1
Wednesday June 20, 2012 at
5:28 AM
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-1'
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John and Melinda Kopec
Saturday September 9, 2006 at
5:57 PM
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Susan, Dan,and Tommy,
So sorry to hear of your father's/grandfather's death. We will keep you in our prayers. We are thinking of you. The Kopecs
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Lavona Areghini
Monday August 28, 2006 at
7:24 PM
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Oh, our hearts are so saddened. We dearly loved Cliff. After teaching with Sherry Johnston for many years, he "graduated" to teaching with Lavona Areghini for several more years, coming each Tuesday and regaling the students with his puzzlers and word games. He will be so missed by so many students. He also taught the stock market to Jan Moser's students in accelerated learning. We are so, so, deeply saddened. Please know that as his friends we are remembering his surviving family members in our thoughts and prayers. "Shore and Begorrah" as he used to say to me many times, as a fellow Irishman would. I would get after him many times for not eating enough vegetables.He taught so many children the proper way to shake hands while looking that person in the eye. I feel he looked right into the eyes of his Heavenly Father who probably shook Cliff's hand firmly and said, "Well done, my faithful son and servant." Jim adds "What a straight forward,intelligent and kind man he was and left such a legacy to many lives.Please feel our love. Love, Lavona and Jim Areghini
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Sherry Johnston
Monday August 28, 2006 at
2:24 AM
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Cliff was my Tuesday volunteer from 1983 until 1994. Tuesday was our day to write with Mr. Wright. My 4th graders looked forward to his jokes and riddles. He is remembered by many families in our district. In 1994, I left the classroom and he continued to volunteer with the teacher next door, Lavona Areghini. When she retired, he continued with the teacher next door to her, Jan Moser. He always said that he couldn't get out of 4th grade. He loved helping others and taught many life lessons to all of us. Having Cliff as a part of my life and career for so many years was a great privilege. The greatest trait in Cliff was the appreciation he had for every part of his life--his beloved wife, Mickey his children, Susie and Dick, his friends, golf, travel, volunteering to give back for what he had received. He took delight in every minute and every detail.
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Jackie VanHarn Kemler
Sunday August 27, 2006 at
11:07 PM
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Dear Susie and Dick,
Your parents were wonderful people! I have such fond memories of both of them making cotton candy at school events. I was just fascinated by the way it covered them form head to toe and they just made more and more smiling and laughing the entire time. I don't think I ever saw either of your parents when they weren't smiling. They seemed to be so happy with everything they involved themselves with and raised a wonderful daughter and son!
My earliest memory of your mom was at Girl Scout Camp. As an adult, I look back on those days at camp and it really was a huge undertaking for her. She was so nice to everyone and know the name of ever girl in camp. I will never forget the last day of camp when the counselor's presented her with a hat they had made from nature items. They even included water lillies which were "protected" at that time. It really was beautiful and she loved it!
I worked and lived at home during the summers while I was in college. The only time I had to play golf was before work in the morning. I can't tell you how many times I was on the course at 6:30 AM and there was your dad playing a round by himself before going to work. We never played together but always waved or cheered each other on for a nice shot. And yes, the sprinkler systems were always up and running and we always complained about them.
My deepest sympathy goes out to you. Take care of each other.
Jackie
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Lion Larry Alman
Saturday August 26, 2006 at
8:10 PM
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Lion Cliff Wright was an active member in our Club when he was in Greenville, we loved his presents. He was full of life and enjoyed him when I first joind the Greenville Lions Club in 1983, He was a lot of fun to be around. Please accept my deepest sympathy, he will be missed greatly.
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Mike and Barb Hurst
Friday August 25, 2006 at
4:09 PM
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Dick and Sue and families. We will remember a fine neighbor and friend from Grant St.When we moved back home to Greenville your parents were one of the best greeters to our hometown. We enjoyed many times together in Lions Club and working on projects together and being neighbors. Our sympathy to all of you. Mike and Barb.
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