Obituary of Phillip Gardner Wright

Phillip Gardner Wright April 03, 1941 - February 25, 2015 Philip Gardner Wright of La Porte, Texas, was born April 3, 1941. He died at home February 25, 2015. Born in St. Clair, Missouri, to Wilbur and Alma Wright, he was a graduate of Birdville High School in Texas and the University of Texas at Arlington. Phil was a registered architect and a builder of small boats. He also illustrated books, including You Can Sail! and Chapman’s Piloting. He wrote and illustrated many magazine articles in such magazines as Cruising World and Sail. He died of cancer after a struggle of more than six years. He is survived by Roberta, his wife of 31 years, his step-daughter Molly Martin and her fiancé Jason Karwacki. Other survivors are his sister, Joyce Stucker of Denver, Colorado, a nephew, niece, great niece, and great-great niece. His memory will be treasured by lifelong friends Doug Barron and Howard Patterson who grew up with him in the suburbs of Fort Worth, survived many adventures together, and maintained their camaraderie as adults. Phil also treasured memories of good times and day sails with his friend Mac McKim of Galveston and Clear Lake. Phil was a proud Navy veteran, having served in Vietnam. He was a member of the VFW and the Moose Lodge of Pasadena. He and Roberta were members of the First United Methodist Church La Porte. Phil was a life-long adventurer and risk-taker who enjoyed taking the path less traveled. He competed in poker and pool tournaments, often winning prizes. He spent his spare time scouting for treasures at antique shows, listening to a wide variety of music, and being on the water. A service celebrating his life will be held Saturday, February 28, at 10:00 am at First United Methodist Church, La Porte, 9601 W. Fairmont Parkway. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Lee College Foundation, P. O. Box 818, Baytown, TX, 77522 in Phil’s memory. The funds will be used for student scholarships.