Obituary of Jon Gilbert Wright

Born in Lindsay, California, the second of three children to Gene and Ruth Wright. The first son, Jack, died in 1961. The family moved to San Jose in 1941 where a sister, MaryJayne was born. Jon attended San Jose High School and Lincoln High School. At Lincoln High he met Marianne Anninger, the love of his life. They later married and were together for 64 wonderful years. Jon entered WWII as a 17 year old in 1944. He served in the Navy, as a radarman, aboard the USS Bowie. With the help of the G.I. Bill he graduated from San Jose State with a B.A. Degree in Business. He added a Masters Degree in 1962. He taught business courses at San Jose City College for 6 years. In 1963 the family, which now included the three children, Jon Gilbert Jr., Krista Anne, and Robert Craig moved to Aptos where Jon taught accounting at Cabrillo College. He retired from Cabrillo in 1987, after 23 years. Jon had many diverse interests. At 50 he bicycled from Santa Cruz to San Diego, warming up with a century ride and a tour to San Simeon. In golf he achieved a handicap of 11 strokes and enjoyed playing with his friends at the Aptos Beach Golf Club. He also learned to fly gliders and he practiced marksmanship. Fishing the Monterey Bay and sailing were other passions. He once sailed from Santa Cruz to Carmel and back, anchoring just off Pebble Beach for the evening. Upon retirement Jon and Marianne explored the American west, visiting family in Montana and Colorado, and visiting the National Parks. Trips were also made to Mexico, the Caribbean and Washington D.C. An avid student of history, Jon especially enjoyed Washington D.C. and the Smithsonian. In later years, wanting to keep his mind keen, he committed to memory, in chronological order, all the Presidents, First Ladies, Vice-Presidents, Supreme Court Chief, Justices, and all the California Governors, including the Spanish, Mexican and Territorial Governors. And he knew the stories behind each of these historical figures. Jon was passionate about animals. In a short autobiography done for his children he states: "I am a devout and confirmed lover of all animals both those residing in nature and those we have domesticated." He was devoted to his pets. Jon loved his family above all else. As a son, husband, and father his support and love was unbounded. He was always there when a family member was in need. He was well liked by all who knew him. Jon is survived by his wife Marianne, children Jon Gilbert Wright Jr., Krista Anne Wright, Robert Craig Wright, 6 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Jack, and sister MaryJayne. At Jon's request no services will be held and his ashes spread at sea. Donations may be made in Jon's name to any animal support group.