Philip Lee Wright

The family moved to Grand Junction where his dad owned the Mobile Oil service station on the corner of 5th Street and North Ave for many years.

Phil never lost his love for the Gunnison area, especially Curecanti Creek, returning many times over the years with his parents and later with his wife and two sons exploring, fly fishing and enjoying the beautiful night sky.

Phil graduated from Central High School in 1974 and began working full-time developing film in the darkroom at Monument Camera. He worked the night shift, which left time for his other passion, downhill skiing. He was thrilled to have skied nearly every day of the season.

In 1975, Phil met Nina Dewey through a mutual friend, and after a whirlwind romance they married in November the same year. Phil and Nina celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary just three days before his passing.

After getting married, Phil continued working for Monument Camera and Video, becoming store manager and eventually owner of the business. His career at Monument spanned nearly 28 years.

Sons Jared and Gregory were born in the 80’s, and Phil eagerly shared his love of the outdoors with them, doing the things he loved: Exploring, camping, fishing, motorcycling, taking photographs, and playing sports.

Working at the camera store became a family affair as well. Phil enjoyed having family close by at the store, and his sons enjoyed working around the shop, helping customers with their film processing and camera needs. The store closed in 2001 due to Phil suffering a sudden brain aneurysm. After a long recovery when Phil was able to return to work, he was employed by Startek for several years.

For the last 12 years, Phil enjoyed being a part of the finance department staff at Colorado Mesa University. He spoke fondly of his coworkers and the students he met. He was beloved by many in the CMU community.

Phil tragically and unexpectedly passed away from complications during planned open heart surgery. He is survived by his wife Nina Wright, oldest son Jared Wright, Jared’s children Van and Alba, youngest son Gregory Wright and grand-dogs Zoey and Duke. Additional survivors include nephews Boden and Brit LeMay, sister-in-law Brenda Dewey, brother-in-law Donald Dewey and wife Kim, and nieces Donyelle Dewey and Rochelle Smith.

He was preceded in death by his mother Mary Ellen Lathrop, father Charles Uri Wright, sister Helen LeMay, nephew Bart LeMay, and many beloved aunts and uncles.

Phil’s life was a commitment to demonstrating patience, kindness and compassion to others and an incredible will to tolerate pain and live his best life. He will be dearly missed.