10/27/1945 – 4/22/2022
Known as Doc, Dr. Wright, Doug, Ivan and Skipper, he was known to many for his years of service in the medical field. Ivan passed away on April 22nd, 2022 due to complications of Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marie Julia Studholme, and his five children - Andrew and his wife Julie; Michelle and her husband Steve; Christopher and his wife Colleen; Gregory and Elizabeth – and his five grandchildren, Madlyn Petty, Tyler Hogan, Amanda Hogan, Jadyn Wright and Kya Wright. Ivan is also survived by his two brothers, Donald Wright and Robert Wright and his wife Linda, whose continual visits to their brother were welcomed and gratefully received over the past several months.
Ivan’s first love was his family. He found joy in golfing with his boys, and playing tennis weekly with his oldest son Andrew. He loved riding bicycles and playing pickle ball. He shared a love of music with his daughter Michelle, and this remained until his last moments. He spent many hours discussing science with his daughter Elizabeth. He treasured fun vacation memories, in particular, trips to Lake Powell where his son Christopher took on most of the responsibilities alongside of his dad. He and his son Gregory shared a love of art. In later years, he enjoyed walks with his wife Marie and their two dogs, Bailey and Fletcher – both loyal companions to Ivan. His talent for gardening was miraculous and every home he lived in was accompanied by a lovely outdoor landscape.
Deep in Ivan’s soul was a man who enjoyed the simple things. He was never comfortable with accolades or attention of any kind. He was always known for his listening ear and an abundance of patience. The highlight of his career was the private practice of medicine, including emergency medicine, of which he excelled. Many who worked beside him over the years commented on the calmness he would bring to the chaos and stress of the emergency room.
Special thanks to his respite caregiver, Stephanie, and all the wonderful staff, nurses, and caregivers at the Auberge memory care facility and, in particular, Dr. Fehlauer, whose steady hand enabled Ivan to have some peace and calm in his last five months. Gratitude to friends and family for their continual support.
In particular Ivan’s love for his wife Marie was obvious to all. She remained the constant in his life and he in hers. This, and the love for all his family members, was his greatest joy and comfort. He will be dearly missed by all who touched his life.
An open house to celebrate the life of Ivan will be held on Thursday, April 28th from 4PM to 7PM at the home of Andrew and Julie Wright at 3140 South 1885 East, Salt Lake City, Utah.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
--Robert Frost
