Richard Sefton Wright

Richard Sefton Wright was born on June 28, 1940 in Hollis, New Hampshire. He Greer graduated from Hollis High School (1958) and Columbia College (1962). After graduation he joined the National Guard and was on an active duty for six months. He served part-time over the next eight years to complete his service.

Rich married his high school girlfriend Susan Lates in 1964 and lived in New York City. They moved to Tucson, Arizona so that he could fulfill his dream of becoming an architect. He graduated from the University of Arizona College of Architecture and his employment with the architectural firm, Mascarella, Merry & Associates. He delighted in the role of fatherhood with the birth of sons Dustin, and two years later Eric. To better meet the needs of their growing family they purchased their first home. Rich became one of the founding partners of Burton, Wright & Associates, a new architectural firm in Tucson. The firm expanded to include real estate services and he became a licensed realtor and broker. He had a gift for building relationships with his customers and took pleasure and helping them find their homes.

They divorced amicably in 1984 but remained close friends. He moved to Phoenix with his partner, Tom, working first in sales management for AT&T, and then in customer service management for Cox Communications. Upon the retirements they traveled. They saw the world by cruising and enjoying summers in Coeur d’Alene ID, the Oregon Coast and finally Flagstaff in their 5th wheel RV. September would find them in San Diego enjoying the beach, a favorite haven for Rich.

Rich was pre-deceased by his parents, Wendell and Carolyn, Wright; brother, David; and son, Eric. He is survived by Tom, his partner of 43 years, son, Dustin (Kate) Wright of Dallas; his former wife, Sue (Al) Brooks of VT; brother-in-law, Dick (BJ) Lates of N.H.; nieces: Susan and Lisa Wright, Cassandra Bollinger; nephews: Jay and Roger Lates; Tom’s family: sons Tom and Ted (Brandie); grandsons, Kaiden & Quenten, and Mary Lu Kiracofe.