Gary Richard Wright

Gary Richard Wright, 74, was called to his heavenly home on June 9, 2025. He was born in San Antonio, Texas, to Alfred Earl Wright and JoAn Wright. He grew up in San Antonio and was a 1968 graduate of Highlands High School where his love of music grew.

From an early age, Gary’s family had a ranch in Bandera, Texas, where they raised cattle, grew hay and hunted deer. Gary even tried his hand at being a sheep rancher! This was the place of many happy moments and memories. Gary had a great passion for woodworking and building. He spent much time working with his father and grandfather, learning the tricks of the trade. Gary could build or fix just about anything!

Gary continued his education at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) in San Marcos, Texas. He was employed in the music department while working towards his music degree. Gary’s first instrument was the tuba, but later in life he would also take up the French horn. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972 with a double major of music and math.

Working with computers and aerospace projects became his life-long calling. He started at Lockheed in Houston, Texas, which had a contract with NASA. He moved to San Jose, California, working for Martin Marietta and then transferred to Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colorado, for the remainder of his career. His proudest professional achievement was working on the Juno satellite which is still orbiting Jupiter today.

After he retired, he became part of the “Over the Hill Band” at the urging of his neighbor and good friend in Conifer, Joe Brice. He then joined the “All Colorado Community Band.” He performed with Joe and this group for many years, including four performance trips to Europe. Both Joe and Gary were active in the music ministry of Evergreen Lutheran Church. After moving to the southern part of Denver, Gary joined the St. Andrew Methodist Church orchestra and choir and performed with these groups often.

Gary was very blessed to have met his best friend and the love of his life, Patricia (Pat) Mather, in 2014. Their time together was one of joy and happiness. They enjoyed numerous trips together, concerts, work projects, church attendance, family gatherings and dining out. Pat will remember her beloved Gary for his deep faith in God; how he was so caring, especially to his mother and his family; and how helpful, considerate and loving he was to Pat and her family.

Gary will be truly missed by many. He was preceded in death by his father and his younger brother, Tom R. Wright. Gary is survived by Pat Mather; his mother, JoAn Wright; his brother, Mark Wright and wife, Genie, and their daughter, Monica Burchfield; his sister, Karen Loeffler and husband Ernie. He is also survived by his nephew, Travis Wright and wife, Kathy, and his niece, Traci Hawkins and husband Matthew, as well as a great niece and great nephew.