The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Donald E. Wright was born on July 16, 1933 in Garibaldi, Oregon. He moved with his family to Cathlamet, Washington when he was three months old and lived in an apartment in Wright’s Furniture and Hardware. The family moved to a farm near Skamokawa when he was six. He graduated from Wahkiakum High School in 1951 where he was very active in sports, lettering in Tennis, Basketball and Football all four years. After high school Don went on to Washington State University where he studied business.

He joined the Army and was sent overseas to Germany. He loved his job working in correspondence and managing the movie theater. He was also proud that he made Corporal after two years. Riding on his BMW motorcycle, Don travelled all over Europe visiting family stationed in nearby countries. Following the Army, he moved to Hammond, Oregon, lived with his Aunt and Uncle, and worked at a plywood mill. While living with them, they introduced him to his future wife, Susan Hopkins. They married December 7th, 1957. Six months later the newlyweds moved to Cathlamet and lived for a time in the apartment in Wright Furniture and Hardware while Don started working at the family business. There they had their first child and soon after moved into his grandmother’s home. While working at the store, he went to school for refrigeration, TV and appliance repair and the county began relying on his expertise to repair any TV, appliance or refrigeration system in the area.

In 1967, he, along with his Uncle Art, founded Wright Cablevision, building from the ground up and maintaining the first cablevision systems in Cathlamet, Skamokawa, Naselle and Ryderwood. Through hard work and determination Wright Cablevision thrived over the years and was sold in 1985 and he retired at age 50, taking his family on the trip of a lifetime to Hawaii.

Don thoroughly loved living in this beautiful southwest area of Washington state. Here he has enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and walking the woods behind his home. He’s also been fishing in Canada, moose hunting in Alaska, and antelope hunting in Wyoming, among many other adventures. Don also was surrounded in life by his many pets. He and his wife Susan also continued to enjoy travel whether it be to their kids sporting and school events, camping in their RV or traveling the world.

He leaves behind his wife Susan, daughter Peggy Wright from Gig Harbor, son Matt Wright (Jacque) of Seaside, OR, daughter Kim Carter (Bryan) from Ridgefield, grandson Scott Hendrickson (Samantha Dietz) from Puyallup and great granddaughter Isabella Hendrickson.

Don passed peacefully on the morning of August 31st, 2019, surrounded by his loving and devoted family. Don is laid to rest at The Greenwood Cemetery in Cathlamet Washington.

- Paid Obituary -