Earl Ethelbert Wright

Peacefully in the early hours of Friday, Aug. 9, 2002 with his family at his side, Earl passed away at the age of 93 years.
Earl leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Penny; son, Robin and his wife, Janice; and grandchildren, Jeffrey and Tamsyn. He also will be remembered by his brothers, Don and Nelson; and his sisters, Margaret, Annie, and Hilda; as well as many extended family members and friends.
Earl was predeceased by his loving wife of more than 52 years, Myrtle (1994); father Ernest (1971); mother, Florence (1969); an infant daughter, Bonnie Leigh (1951); brothers, Howard, Harold, Stanley, Walter, and Ross; and sister, Eleanor.
Born Oct. 30, 1908 in Carnduff, Sask., Earl was the eldest of 12 children born to Ernest and Florence Wright.
Following his formal education, Earl worked his early years in many fields, including farming, dairyman, a bush worker, a poultry man, a carpenter, and a jack-of-all trades to earn a dollar during the lean years of the 1930s.
In the late 1930s, Earl obtained some part-time work in the post office. With this experience, he joined the Canadian Postal Corps of the Canadian military in Ottawa in 1941.
In October, 1941, Earl married the former Myrtle Margaret Cochrane, his soulmate for more than 52 years.
Following a one-year posting in Sussex, N.B., Earl was transferred overseas, where he spent time during WW II in England, Italy, France, Holland, and Germany. He returned to Canada and was discharged in October, 1945 at the rank of corporal.
Following his service in WW II, Earl and Myrtle moved to Bran-don, Man., where he re-joined the Canadian Post Office as a clerk. He continued this career in Brandon, Swan River, Man., and Fort Frances, Ont., where he retired as Postmaster on Oct. 30, 1973.
In 1974 following retirement, Earl and Myrtle made their home in Winnipeg, Man.
Earl was very active in the various communities in which he lived, having been a proud member of many organizations, including the Lions Club (Charter member in Swan River) and Fort Frances; Royal Canadian Legion; Canadian Order of Foresters; M.S.O.S.; F.S.N.A.; the Robin Hood Club in Winnipeg; and a member and Steward with the Knox United Church in Fort Frances.
Earl enjoyed the company of his family and friends to the fullest extent and he was proud of the accomplishments of his two grandchildren. Until a week ago, he was still ready and willing to accept the challenge of a game of cribbage.
Earl was a very proud and determined man to the end. The recent care he received from the medical staff at the Deer Lodge Centre-E2 was greatly appreciated by the family.
At Earl’s request, cremation has taken place.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Earl will be held Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2002 at 2 p.m. at the Green Acres Memorial Gardens and Funeral Chapel, Trans-Canada Hwy. No. 1 East at Niakwa Road, Winnipeg, Man.
Interment will take place at Rosewood Memorial Gardens in Brandon, Man. at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, if family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Sunshine Fund, 194-A Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Man., R3C 2B6, the Sunny Cove Camp Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 555, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8, or a charity of your choice.