Wright, William J. 'Bill'

William J. “Bill” Wright, (also known to friends as “Wilbur”), 62, of Iowa City, died Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, at University of Iowa Healthcare in Iowa City of cancer. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at The Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, 579 McCollister Blvd., Iowa City.

Instead of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials to Friends of the Iowa City Animal Center Foundation or the U of I Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. Lensing Funeral Service in Iowa City is handling arrangements.

He was born in Grinnell, Iowa, on Oct. 9, 1950, the son of Leo “Hoop” and Shirley (Vogt) Wright.

Bill was a man of broad shoulders, common sense and an insatiable appetite for learning. Family and friends knew him as Wilbur. He was a man of the earth and sea who worked as a stone mason in Alaska and taught scuba diving in Hawaii. He was a man of letters, athletics and the arts. He graduated a football letterman from Grinnell College and obtained a Graduate Degree in Art History and a Law Degree from the University of Iowa. He later combined his professional endeavors by serving the City of Cedar Rapids as assistant city attorney for many years while continuing his lifelong passion of collecting an amazing array of antiques, primitive art and American Indian art and artifacts.

Wilbur was a man of the times. He believed in turning life's mistakes into positive experiences and he always advocated for positive change in matters both personal and cultural. He was extremely grateful and proud to have actively lived in what he considered one of the most exciting periods of change in history.

Wilbur was a man of family and friends. This is what he wished to be his most important legacy. To both family and friends, he committed a selfless and intense loyalty. Especially to his loving wife Tina, who never left his side throughout his battle with cancer, and to his son, Cassidy, whom he always championed and saw graduate from City High School this spring. And to all of his many friends, who touched him and were touched by him. They will never forget his zest for living life to its fullest, his laughter and sense of humor and his charismatic ability to combine his intensity with a gentle kindness. He was a man of attraction who will be forever remembered by those fortunate enough to have known him.

The family wishes to thank Drs. Hohl, Shah and Hussain and staff at the Holden Cancer Center, as well as the nursing staff in the U of I Hospital on 4JPW and 4JPE for their care, friendship and compassion to Bill & Tina.

Condolences may sent to the family at .

Published in The Gazette Aug. 21, 2013.