Bernard Hershal Wright

February 8, 1921 - December 21, 2018

On December 21, Bernard Hershal Wright "Ben", peacefully passed away at home surrounded by family and friends.  He was 97, born on Feb 8th 1921, in Clarkston, Washington to Floyd and Bessie Wright.  His mother passed away his first Christmas Eve and he was raised by his Grandmother Emma until her passing.  He spent his youth working on family farms and ranches in Idaho, near the confluence of the Snake and Salmon Rivers.  In 1934, he moved to Portland to live with his dad and step mom Ellen.  He graduated from Franklin High School in 1939 and joined the Navy in 1942. As a WWII Veteran, he served as an Ordinance Officer and Bow Gunner on PB2Y and PBM Sea Planes, searching for enemy subs, while escorting convoys to North Africa and the Mediterranean.  On his most memorable mission, his plane was hit by the deck gun of a German sub, losing one engine and half of its ordinance.  In 1946, he married Adelia and began a thirty-five year career as a telephone repairman for Pacific Northwest Bell.  They raised cattle, beefalos, and Christmas trees on a seventy-two-acre farm near Beavercreek, Oregon.  His favorite activities included hunting, fishing, and playing cards. He was preceded in death by his brother Vernon, and then by his wife, a few years after their 50th anniversary.  He is survived by his son, Pat, his daughter Jill, his granddaughters; Morgan and Erin, his long-time caregiver, Di, and Max his dog.