Dr. John Wright, 1926-2016
Eden Prairie A.M. Rotary Founding President
It is with deep sadness and great respect that we make all Eden Prairie Rotarians aware of the passing of Dr. John Wright, DVM,the Charter President of the Eden Prairie A.M. Rotary Club. John, age 90, provided the strong leadership needed to begin the first Rotary Club in Eden Prairie in 1976 which was the first breakfast Rotary Club in the Minneapolis-St.Paul area. Through this leadership, John established the strong tradition and reputation of Rotarians in the burgeoning community of Eden Prairie as leaders and contributors.
Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, October 8th at 12 noon at the Cremation Society, 7110 France Avenue South in Edina with visitation one hour preceding the Services. Memorials are suggested to the Eden Prairie Crime Fund or the Eden Prairie AM Rotary Club, P.O Box 44603, Eden Prairie, MN 55344.
A native of Indiana, John did his studies at Indiana University and Michigan State University where he received his doctorate. He served as a 1st Lieutenant during the Korean War stationed at Ft. Snelling. Following his Army Service, he established the Wright Animal Hospital, later named the Eden Prairie Animal Clinic which was located at Flying Cloud Drive and Shady Oak Road. He practiced until 1991 when he sold the practice. He and his wife ,Charlene, raised their family of three children in the Eden Prairie Area. One of his daughters, Lucy Mattson, is a Rotarian following the example of her father.
John, who was a Paul Harris Fellow, served not only Rotary in many capacities but served the Eden Prairie and Hopkins Communities as well including the Eden Prairie School Board where he was its Treasurer. He was very active in establishing the Eden Prairie Police Department's K-9 Unit and provided his professional services to the unit until his retirement. He was also a Shriner, and a member of the Masonic Lodge.
John, who was a Paul Harris Fellow, served not only Rotary in many capacities but served the Eden Prairie and Hopkins Communities as well including the Eden Prairie School Board where he was its Treasurer. He was very active in establishing the Eden Prairie Police Department's K-9 Unit and provided his professional services to the unit until his retirement. He was also a Shriner, and a member of the Masonic Lodge.