WRIGHT, Lee Madison Wright

He left us peacefully surrounded by family in Victoria, BC, at age 81, after a long and courageous struggle with Alzheimer’s. Born in Vancouver to Harold and Edna Wright, he is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Thelma; his four children, Lindsay (Adam), Anthony (Tessa), Philip (Kate), and Gillian (Nickolas); eight beloved grandchildren, Zoë, James, Charlie, Sadie, Lachlan, Liam, Sophie, and Jack (with another on the way); and his siblings Linda Dennison, Jamie Wright and families.

Lee graduated from UHill Secondary (1962) and UBC (1966), before earning a Master of Arts in physical education at USC (1968). He taught in West Vancouver and Surrey before a long and successful career as a financial advisor, most recently with CIBC Wood Gundy. He was a longtime member of Point Grey Golf & Country Club and a lifetime member of the Vancouver Hawks Field Hockey Club.

A proud Olympian, Lee represented Canada in field hockey at the 1964 Tokyo and 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, following in the footsteps of his father, Harold, who competed in athletics at the 1932 Los Angeles Games. He was inducted twice into the UBC Sports Hall of Fame—first in 2019 as an outstanding athlete, and again in 2021 as part of the 1965–66 Field Hockey Team.

Lee will be remembered for his lifelong passion and deep commitment to amateur sport—coaching, mentoring, and creating opportunities for young athletes to experience the rich friendships and formative moments that shaped his own life. Among his proudest legacies were spearheading the establishment of Wright Field at UBC (revitalizing the university’s field hockey program), leading a Hawks schoolboy team to Australia in 2001 (echoing his own memorable Hawks 1969 tour), watching many of the athletes he supported go on to represent Canada, and—above all—instilling in his children the same love of sport, travel and achievement.

For many, Lee will be remembered for his generosity, storytelling, dry humour and stubborn determination. For us, he was the champion of our close-knit family—always finding ways to encourage, guide, and support us through our own adventures. He was steadfast in his love and care for his wife, his children, and especially his grandchildren, who brought him such joy to the very end. He will be profoundly missed.

A Celebration of Life and charitable details will be announced in the New Year.

Condolences may be offered to family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

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