November 11, 1941 - October 6, 2023
It is with deep sadness that the family of Dr. Joseph Douglas Wright announces his passing on October 6, 2023. He was 81 years old.
He was someone who relished a problem to solve, and had the limitless mind and work ethic to solve it. He was a patient teacher and thorough explainer, somebody who wanted you to know both the correct algorithm and how he'd managed to work it all out. He was unfailingly devoted to getting the job done, even if he didn't have the tools, or enough help. And he was always willing to help others solve their problems, too. And to those of us lucky enough to have spent time with him as he sat in his favourite chair behind a glass of whiskey, he had a warm heart and a sentimental soul.
His training was in chemical engineering, first at the University of Alberta and later at Cambridge University. In 1969, he joined the faculty of McMaster University. From 1977 to 1994, he served as Vice President and Centre Manager for the Xerox Research Centre of Canada. In 1994, he became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Pulp and Paper Research Centre of Canada, a position he held until his retirement in 2006. In his career, he authored six patents, and served in many professional associations. In 2001, he was awarded an honourary doctorate from McMaster University for these achievements and others.
In retirement, he developed the property he shared with his wife Carol over many years, and made himself integral to island life, serving for years on Gibson's Harbour Authority, as Area F representative to BC Ferries, and as a member of the Gambier Fire Equipment Group.
He was one of a kind, and he will be dearly missed, not only but especially when they are sitting behind their own glasses of whiskey, by his children Thomas (Samantha), Heather (John), Matthew (Julia), Nicolas (Genevieve), and Greg (Julie). He will also be fondly remembered by his nine grandchildren with whom he went prawn fishing, made bonfires, shared bacon and kippers, played cards, and made puns: Dominique, Brody, Alejandro, Marcos, Michael, Van, Oliver, Jasmine, and Elliott.
