Wesley Wright

Wesley L. Wright, 90, of Hampden MA passed away surrounded by family on September 25, 2020 after a 6 month battle with heart and lung disease. Born in 1929, Wes was raised in Homer NY where in the 8th grade he met his high school sweetheart and future bride, Marjorie L. Forbes. He graduated from the University of Miami, FL in 1951. As a college student he worked at the Wilbur J Forbes farm where one day, while cleaning the milk room and listening to lively music on the radio he decided NOT to be a farmer. Bored with accounting work he quickly rose through the corporate ranks of management leading to his position of Executive Vice president of American Standard Inc. In 1970 at the age of 41. In 1976 he purchased the C F Church Seat Co in Monson MA. He renamed his new company Forbes-Wright Industries. He sold the company in 1983 and retired from business. He then started his new career as a private investor and grounds keeper of his beloved home in Hampden MA. He and Marge worked tirelessly maintaining their 5 acres of lawns and magnificent gardens, visited by local garden clubs. Wes and Marge renovated the tennis court on their property and began playing tennis in their late 40's. He continued playing tennis until the age of 89. In retirement, Wes and Marge loved traveling , visiting Hawaii countless times, and among others but not inclusive are South Africa, South America, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Europe, multiple Pacific islands, New Zealand and their favorite, Australia. The last 6 years they wintered in Lennox head, a quintessential seaside Australian town. Overall, they visited over 500 cellar doors, a.k.a wineries. Later in life, when he and Marge accepted wheelchair assistance navigating large airports, they hid their tennis rackets under blankets to avoid suspicion that they may have been capable of walking on their own. Wes was a devoted, family man. He also adored his extended family, hosting the Forbes family reunion for many years. His corny jokes and easy-going demeanor, made those around him feel comfortable and welcomed. Wes loved football. His favorite teams were the Penn State Nittany Lions and whoever was playing Notre Dame. He and Marge attended games at Penn State and throughout the country as season - ticket holders for over 40 years. Wes was predeceased by his mother, Marsie, father, James, brothers, Calvin, Alvera, Nelson and sister Hilda. He was also predeceased by his granddaughter Lauren Marjorie Felchner. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marjorie, sons, Tom and his wife Cheryl of Westfield VT, Doug and his wife Diana of Grafton MA, and daughter JoAnne Wright Felchner of Wilbraham MA. He is also survived by grandchildren Dennis Wright of Watertown MA, David Wright of Boston MA, James and Christina Felchner of Wilbraham MA, along with many neices, nephews and cousins. A private memorial dinner will be held at his home in October. Pending the pandemic, an internment is planned for the spring of 2021 in Homer NY. In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to the Hampden Public Library, 625 Main Street, Hampden. MA. 01036.