Lester Neal Wright

Lester N. Wright, 85, of Temecula, CA passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2019.

He was born December 10, 1933 in Joseph, OR to Charles “Jackson” and Gladys (Towers) Wright.

He graduated from Mac Hi of Milton-Freewater, OR class of 1952.

He was married to Joanne L. Zigman June 11, 1954. They celebrated their 65th anniversary at their home this past June.

Lester had served in the U.S. Air Force for 4 years in the Korean War. After his Air Force service Lester enrolled at the Northrop Institute of Technology and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering in 1960.  He immediately went to work for North American Aviation, which ultimately became Rockwell International (and now Boeing).  He was most proud of his work in life science research in support of the early space program.  Several patents related to cardiac technology were co-developed during this time by Lester.   In addition to defense related projects, Lester also served as project manager for developing computer control system for electric utility distribution systems.  One such project with Hawaii Electric Company led to many business trips to Honolulu and a long-standing love for the Hawaiian Islands.

He is survived by his loving wife Joanne and their two daughters, Lori and (Jim) Blankenship of Tulsa, OK and Juli and (Ron) Gallego of Fontana, CA; four grandchildren, one great granddaughter, brother Don and (Doris) Wright of Bend, OR; sister-in-law Marilyn L. Falconer of Milton-Freewater, Or; and numerous nieces and nephews as well as many “adopted” members to our family who embraced him as their Father or Grandfather, all who loved him dearly

He will be truly missed.

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