Colin Wright was born Brightening Sea on April 15, 1902. He came to
Canada with his parents and younger brother Stuart when he was three years
old. Colin's father didn't see any need for his sons to travel four miles
to school when he could teach them the three "R's" at home. He
assigned work for the boys to do during the day and he would correct it in the
evening. He obviously did a good job. Colin could still recite the
"Times Tables" up to 25 times 25 till the day he died. At the age
of seventeen Colin was sent to the University in Saskatoon to take a course in agriculture
and business, along with mechanics. He did very well, which again was a credit
to his dad's teachings. That summer Colin farmed, and in the fall he took
a business course at Alberta College for five months.
When Colin was 18, his father became manager of the new Co-op store in
Lloydminster. Colin got the opportunity to work along side his father
while he continued to farm with brother Stuart. He always felt this was
one of the highlights in his life, as working with the public was a new and
enjoyable challenge.
Colin and Stuart were among the first in the area to modernize their
farm. In the early 20's they purchased their first tractor, and in 1927
bought a combine and swather.
In the late twenties Colin married Betty Erven who was then teaching at
Trafalgar School. The couple had six children, three boys and three girls,
but Dorthey died at one year of age.
Colin was active in many facets of the life of Lloydminster, but was
especially well known in the oil industry. In the early 1930's both Colin
and Stuart became very involved and were some of the founding members of the
Lloydminster Gas Company. Colin was director and Vice-President of this
company from its inception till the year before he died.
Colin and Betty were backbones of the United Church serving in many
capacities. Colin served on two building committees and was chairman when the
new church was built. They were an example and inspiration to all that
knew them.
Colin served as a director in the Credit Union board for many years, and was
a hard worker on the Museum board. This man was very hard on
himself. Whenever he took on a job he gave 110 percent.