Ken Wright passes away

Ken Wright, one of the nicest people in my 26 years at the BJ, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 18.

Calling hours for Ken, made New Processes Coordinator by Dick Coddington as part of Ken’s 38 years at the BJ, will be 2-4 p.m. Saturday at the Bacher Funeral Home, 3250 Greenwich Rd., Norton.

Ken Wright

BJ Composing retiree Rita Stapleton, who informed me of Ken’s passing, wrote:

“When I worked with him in Composing, in the late 60's early 70's,  he was a very knowledgeable, amicable guy and great to work with. Even after he retired he visited and did a few guided tours.”

I heartily endorse Rita’s “amicable” label for Ken.

We sat side-by-side in a small room off from the main Composing area when I was newsroom electronics coordinator, and I trained the first person in the newsroom on the first terminal in the newsroom in the 1970s.

It was a tremendous education program, switching old warhorses from copy paper and glue to computers. Ken’s level, calm approach helped everyone make the transition.

Too many of my BJ Composing friends are gone, most notably Terry Dray, an extraordinary makeup man who retired to Avon Park, Florida, and Dave White, Composing honcho whose $2,500 check started the ball rolling toward the multi-million dollar healthcare settlement for 45 retired printers and 5 Guild retirees. Dave’s widow, Gina White, another BJ Composing retiree, still lives in Venice, Florida.

Ken and wife June enjoyed Januarys in the Miami sun at their son’s home.

Ken’s obituary:

Kenneth L. Wright 1935 - 2014 Kenneth L. Wright, 79, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 18, 2014. Ken was born February 26, 1935 in Akron to Charles and Claudia Wright. He graduated from Hower Trade School in 1943 and then served in the United States Army. He retired from the Akron Beacon Journal in 1999 where he worked as the New Processes Coordinator for 38 years. Ken enjoyed traveling and had visited all 50 states. Ken was part of Grace Church in Norton where he and his wife June were part of the Grace Group Bible Study for many years. Ken had a real love for people and enjoyed taking time to get to know those around him. Ken is survived by his wife of 58 years, June (nee Persons); sons, Keith (Nicole) Wright and Steve (Heidi) Wright; granddaughter, Hannah; and brother, Charles. Friends may call at the Bacher Funeral Home, 3250 Greenwich Rd., Norton, on Saturday, November 22, 2014 from 2 to 4 p.m., and where a Celebration of Ken's Life will be held beginning at 4 p.m., Pastor Bob Combs officiating. Private inurnment will take place at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Church, 3970 Cleveland- Massillon Rd., Norton, Ohio 44203 in memory of Ken. Map, directions and the Wright Family Condolence book can be found at the funeral home website. Bacher -- Norton (330) 825-3633 BacherFuneralHome.com Published in Akron Beacon Journal from Nov. 21 to Nov. 22, 2014