We All Owe Wilson Wright A Standing Ovation.

Yesterday  it was announced that one of the pillars of the classic boat community had passed away in his sleep on sept 2. Wilson Wright of course will be greatly missed, but his legacy lives on with the chris craft club in which he founded. Wilson always had something to say that would keep a conversation going in a fun way, and always was encouraging to us here at WoodyBoater to keep on keeping it going. Wilson saw the bigger picture of the importance of our little universe.  If you have some fun things to say to Wilson.  Have at it. He is still very much with us here on Woody Boater. Right Larry?

20 replies
  1. Art
    Art says:

    Many years ago he lived near Bradenton FL and my folks had a place their also. That is the first time that I met him and joined his club. He was always very nice to me and of course VERY knowledgeable of Chris Crafts, so I picked his brain many times. May he RIP.

  2. Greg Lewandowski
    Greg Lewandowski says:

    I never had the pleasure of meeting Wilson but I so enjoyed his comments on WoodyBoater. His stories were so historically significant and fun to read. It is sad that we have lost another of the great ones, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of the classic boat community. RIP Wilson and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

  3. Tuobanur
    Tuobanur says:

    I met Wilson over the phone in 1999, back when I first bought my boat and it was a blessing in disguise. For had I not talked to him way back then, I would have surely made a mess of my old Chris Craft. He gave me so much information, and the great thing about him, he was happy to do it. Rest in peace old friend.

  4. Mark in Ohio (sometimes da U P)
    Mark in Ohio (sometimes da U P) says:

    I never had the pleasure of meeting Wilson. However I always enjoyed his comments here on WB. My Dad died in his sleep. It is a shock to the family, but is best for the person. Like Kenny Rogers sang 🎶 The best that you can hope for is to die in your sleep🎶 My thoughts and prayers are with the Wright family.

  5. KEN MACSTEPHEN
    KEN MACSTEPHEN says:

    I had much fun with Wilson! I teased him about the fact that there are other boats than Chris-Craft. He will be missed by his antique boating friends but particularly by Pat and their family.

  6. Tim Robinson
    Tim Robinson says:

    Always enjoyed seeing Wilson at Tahoe when he and Pat would come out for the big show. First met Wilson at one of Dave Wright’s famous after awards party’s. The two of them had great fun with there last names being the same. Two Brothers from a different Mother. Wilson a truly nice man with a great sense of humor. RIP old friend.

  7. Cliff
    Cliff says:

    What a GREAT GUY! 💯. I brought him to a few NCO Holliday diners as our guest speaker and he delighted us all. Loved boating and talking boats. Absolute legend. Thank you Wilson for everything.

  8. John F Rothert
    John F Rothert says:

    I knew Wilson from 20 years at Dora….always a gentle gentleman and scholar of the hobby. Will be greatly missed. RIP dear friend.

    John in Va.

  9. Dick Dow
    Dick Dow says:

    Wilson was truly one of a kind, always interesting, interested and informative. Years ago when our local ACBS chapter hosted an annual meeting in conjunction with the Seattle Yacht Club Opening Day celebration, I put him in charge of my Red&White “Tango” for the parade, as I was skippering the cruiser we had at the time. Somewhere I have a video of that boatload of guests with whale tail hats rocking side to side as they cruised though the cut, Wilson at the helm, grinning ear-to-ear. RIP my friend! 🙏🏻

  10. Howard Johnson
    Howard Johnson says:

    I wrote articles for CCABC and Wilson was at our Chesapeake Bay Chapter ACBS Show when Chris Smith was a guest lecturer. I told Wilson that Chris seemed to be by himself a lot, he said, “Well let me introduce you”. We three had such great conversations that Chris suggested that we have dinner together. We had such a wonderful time Chris insisted the next day that we do it again, – an outstanding compliment.
    Wilson shared the history for and love of Chris Craft and boating in general with all of us over many years, in an incomparable way that we all will always treasure. GOD bless Wilson Wright.

  11. Texx
    Texx says:

    Wilson was one of the first people I met when I purchased my Chris-Craft Riviera in 2003 and was searching for information. We met on a Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club forum (pre-social media) called Memberclicks that Wilson started and maintained. Wilson also owned a 16′ Riviera at one time and was always very helpful.

    We then met in person many times at the Lake Dora show and it was always fun to listen to Wilson & Al Benton share their stories. Wilson knew almost everyone in the hobby and was respected by all who knew him and he cared deeply about the Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club. RIP Wilson Wright.

  12. Al Benton
    Al Benton says:

    I have many very fond memories with Wilson and his lovely wife Pat. Karen and I enjoyed visiting their home in Tallahassee and their beach house in Carrabelle. We shared expenses at Tavares more than a few times. He was a gentleman, a fine Christian man, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. We will miss him.

    • floyd r turbo
      floyd r turbo says:

      We enjoyed having Al and Wilson join us for the St John’s River Cruise one year and it was great fun getting to know you both. When I first received The Brass Bell which he edited and published for about 25 years I thought what does a Florida boy know about Chris Crafts originating from Algonac. Little did I know he spent time on Lake Winnepesaukee and knew Jim Irwin of Irwin Marine that celebrated over 100 years on the lake. Wilson was ever the gentleman and set the bar high as a lawyer. Rest in peace sir.

      • Troy in ANE
        Troy in ANE says:

        Somehow Sandi and I were blessed to join you on the trip to Crescent City that same year and we were honored with meeting Wilson, Al, Dr. Bob, and yourself.

        That trip that was inspired by WoodyBoater has created many dear lifelong friendships.

  13. Mo Sherrill
    Mo Sherrill says:

    Wilson and I were a couple of the earliest members of the Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club in the 1970’s. We shared a lot of stories and good times together over the years but, as with so many long-time friends we lost touch with each other except to see his posts here on WoodyBoater. He will be missed by the wooden boat community, and specifically by the CCABC members. R.I.P. Wilson! – a life well lived!

  14. Jim Murdock Jr
    Jim Murdock Jr says:

    I’ve Known Wilson for a long time his enthusiasm was infectious and his passing will leave a big hole in this community that will not be soon forgotten
    RIP Wilson you’ve earned it

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