Carroll “Lefty” William Wright died peacefully at home in Whitefish, the afternoon of Feb. 11, 2016, with family by his side.
He is survived by his wife, Jane; two daughters, Deborah Schloff and her husband Jim, and Carolanne Wright; a brother, Jim Butch Wright; sister, Linda Holler; along with a gaggle of five grandchildren, Bryce, Katie, Jack, Ryan and Evelyn.
He was preceded in death by his grandson, Liam.
He was born in Salinas, California, on Dec. 25, 1938, and never once, throughout his life, complained about being short-changed of birthday gifts because the day fell on Christmas. Before Lefty could fully walk as a baby, it was made clear he was fascinated with cars — a love that would continue for the duration of his life. Lefty grew up in Alameda, California, and, when he reached driving age, was hot rodding through the streets in his El Camino with his best buddy, “Big Fred.” He also loved to play football on his high school team.
Lefty decided the perfect career after working for the railroads was to become a police officer — an occupation that would allow him to drive fast without repercussion. During his time of 20 years with the Oakland Police Department, he was on car patrol, motorcycles, horseback and flew helicopters. At one point he caught a bank robber, to the delight of his then young daughters. When he retired from OPD, Lefty went on to work another 10 years as an officer for East Bay Regional Parks, after which point he built his dream house on 40 beautiful acres in Whitefish.
Two things were constant in his life: the Acapulco restaurant in Alameda and ice cream. He also enjoyed restoring classic cars — including an El Camino, ’56 Chevy and a Chevelle. Lefty was always tinkering with one project or another in his shop. Flying his small plane was a passion as well and he took many trips down to the San Francisco Bay Area and over to Oregon.
The flood of stories and messages received when Lefty fell ill with cancer in late 2015 show that he is truly loved and respected by those who knew and worked with him. One of his last conversations ended with, “I’m almost out of here. I’ll see you on the other side.”
True to form and not wishing to be fussed over, Lefty requested that in lieu of flowers a donation to Home Options Hospice be made in his name; 275 Corporate Drive, Suite 600, Kalispell, Montana 59901.
A memorial service will be held in his honor at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Ice cream will follow at 400 W. California Street, Kalispell (406) 257-5683.