In memory of
Everett Wright
October 18, 1907 – January 1, 2000
presented by
David W. Luhman
January 11, 2000
Born: October 18, 1907, Salem, Indiana
Died: January 1, 2000, 11:25 a.m.
Graduated:
- Indiana Business College
- Purdue University: Bachelor's and Master's degrees in agriculture
1939: Married Alice Ford, who survives, as do two daughters:
- Diana Johnston, Manitowoc, WS
- Carole Majorwicz, Seattle, WA
1942 to 1945: Lieutenant Commander in US Navy in the Pacific Theater
- Visiting Iwo Jima monument years later with Ron King, he remarked "I was there..."
- As officer, was in charge of setting up barrage balloons: lost hearing as result of Service Above Self
1946: Started Wright Flowers; Operated Until 1973
- Became interested in flower business when wife worked in California flower shop while he in Pacific in WWII
Great Sports Fan
- Track star at Salem High School
- After retirement at age 70 won several medals at the Senior Games at Purdue
- Brought them all to the flower shop to show them off
- Great fan of Purdue football
- Would leave shop as soon as game started
- When Purdue behind, would call out favorite play to defense-. "FUMBLE-IZE'EM!"
Great Rotarian
- President: 1958-1959
- Always displayed the Four Way Test plaque behind the register at his shop
Exemplified Service Above Self
- Served Federated Church as Deacon, Elder, Trustee and President of the Trustees
- President of the Greater Lafayette chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons
- Charter member and second commander of American Legion Post 492
- Served the YMCA and was a co-founder and charter member of it's century Club
- Long time member of the John Purdue Club
Member of PMO Club and long associated with the Purdue Glee Club
- In early 50's (1952-53) began providing white carnation boutonnières for Glee Club performances
- 2-3 shows per week, all over world
- tradition continued by Ron King, his successor at the shop, whom he sponsored as Rotarian
- Chicago, Washington D.C., Portland, Boston, England, Ireland, Hungary, Italy, Hawaii, Australia
- In 1956, even Alaska: Frozen, but worn anyway
- Carnations traditionally given to away after performance, always with a kiss
- Many Glee Clubbers first met their future wives thanks to Ev's gracious gift
- Ev's carnations exemplified his life of quiet service above self:
- Unpretentious, but full of life
- Always there when needed
- Never artificial
- Of greatest value when given away
Copyright © 2000 Lafayette Indiana Rotary Club.
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