Christopher David Wright

Christopher David Wright passed away on September 13, 2026, surrounded by those who loved him after a courageous battle with cancer.

Chris was born in Provo, Utah, on December 26, 1982. He grew up in Rockford, Illinois, and graduated from Guilford High School in 2001. In 2004, he moved to Arizona and spent the rest of his life out West, living at different times in Yuma, Salt Lake City, and the Phoenix area.

From the very beginning, Chris had a sense of humor and a love for life that drew people to him. At a parent-teacher conference, his first-grade teacher told his parents how much she loved having him in class because “he always laughed at her jokes.” At home, whenever Chris was asked to say the family prayer, it almost always included one simple request: that everyone would have a “fun day.” That desire to have fun—and bring joy to those around him—never faded.

As the oldest of six children, Chris was a playful big brother, full of curiosity and plenty of teasing. For a while, he was the only boy with three little sisters. Surrounded by dolls and dress-up clothes, he once looked around and asked with sincere confusion, “Why do we have so many girl toys?” He was very happy when his two younger brothers finally joined the family.

Chris was an incredibly hard worker from a young age. Beginning in his teenage years, he loved to work and save money, in no small part because working gave him the ability to pursue his many hobbies and adventures. That work ethic remained one of his defining characteristics throughout his life. He built a successful career in the automotive industry, beginning as a Honda Parts Professional at Superstition Springs Honda. He later transferred to Yuma Honda, where he became a Service Advisor and eventually the Parts and Service Director. He returned to Superstition Springs Honda as Service Manager, and after several years of continued growth and leadership, was offered a corporate position as Service and Parts Director for the Zamora Automotive Group. His career reflected the strong work ethic he had carried with him since his teenage years and his drive to continually learn, grow, and take on new challenges.

Music was always a big part of Chris’s life. As a teenager, he played in the band Maiden China, even taking the stage at Rockford’s On the Waterfront. Years later, he shared that love of making music with his brother Jordan when the two played in a band together. Chris was also a true concert junkie and rarely passed up the chance to see a favorite band live. Whenever possible, he wanted floor tickets—right in the middle of it all, feeling every beat and singing along. His taste leaned toward rock, alternative rock, and punk, and his vinyl collection reflected just how deeply music mattered to him.

Chris will always be remembered for his unforgettable smile, his optimism, generosity, and love of life. Curious and adventurous, he was always ready for the next experience and had a gift for making ordinary days more fun. More than anything, Chris loved his people. He gave freely of his time, talents, and resources, found joy in helping others, and made it a priority to keep the people he loved connected. He was a peacemaker who had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and valued.

One of the greatest loves of Chris’s life was his daughter, Attalie. She was just four years old when she came into Chris’s life, and the two formed an immediate bond that was difficult to put into words. From the beginning, they were inseparable, building a world of their own filled with movie nights, Legos, King Bob, singing together at the top of their lungs, and, as she grew older, deep conversations about politics that challenged and inspired them both.

Chris looked at Attalie with endless pride. He encouraged her to chase her dreams without fear, and few things brought him greater joy than watching her grow into the driven and determined young woman she is today, pursuing her passion for criminal justice. Although he will not be here in the way they had both imagined, those who knew Chris can easily picture him leaning forward from heaven with anticipation, waiting to watch his girl graduate and become the brilliant lawyer he always knew she could be.

Chris’s optimism was perhaps never more evident than during his battles with cancer. Despite facing it more than once, he remained positive, fought with incredible strength, and chose to live life fully rather than allowing cancer to define him. His experiences deepened his empathy for others facing difficult times, giving him a unique ability to understand what they were going through and offer wisdom, encouragement, and support. Even in the midst of his own struggles, Chris continued to care for and show up for those around him.

His life left a mark on those fortunate enough to know and love him, and his influence will continue through the many lives he touched.

Chris is survived by his beloved daughter, Attalie; his mother, Colene Wright; and his siblings, Amy (Mike) Thurston, Laura (Adam) Wheeler, Kim (Skyler) Pearson, Jordan Wright, and Wesley (Monica) Wright. He is also survived by his 13 nieces and nephews, each of whom was part of the family Chris loved so deeply.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gregory Wright.

A viewing and funeral service will be held Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, Arizona 85297.

All times listed are Arizona time (MST).

Viewing: 12:00 pm MST
Funeral Service: 2:00 pm MST/ 4:00 pm Central Time
Burial: 3:00 pm MST
Reception: 3:50 pm MST

For those unable to attend in person, a private online broadcast of the funeral service will be available with this link Christopher Wright Funeral Stream