Obituary of Dennis Michael Wright

On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, Dennis Michael Wright passed away at age 75.  He was born on March 30, 1948, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to John William and Mary Ann (Chilcote) Wright.  At 8 years of age, he moved, with his family, to Grants, New Mexico, where he excelled in both academics and in athletics.  He attained the level of Eagle Scout, rode bulls and broncs in the Rodeo Club, and lettered in Track/Field, Basketball, and Varsity Wrestling. Upon receiving his high school diploma in 1966, he joined the United States Marine Corp and served 3 tours of duty in Vietnam. During his service, he was awarded 3 Purple Hearts, the National Defense Service Metal, The Vietnam Service Metal (twice), and the Vietnam Campaign Metal.  Following his service, he lived in Australia for several years before returning to the United States.  Upon his return, he made his home, first in Grants and then, in Los Alamos, New Mexico, where he met and married Linda Hogan.  They purchased land along the Rio Grande where they established their home and where he continued to fulfill lifetime passions.  He was a gifted woodworker, a talented chef, on both the stove and the grill, a skilled shooter, an accomplished angler, and an avid reader of all genres.  Michael had a genuine love for humanity with a special heart for animals.  Together, he and Linda provided a home for many…dogs, cats, burros, goats, chickens, horses, and a few interlopers – skunks and raccoons.

Mike was preceded in death by his father John and his brother Jeff.  He is survived by his wife, Linda, his daughter Rebekah, his son Jacob, and grandchildren Abaigael, Isaiah, Sabastian, and Angelica, his mother, Mary Barnaby-Broker, sisters Deborah, Sheila and Jean, brothers John, David, Robert, Wayne and Brad, cousins Bruce, Trudy, and Robert, as well as countless nieces and nephews.

A service will be held for him on October 16 at 1:00pm at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, any donations are asked to be made to The Wounded Warriors with the family’s deepest gratitude.