R. Gary Wright, 68, of Canton, Pa passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by his loving family on Friday afternoon, April 12, 2013, following a brave battle with cancer.

Gary was born on May 3, 1944 in Canton, Pa, a son of Marjorie D. (Morse) Wright and the late Robert M. Wright. He graduated from Canton High School with the class of 1962, where he excelled in football and wrestling. Gary then attended Lycoming College where he continued his love of sports and played on the football and wrestling teams. After graduation, Gary returned to Canton and taught biology at Canton High School. He later moved to Williamsport where he owned and operated a florist shop while also working at Bryfocal's Greenhouses in Muncy. In 1980, the Wright family returned home to Canton to manage the family veal business, NyPenn Veal. Gary was a former president and a key player in the development of the Penn Quality Veal Co-op in Booneville, NY. The co-op was founded in 1984 and opened in 1988 as a slaughter facility and packaging plant.

Gary loved being outdoors. He enjoyed cutting firewood and he especially loved to hunt and fish on the family farm. He and his wife Joan enjoyed taking their fishing boat to places in Pennsylvania and took several fishing trips to Canada with friends. Until his last days, Gary cherished each moment of watching deer and turkey in the fields behind his house. Gary loved his family dearly and appreciated the many visits from family and dear friends.

Serving the Lord was one of Gary's greatest passions. He was an active member of the Windfall United Methodist Church where he served as lay leader and chairman of the board of trustees. Never wavering in his faith in the Lord, Gary had great respect for those who suffered with afflictions and sickness, as he had fought a twelve-year battle with lung cancer. Because of his battle with cancer, Gary gave many the courage to face their own illnesses through the power of prayer.

In addition to his mother, Marjorie Wright of Canton, Gary is survived by his wife and best friend, the former Joan Stettler; six children, James R. Wright of Canton, William D. (Brooke) Wright of Trout Run, Julie A. Mackey (fiancé' Jim Rodarmel) of Montgomery, Robert G. Wright of Rochester, NY, Jennifer Wright of Watsontown and Lesley Lloyd of Williamsport; 10 grandchildren, Jonathan Wright, Jason Wright, Katlyn Wright (Broc Matlack), Kevin (Reagan) Woodling, Amber Wright, Jacob Mackey, Mason Swisher, MaKenzie Swisher, Bryson Swisher and Landon Lloyd; four great grandchildren, Jay, Gage, Kadence and Zoey; four stepchildren, Larry Jr. (Tina) Wesneski, Brian Wesneski, Jason Wesneski and Nicky Wesneski (fiancé' James Westbrook); 12 step grandchildren,

Dylan, Wyatt, Brett, Shannon, Quinten, Brooke, Hunter, Uriah, Connor, Natalie, Walker and Mason; two siblings, David L. (Pat) Wright and Sheila A. (Thad) Woodward all of Canton. Also an aunt, uncles and many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

Gary was predeceased by a son Joshua N. Wright in 2003 and his father, Robert M. Wright in 2001.

Pastor Richard Noggle will officiate the funeral service at noon Wednesday, Apr. 17, at Pepper Funeral Home 578 Springbrook Dr, Canton. His family invites friends to call from 6 – 8 p.m. Tuesday and 11 – noon Wednesday. Burial will be in East Canton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial in Gary's name to the Windfall U.M. Church, 1204 Redington Ave. Troy, PA 16947 or Memorial Hospice at 91 Hospital Dr. Towanda, PA 18848.