Tom Wright

Tom V Wright

A 62 year old Traverse City native passed away February 17, 2026

A tragic snowmobile accident on Valentine’s Day claimed the life of a wonderful, larger than life, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Great Uncle, Nephew, Brother-in-law and friend to countless people and animals!

Tom’s head injuries from that terrible day indicate he may have left us on the 14th, however Tom’s date of death is February 17, 2026, because we, his family decided he would want to go ahead with the Gift of Life Organ donation. A two day delay to confirm everything was viable was necessary and on February 19th, Tom was taken through the halls from the ICU with his family following. The halls were lined with friends, family and Munson Hospital staff as he was taken to the OR. Tom became a hero with the Gift of his organs saving 3 lives the very day of his Honor Walk.

According to Munson Medical Center ICU, the Gift of Life Honor Walk for Tom was the largest the Hospital had ever seen.

Tom was born May 27,1963 to Herbert and Nancy (Wallace) Wright in Traverse City Michigan. Tom’s family home on High Lake is where he grew up and he loved swimming, water skiing and fishing as he grew up into adulthood.

Tom had many jobs throughout his younger life. After graduating from Traverse City Senior High School in 1981, he began working for J.W. Kraus Painting alongside his father.

In the early 2000’s he worked for Concannon Painting.

In February of 1989 He met and fell in love with Diana. Diana had three children. John, Amy and Amber. Tom navigated getting to know them and became a Dad and friend to them. The saying, “any man can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a Dad” would apply to him.

Although Tom and Diana didn’t marry until August 31, 2002. They loved each other immensely and had a child and built their home near the Brown Bridge Quiet area on a piece of property he bought when he was 18, he was always very proud of that.

In 2005 Tom and Diana started their own paint company, Wright Custom Coatings & Finishes, LLC. Tom was very proud and dedicated to their business

Tom loved motorcycles, 4 wheelers, boats and snowmobiles, especially his Ranger Side by Side. Anything motorized.

Tom loved Deer hunting and taught Diana the sport. They loved entertaining at deer camp (cabin) just as Tom’s parents had done for years.

Tom and Diana also hosted the Lion’s games at the cabin. He loved having all his friends and family around.

Tom was shy about it, but he absolutely loved playing his guitar and singing and he was very talented. Tom liked many musicians but of course his favorite was Bob Seger. As most of you know, if Tom was playing music, he made sure the volume was maxed out.

Tom loved anything to do with the Civil War. Documentaries, movies and books, etc.

Tom loved spending time at the house on High Lake with his various boats and boating on Elk Lake, Torch Lake and the river in between. Tom loved camping, although work made it difficult to make time for it.

Tom loved keeping the summer swimming pool ready for anyone that wanted to come and cool off.

When it came to grilling pork loins or anything really, he was in his happy place. especially if he was on his back porch watching TV.

Tom liked to make maple syrup and collecting sap from the trees in their yard. Canning tomatoes on his back porch was an early fall must do!!

When he was taking care of his lawn, it had to be as perfect as possible.

Most of all Tom loved his home, his wife, his family and his 2 English Cream Retrievers, Misty Rose and Gypsi Rose and never forgot his loving pets that had passed. away.

Tom was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal Grandparents, his parents, Herb and Nancy Wright, his sister Tammy Wright, his brother Tim Wright, his Uncle Junior Wallace, his Aunts Winifed White and Sally Heiler (Clare), his Sister-in-law Linda Ransom and a friend that was like a family member, Rich Keaton.

Tom is survived by his wife Diana, Tomas aka Naomi Wright, John Kwasky, Amy Kwasky, Amber Bottomley Radtke (Kip) Brother John (Michelle) Wright, Grandchildren, Elizabeth Baxter (Corey), Daisy Rakan (Josh), Adyn Radtke, Abigail Radtke, and Ashelyn Radtke. Great Grandchildren, Claire Baxter, Flynn Baxter, Estella Baxter, and Gideon Baxter. Sister-in-law Sandy Wright, Brother-in-law, Bill Ransom, Nephews, Dakota Norris (Anna), Bryan Bristol (Lisa) and Tony Bristol (Debbie). Great Nephews, Emmett Norris, Heath Bristol, and Bill Bristol. Great Niece’s Marleigh Bucenell (Brandon) and Kristy Randhawa (Navjot). And his beloved furbabies, Misty Rose and Gypsi Rose. Also Cousins and very close friends.

Tom’s legacy lives on through his family, his work, and the countless memories shared by those who loved him.

Please consider organ donation through the Gift of Life Michigan and save lives as Tom did.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held Saturday May 30, 2026, at 376 Highview Road Traverse City, MI 49696 at 2:00pm.