Paul David Wright

Paul David Wright, 56, left us peacefully on November 23, 2025. He was surrounded by the love and presence of his family.  

Paul was born August 6, 1969 in Muscatine, Iowa, the son of David and Margaret (Schnittjer) Wright. He joined sister Sue, and brother Duane, and later welcomed sister Amy. The family moved to Eagle Grove, Iowa in 1975. Paul graduated from Eagle Grove High School, and later earned a degree from the University of Northern Iowa.

Paul met and fell in love with his wife, Keri (Connolly) Wright, after meeting in Ames, Iowa. Paul and Keri celebrated 27 years of marriage on November 14th.  Paul was endlessly proud of his family: sons Simon Wright, and Logan Wright, and daughter Rilley Markle. He was blessed to watch his family grow, when Rilley married Chance Markle, and that joy multiplied with the birth of his granddaughter Clara, who arrived in 2025. 

Paul’s love of music started in childhood. From his first acoustic guitar in junior high, followed in 8th grade by an electric Fender Stratocaster, (paid for in part by his paper route and the 5 cent can redemptions from cans gathered on his route in the predawn hours). He would acquire many guitars over his lifetime, but the Fender Strat remained a favorite in his collection. 

After moving to San Rafael, California, Paul and Keri made their home in the Bay area. They never seemed to tire of playing tour guide for family and friends who visited, opening their home and schedules to various adventures, hikes, concerts, ballgames, shared meals, and always music and laughter, with too many dear friends to name. 

Paul’s talent for music and production led him to work in the audio-video field in and around California, where he founded his company, Paul Wright Productions. He would tell you his “work was play”. He was tirelessly interested in the craft, mastering the technology, and creatively responding to each challenge as he built a successful business. Most rewarding of all, was the opportunity to work with a roster of incredibly talented people.

Many of us who knew and loved Paul have memories tied to the hundreds of gigs or impromptu performances where Paul, with his guitar, shared song after song. The music Paul made with friends fostered lifelong friendships. Many of the people he played with over the years remained close through every stage of life, making music and memories with him to the end.

As Paul faced a cancer diagnosis, he liked to say he was a “Stage four cancer patient who identifies as healthy”. He persevered, continuing to work, travel, and plan new adventures through the treatments and checkups, never complaining and always pointing out how very blessed he’d been in life.

As his days grew shorter, the love around him grew larger. Friends and family showed up, and covered him in music, love, laughter, and support. He inspired us by telling us earnestly, more than once, that “These are the good days.” And he meant it. Every moment he got to spend with his family and friends was a gift. He loved and sincerely appreciated every visit, every gesture, and everyone who reached out to him and his family, creating a web of support and friendship that carried them through the hardest days.

No words we can share here could adequately capture the essence of our beloved husband, father, brother, and friend. His boundless energy and curiosity about life and the world around him expanded our lives, and will continue to inspire us to plan the trip, buy the ticket, call the friend, see the show, and to try to always have something to look forward to. 

Remaining to cherish Paul’s memory are his wife Keri (Connolly) Wright, daughter Rilley Markle (husband Chance), and granddaughter Clara, son Simon Wright, son Logan Wright, his sister Sue Tripp (husband Nelson), brother Duane Wright (wife Jonita Aadland Wright), and sister Amy Wright, as well as many nephews and nieces.   

Preceding Paul in death are his parents, Dave and Maggie Wright, and cousin Ted Jorgensen and his beloved dogs Allie and Milo.  We are comforted knowing that his loved ones were waiting to welcome him after he left us here on this plane.  

A celebration of life will be held March 14, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Hopmonk Tavern, a local music venue in Novato, California. A livestream will be available for those who cannot attend in person. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul David Wright, please visit our floral store.