Benjamin Warren Wright

Benjamin Warren Wright, known to family and friends as Warren or “Wawa,” passed away on April 11 at age 76, after having been diagnosed with end-stage cancer just weeks earlier. Upon receiving this diagnosis, Warren shared that he had lived a good life and would pass with no regrets. He spent the last days of his life peacefully, surrounded by family and friends.   

 

Though he lived in other locales, Warren always returned to Missoula, where he spent most of his life. He was a graduate of both Sentinel High School and the University of Montana, earning a degree in sociology. In the community, he was widely known for his warmth, kindness, and gentle manner, devoting most of his adult life to social justice, trying to better the lives of children and families.   

 

Over his lengthy career, including a long stint as the Regional Administrator for the Department of Family Service, he mentored countless colleagues in the field and was respected for his steady leadership, deep compassion and lifelong commitment to helping families and young people thrive. He spent his later years serving children through Missoula Youth Homes and the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes.   

 

In addition to his work, Warren was an active community volunteer, serving on numerous local boards. He generously gave his time to causes including United Way, Missoula Multiple Sclerosis Center, and FEMA. In addition, he found time to coach little league and reside as president of the Missoula Aquatic Club. Outside of work, he enjoyed hiking, daily walks, classic cars, and floating both the Blackfoot and Clark Fork rivers. Another favorite of Warren’s was a long road trip immersed in the tunes of the Doors and other classic rock. HIs real love, however, was reserved for the Montana Grizzlies; he rarely missed a game, owned roughly 10,000 Griz t-shirts, and was a fixture at home-game tailgates.   

 

At the time of his passing, Warren was survived by his daughter, Lauren; his stepson, Jamie; and his sisters, Kitty and Anne, as well as several grandchildren. His grandchildren affectionately called him “Grandpa Wawa” or “Grandpa C-Note.” He will be dearly missed by his family and all others that were lucky enough to have called him a friend or colleague.   

 

A celebration of life ceremony will be held on June 13 from 4:00 to 7:00 at the Washington-Grizzly Stadium Club. We encourage all that knew and loved Warren to come and share in community and stories of remembrance. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Missoula Youth Homes or The Clark Fork Coalition.