Walter Garth (Mike) Wright, 80

Walter Garth (Mike) Wright passed away peacefully of natural causes Sept. 15, 2026. He was 80 years old. 

Mike was born in Havre, Mont., on Aug. 2, 1946, to Doris Coombs Wright and Walter W. Wright. He grew up in Chinook, Mont. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Montana and a master’s degree from Montana State University. As a young man, Mike worked as a wildland firefighter and for the Air National Guard. 

He taught history in several small towns in Montana before settling in Priest River, Idaho, in the 1970s. Mike taught at Priest River Lamanna High School and also worked as a guidance counselor at the school for many years. 

Mike enjoyed owning and showing his Ford Mustang Shelbys, 1960s folk music, football (he was a University of Montana Grizzlies and San Francisco 49ers fan), hunting and fly fishing. His goal every summer was to catch and release 1,000 fish, and he usually met that goal! After retirement, Mike wrote several fly fishing articles for outdoor magazines. 

Mike also enjoyed the companionship of his beloved dogs, Jax and Shelby.

He is survived by his brother, George Duane Wright (Sue); nephew Michael Scott Wright (Kate); niece Joni Wright Stormo (Loren); and great-nieces Lindsey, Paige, Marissa and Emma. 

The family would like to thank Tony Lamanna for his years of friendship with, and his support and care of Mike over the years. 

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Timber Town Brewery in Priest River.