Chad Ward Wright's Obituary
Our beloved patriarch, Chad Ward Wright, Sr., 73, progressed beyond mortality on January 28, 2024, surrounded by his family that adored him. Chad was born in Cedar City, Utah, on October 6, 1950, to Ward and Donna Wright. He was raised in an idyllic home in Hurricane, Utah, where he was taught to work hard, pray and love God. He was a natural leader and in high school, was a student body officer and excelled scholastically. At a young age, he developed a passion for gardening and floral design.
Chad served honorably in the Mexico North Mission. Relying on the gift of tongues and prayer, he touched the lives of numerous people. He developed a deep love for the Mexican people and their food. In fact, he paid a price every time he ate food from the local street vendors.
Upon returning from his mission, he enrolled at Brigham Young University, where he quickly became “the man on campus”. He served in several leadership capacities including as president of the Cougar Club. As his talent in floral design matured, he began instructing other college students. While at BYU, he was set up on a blind date with Cherie Anderson. It was love at first sight. He picked her up in his dust covered, mustard yellow station wagon. In the back were tools he used to tend the large garden he had planted. Cherie instantly loved his authenticity, humility, and fresh produce.
After a short courtship and engagement, they were married in the St. George, Utah temple, on January 10, 1976. Upon graduation from BYU, they started their life together in Twin Falls, Idaho, where they began a family and a floral business. During their time in Idaho, they were blessed with eight children (the first three were born in Provo, Utah).
After thirteen years in Idaho, they moved back to Utah, where their last child was born. Chad loved working alongside his family whether it was in the flower shop or building their houses. Finally settling in Springville, they quickly became part of the community, and their floral shop became an iconic part of Main Street business. During this period, he started a floral design school and his family expanded to include his employees and students who he treated like family and they loved him in return.
Chad was a true patriot. He loved his country and community. He served for ten years in the National Guard and as the County Chairman for his political party.
Chad’s greatest accomplishment was his family. All his sons served honorable missions and all his children were married in the temple. In 2016, he was diagnosed with a rare terminal cancer and was given a short amount of time to live. With priesthood blessings and miracles, Chad began an eight-year battle with cancer. His lifelong love of running ended with a leg amputation and he and Cherie learned lessons in patience, humility, love, and trust in the Savior as they faced this journey together. During this time, he and Cherie continued to faithfully serve as ordinance workers in the Provo City Center Temple. He was kind, unassuming and had a powerful testimony of the Atonement.
Chad was proceeded in death by his father and mother, Ward and Donna Wright, and his brother Sidney Wright.
He is survived by the love of his life, Cherie, his father and mother-in-law, Larrey and Retha Anderson, a brother Sam (Jojean), and his nine children and their spouses JC (Jenn), Joseph (Carolyn), Micka Perry (Justin), Daniel (JaNae), Chad II (Natalie), Seth (Jenna), Samuel (Kaori), Hannah Neeleman (Daniel), Levi (Sarah), and his 57 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 11:00am, at
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Hidden Cove Chapel
2379 River Bottom Rd.
Springville, Utah
A viewing will be held from 9:00am-10:30am prior to the funeral services.
Services can be viewed remotely at: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBallerinaFarm
"In lieu of flowers, send more flowers" ~ Chad Wright Sr.
Wright's Floral Company
801-489-4219
What’s your fondest memory of Chad?
What’s a lesson you learned from Chad?
Share a story where Chad's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Chad you’ll never forget.
How did Chad make you smile?
