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On behalf of Phyllis, John, Denise, Ian and all of the grandchildren,  the noel wright dot com has been created to celebrate the life of our husband/dad/grandfather Noel Wright.

Phyllis reminded us recently that after 65 years of marriage she and Noel never had an argument.

Ian said in his eulogy:

“I believe it.  I can’t remember ever hearing dad or mum raise their voice at us even when we were in trouble.  Dad was very proud of mum and his family.   He was a gentle, honest and caring person.  We have heard many times and most recently when Dad was unwell that he was always the Gentleman in his dealings with everyone”

1919 – Born in Bundaberg on 13 April, to Harold and Rosanna Wright.

Went to Primary School at Central State School and then Bundaberg State High.
Was extremely gifted in cricket, tennis and track and field, twice becoming 110 yard champion at Bundaberg High.

1935 – Local Bundaberg paper, the News Mail said in relation to Noel and High School cricket:

“The feature was a brilliant century by Skipper Noel Wright, an unassuming youth who was a role model of consistency” and another quote “most noteworthy was Noel Wrights performance in his role as Keeper claimed 8 wickets” and “he saved Past Highs from defeat and batted with confidence when he carried the bat from the opening to stumps”.

1936 – Noel joined the National Bank in Bundaberg on 72 pound a year.

1938 – Noel was transferred to Ayr in North Qld.. However after much to-ing and fro-ing  between the NAB and Qld Cricket, he was transferred to Brisbane to play with Qld Colts.

1941 – Noel joined RAAF in Brisbane, went to Sydney for orientation then to Williamstown.  Looking after the post office and banking during the day and patrolling at night.

1942 – Noel and Phyllis were married in Newcastle.

1943 – Noel was posted to the front line in Kirinina, on the north east coast of Papua New Guinea  where his unit was in charge of building a coral airstrip for heavy bombers to refuel during World War II.

1945 – Saw Noel discharged from active duty suffering meningitis and transferred to Concord Hospital in Sydney at the rank of Flight Sargent.

1946 – Noel’s eldest son John was born.

1948 – Was a special year for Phyllis and Noel when their daughter Denise was born. In that year Noel also captained the Qld Country Cricket team against England/South Africa and the West Indies.  During this time, he also joined the family motorcycle/marine and mower sale/service business with his dad, Harold.

1959 – Another great year, in which Noel’s last son, Ian was born. Noel purchased his first serious camera for 49 pounds and in January 1959 he won 50 pound in a photographic competition with the Courier Mail. In winning this he beat some 8000 other entrants. 

1960 – Saw another photographic prize winning effort in a competition at the Gladstone show. To encourage his already blossoming photographic career, the News Mail Editor in Chief, Mr Roy Theodore suggested Noel become a full time photographer.

1965 – Noel opened “Noel Wright Photographic Studio” in the Palace Arcade, employing eight photographers.  His work was so popular, he became the photographer of choice for a number of State and National television stations and press organisations.  After a number of years, Noel established retail shops in the Palace and Suncorp Arcades, Earles Court and a shop at Sugarland as well as two studios.

1969 – Noel joined Bundaberg West Rotary and was a charter member celebrating 39 years of service.  He achieved the organisations highest award being honoured as a Paul Harris Fellow.

1972 – Noel Wright Photographic’s won a National window display for the second year running, and then in the 1980’s after running a successful business, dad retired following the sale of the business to Pacific Film Laboratories.

1987 – At the age of 68, following a new heart valve and 3 bypasses Noel, represented Australia against Japan playing Veteran’s tennis.

Message from Ian Wright:

“Dad you were an absolute blessing as a devoted husband to mum and as a caring, supportive and proud Dad to John, Denise and I.   And to all your friends, family and business associates you were a considerate and caring gentlemen. We love you and will miss you dearly.”