Ridleians of Distinction - M - Z
W - Z
Wright, Richard B.
Born in Midland, Ontario, Wright graduated from Midland high school in 1956, and graduated from Ryerson Polytechnic Institute in Radio and Television arts in 1959. He worked briefly within local newspapers and radio stations as a copywriter before becoming an assistant editor for Macmillan Canada in 1960. During Wright's time at Macmillan, he published his first book, a children's book entitled Andrew Tolliver (later retitled One John A. Too Many).
Wright's first full-length novel, The Weekend Man, was written in eighteen months while staying at his wife's family cottage in Quebec. The novel became a critical success, winning praise for Wright's versatility and ability to create believable female characters. In 1970, Wright returned to postsecondary education at Trent University, graduating in 1972 with a BA in English. In 1976, Wright obtained a position at Ridley, teaching English until his retirement.
Although nominated for several literary awards, it wasn't until 2001 that Wright gained recognition for his award-winning novel, Clara Callan, which led to the re-publication of many of his earlier works. This novel went on to win three of Canada's major literary awards: The Giller Prize, the Trillium Book Award, and the Governor General's Award. Wright's published works are known to deal with the lives of ordinary people, with a profound balance of depth and sensitivity. His novels have been, and continue to be, published all around the world.
Wright received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Brock University in 2000 and from Trent University in 2006, and in 2007 he became a member of the Order of Canada. He died on February 7, 2017 in St. Catharines.
Wright's first full-length novel, The Weekend Man, was written in eighteen months while staying at his wife's family cottage in Quebec. The novel became a critical success, winning praise for Wright's versatility and ability to create believable female characters. In 1970, Wright returned to postsecondary education at Trent University, graduating in 1972 with a BA in English. In 1976, Wright obtained a position at Ridley, teaching English until his retirement.
Although nominated for several literary awards, it wasn't until 2001 that Wright gained recognition for his award-winning novel, Clara Callan, which led to the re-publication of many of his earlier works. This novel went on to win three of Canada's major literary awards: The Giller Prize, the Trillium Book Award, and the Governor General's Award. Wright's published works are known to deal with the lives of ordinary people, with a profound balance of depth and sensitivity. His novels have been, and continue to be, published all around the world.
Wright received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Brock University in 2000 and from Trent University in 2006, and in 2007 he became a member of the Order of Canada. He died on February 7, 2017 in St. Catharines.
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With more than 700 students from 60 countries, the largest boarding programme in Ontario and the third largest in Canada, Ridley College is a truly international, co-educational, day and boarding school of the world that prepares students for the world. It has provided enriching learning and life-shaping experiences focused on the arts, academics, and athletics since 1889. Ridley’s Lower School offers JK-Grade 8, its Upper School consists of Grade 9-PG, and Ridley graduates attend some of the top universities and colleges around the world. Ridley is the only co-ed independent boarding school in Canada and one of only three in North America authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum programme.
