H. KENT WRIGHT III

BRIDPORT — H. Kent Wright III, a lifelong resident of Bridport, Vt., passed away surrounded by the love of his family and community on May 6, 2026. Born July 1, 1935, at Porter Hospital in Middlebury to Horace Kent Wright Jr. and Dorothea Little Wright, Kent built a life rooted in hard work, devotion, and deep Vermont heritage. He graduated from Middlebury High School in 1953.

On Sept. 27, 1953, Kent married the love of his life, Patricia A. Payne, beginning a partnership that spanned more than six decades. Their marriage was a testament to loyalty, grit, and the quiet strength that defined them both. Patricia passed before him, and the reunion they now share brings comfort to all who loved them.

He and his wife operated North Cream Hill Jersey Farm and embodied the work ethic that runs strongly through generations of Vermont families. He also served as Assistant Postmaster in Shoreham and as an Addison County Deputy Sheriff. He retired after thirty-eight years from Polymers Plastics. Earlier in life, he was a reservist with the Vermont National Guard.

A dedicated Mason for 66 years with Morning Sun Lodge No. 5, Kent served as both Master and Secretary, and his brothers in the craft will honor him with a Masonic burial. His commitment to the community extended far beyond the lodge. He was a longtime member of the Middlebury American Legion, Addison Bridport Horse Thief Detective Society, Bridport Rescue Squad, Bridport Congregational Church Trustee, Bridport and Shoreham Historical Societies, NRA and Heritage Foundation and many other organizations which are too many to list.

Kent also served on Bridport Central School and MUHS school boards and Addison County Regional Planning Board. He was a Charter Member of Northeast 2 Cylinder Club, he and his wife were members of the Champlain Valley, and Northeast Fiddlers Society, Small City Stepper and — true to his sweet tooth — a proud Addison County Creemee Connoisseur, and considered himself an Old Vermont Woodchuck.

Kent is survived by his children, Suzi Findley and her husband Ron, Cindy Myrick and her husband Steve Sr., and Jerry Wright, along with daughter-in-law, Pat Wright, as well as a special nephew, Kevin White.

He leaves behind a large and loving family of grandchildren: Kel Wright (Ryan), H. Kent Wright V (Jessica), Billy Wright, Jason Barringer (Molly), Atlee Thurston (Taylor), Tim Wright (Tina), Michaela Bushey (Eric), Steve Myrick Jr. (Ashley Lane), Cybil Myrick (Jon Rigg), Silas Myrick, Marla Wright, and Cale Wright; as well as several great-grandchildren who brought him endless joy.

He is also survived by his siblings Bev Leake, John Wright, Edwin Wright, Kurt Wright and Wendy Wright; and brothers-in-law Robert Payne and S. Keith Payne.

He was predeceased by his parents; his beloved wife, Patricia; son H. Kent Wright IV; daughter-in-law Yvette Wright; great-grandson Dylan Bushey; sister Sharman and brothers Larry, Roger and Aaron; and sisters-in-law Linda P. White, Linda B. Wright and Theresa Wright.

A service will be held at the Bridport Congregational Church on May 11, with visitation at 1 p.m. and services at 2 p.m., followed by burial in the Bridport Central Cemetery, in the same community he served, loved, and never left. Following the services the family invites you to the Bridport Masonic Hall for a gathering.

Kent Wright lived a life of purpose — rooted in family, faith, service, and the land beneath his feet. His legacy will continue in the fields he worked in, the organizations he strengthened, and the generations who carry his name and values forward.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.◊