It is with sadness that I inform you of the passing of Dr Robert Wright AM on Tuesday 8 October 2024. 
 
Dr Wright resided at St John’s College from 1958 to 1963. His brothers Patrick and Leslie Wright, also Johnsmen, resided at St John’s College in 1960 and 1962 to 1967 respectively.

The Wright family (both parents and three sons) arrived in Australia in 1954 and settled in Yarralumla in Canberra. Dr Wright commenced his education at St Christopher's Primary School and then at St Edmund's College. 

Dr Wright graduated in Medicine in 1964 and worked at Sydney’s major hospitals before being appointed Director of Intensive Care & Resuscitation at St Vincent’s in 1971, a position he held for 43 years.

Whilst studying Medicine he had the good fortune to meet a nurse, Jennifer Goodrich, whom he married in 1966. They were married for 60 years until his death.

Dr Wright with his wife Jennifer

Dr Wright was known as the father of the modern NSW Ambulance Service and developed a set of protocols for paramedics to use in the crucial first minutes after an incident. The protocols were copied across the world. He was awarded an AM for his significant contributions.
 
Dr Wright also saved Kerry Packer on the horse polo fields, an act that garnered significant publicity at the time. In gratitude, Mr Packer contributed generously to the community, funding the 'Packer Wackers' to help save people from heart attacks.

He was an enthusiastic offshore sailor, undertaking the trip to Hobart multiple times. Renowned for his sharp intellect, he also had a reputation for his quick wit and sense of humour.
 
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Dr Mark Schembri
Rector

Here are the details of Dr Wright's funeral for those wishing to pay their respects:

DATE
Tuesday 22 October 2024

TIME
10am

VENUE
St Mary’s Catholic Church
264 Miller St, North Sydney
(to be followed by a gathering at The Greens,
50 Ridge St North Sydney)

Those who are unable to attend the funeral can watch the livestream here.