Arvid Wright

Arvid David Wright was born on November 13, 1946, to George and Cora (Kahlstrom) Wright in Brownington, VT. He grew up hunting and fishing in rural Vermont with his older brother, George, his younger brother, Ernie, and his sister, Ellen, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Arvid’s mothers' passing when he was twelve years old, left a permanent mark on his life.

When Arvid was seventeen, he left home and joined the Navy. While on leave in San Francisco, CA he met Karen M. Fales, who was on vacation. It developed into a long-distance romance. Arvid was soon sent to Vietnam. Arvid and Karen were married in Orleans, VT on November 25, 1967. In less than a month, Arvid was stationed in San Diego, CA where he went through training to become an Corpsman. Two years later, Wendy was born.

After leaving the Navy after 10 years of service, Arvid worked for many years as a heavy equipment operator in the Port Orchard, WA area. It was during this time that Arvid and Karen welcomed their son, Kevin.

The family moved back to Brownington, VT in 1981, then to Burlington, VT area seven years later. During this time, he continued as a heavy equipment operator. He was always interested in helping the “new guy” get started and teaching him the right way, but was intolerant of disregard for safety or laziness.

In his middle years, he began doing home remodels. He once jacked up an old farmhouse, poured a foundation and created a basement, almost singlehandedly.  Family was always important to Arvid, so he and his wife moved to MN when her aging parents needed assistance. Arvid continued to do home remodels, although nothing as ambitious as the farmhouse. He frequently worked with his son-in-law, Robert “Bob” Levasseur.

In his later years, Arvid enjoyed traveling with Karen. In his free time, Arvid enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking and metal work.

Arvid died on Saturday, March 17, 2018, at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis at the age of 71. He is survived by his wife, Karen of Alexandria, MN; daughter, Wendy Levasseur of Alexandria, MN; son, Kevin (Katie) Wright of Alexandria, VA; son-in-law, Robert Levasseur of Alexandria, MN; grandchildren, Jacob and Joshua Levasseur and Clara Wright; brother, George (Linda) Wright of  South Barton; sister, Ellen Barton of Brattleboro, VT; and many nieces and nephews; as well as a large extended family.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 2:00 PM on Monday, March 26, 2018, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.  Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Monday.  Military Honors will be provided by the Alexandria Military Honors Unit and the U.S. Navy Military Honors.