Marjorie Wright:
“A Caring Voice”

By Colleen Playford

Marjorie Wright, remembered for her everlasting contributions to animal welfare in the North Bay area, is an inspiration to us all.

She was appointed president of the newly established North Bay Humane Society in 1951 and held that office until she retired in 1986.

The days of going around North Bay and picking up stray cats and dogs to care for at home on Worthington St. E. still fresh in her mind, Wright became a tireless, dedicated fighter for animal rights.

Many times she battled with city council over controversial issues she intensely believed in. Through persistence and hard work, she gained not only the respect and co-operation of many major corporations throughout Canada, but also the respect of many businesses here at home.

In November 1982, the North Bay city council presented Wright with a plaque to honor her many years of dedication and volunteer work at the Humane Society. For years Wright and other volunteers would travel at their own expense, to schools in the North Bay area, teaching the youngsters about prevention of cruelty to animals. This would be at least once a week and many times the travelers would “brown bag” it because money was so tight. Diligence paid off and at the annual meeting in 1983 a Certificate of Merit was received from the Nipissing Board of Education for the work of the Society in Junior Humane Education.

A Certificate of Approval was also received from MacLean Hunter T.V. in recognition of assistance in Community Programming. Certificates of Merit were also received from the American Humane Society and the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies in recognition of support of the North Bay and District Humane Society.

Becoming a life member in July 1986, Wright was also honored with an engraved silver tray from the National Federation of Humane Societies for her many years of dedicated service.

In 1987 Wright was one of three special people selected for a Community Service Award by the North Bay District Chamber of Commerce. At the annual meeting in Sudbury, an award was also received from the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies.

Watching the North Bay Humane Society grow from having five cents in the bank to an annual budget of over $100,000 and a single staff member, when dogs were picked up and ran along with a bicycle, to a staff of five and two vehicles was very rewarding for Wright.

Marjorie Wright passed away at Casselholme on October 4, 1990 in her 78th year. She was predeceased by her husband, the late Dr. H.J. Wright, her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Williamson and a brother, Douglas and sister, Jessie. Today, any surviving relatives are said to be living in the Halifax, Nova Scotia area.

Because of her generosity and vision, the North Bay and District Humane Society enjoys one of the most modern establishments in the province today. Officially opened in 1992, the Main St. W. building is home to countless animals of every description.

Animal lovers in North Bay remember Marjorie Wright with reverence and gratitude. Her life is an inspiration to us all.