Archibald "Arch" VanRensselaer Wright, Jr.

Archibald VanRensselaer Wright, Jr., 92, of Boyne City, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Amelia (Waring) Wright and Archibald VanRensselaer Wright were the proud parents of Arch, their only son, who was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on January 14, 1933. Arch grew up in Ionia, Michigan where his father owned and operated a lumber yard. The young Arch worked for his father unloading trainloads of lumber and learning the trade before attending Culver Military Academy in Indiana during his high school years. Summers were spent at the family’s generational property on the Lake Huron shoreline at Pointe Lookout.

Following graduation from Culver, Arch attended the University of Michigan - twice. Although academically inclined, his college years had more to do with socializing and running a hamburger joint with his best friend, Dwight Lockwood. Arch did earn a Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University in 1955. Some of his favorite memories, however, were from his two years of military service in Germany as an Army Staff Sergeant. Always a wordsmith, Arch added a variety of German phrases and songs to the notable vocabulary he retained throughout his life. He often credited his love of language to his parents who read nightly to him when he was a young boy.

Arch expanded his father’s company, Wright Way Lumber, on his return from Germany. He developed a subdivision and designed homes in Ionia. And, he opened Wright Way Carpet which is in business to date. In recognition of his active community service, Outstanding Young Men of America selected Arch to appear in its 1965 edition. He became director of the Ionia Chamber of Commerce in 1967. He also served as a local chairman of the Republican party during his early business career and was appointed chairman of the Michigan State Fair by then Governor Milliken. Arch and his wife, Katie, raised their two sons, Arch III and Chris, in Ionia. For several years, Arch sat on the Ionia School Board. Like his grandfather and father before him, Arch served on the Independent Bank board for much of his adult life. He made lifelong friends during his association with the bank and often remarked that it was the most fulfilling position he held.

The sporting pleasures offered by Boyne City’s Lake Charlevoix and ski hills caused Arch to build a home on the Lake Charlevoix shoreline. In 1980, Arch incorporated and opened the locally owned Lakewood Savings and Loan in Boyne City. As a full time resident of Boyne City, Arch invested in the Boyne City railroad property. He became a limited partner in residential and commercial properties in the area including One Water Street, Boyne City and the Charlevoix Country Club, Charlevoix. His condominium developments included Foster Boat Works and The Weathervane Terrace Hotel, Charlevoix; and Suttons Bay Yacht Club, Suttons Bay.

Often described as a “gentleman and a scholar,” Arch was at home with all types of people. He loved to read, run, ski, sail, and most of all, to discuss world issues, politics and philosophy. He was as mischievous in debate as he was masterful in subjects. Arch was an early proponent of women’s rights as well as the dignity of the individual. He was a free thinker whose lifelong education came from myriad sources. He was pleased to be asked to serve as a trustee of Davenport University in Grand Rapids. Its mission to deliver career-focused degree programs was in accordance with his beliefs.

Arch is lovingly remembered by, Trish, his wife of 45 years; his son Archibald Wright III and daughter-in-law, Julie; his grandchildren, Archibald IV (Van) and Lexi Wright; his daughter, Spring; daughter-in-law, Leslie Wright; his brother-in-law, Richard Wright; sister-in-law, Robin Wright; and nieces Sarah and Rachael Wright; godson, Richard Hartwell and cousin, Judy Bonne.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Virginia, and son, Christopher Cornell Wright.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Arch’s memory can be made to the Charlevoix Area Humane Society or Grandvue Medical Care Facility.

A memorial celebration will be held at a later date for friends and family.

Arrangements are in the care of Stackus Funeral Home.