By MARGIE KREITZER OSBORNE
Ken Wright, 84, passed away after surgery for a hernia and complications due to age and previous illness. He is survived by three children; Kurt Wright, Kris Wright and Ginny Wright-Novogny, all three are from Cleveland. Also surviving is step-daughter, Traci Miller, of Dayton, Ohio. Ken served in the U.S. Army in the Philippines during WWII. An urn burial will take place later at Arlington National Cemetery.
Ken was a lifetime member of the American Power Boat Association and the Dayton Motorboat Racing Association. Ken started racing in the Inboard hydroplane 136ci class in 1958. He moved on and started driving for Jim Cunningham in the 280cu. In, class, Ken had a successful racing career until 1967 when at Ecorse, Mich., he was in a serious race accident and lost his arm.
In spite of his injury, Ken remained positive and stayed involved throughout the balance of his life. Throughout his post-racing career Ken’s involvement included passing the referee’s test in the 60s and becoming an official on the Region 6 race circuit. Later on Ken became involved in the Kunz Racing Team that campaigned the 280 Hydroplane “Helter Skelter”, driven by Jim Kropfield. From “Helter Skelter, Ken moved on to the Swindling Racing Family and the “old style” 2.5 modified hydro, driven by Steve Jones. His next love involved announcing races. Ken enjoyed sharing all the facts and color commentary with the crowds.
As time passed, he was unable to continue announcing but attended every Inboard event he could. Ken’s love was always about finding that next thrill on the water. He loved going fast and turning left.
Near the end, friend Phil Kunz brought a smile to his face when Ken was shown a video of the restored “Helter Skelter running at the Dayton, Ohio Hydrobowl. Ken spoke clearly and smiled as we re-watched the video.
Donations can be made in Ken’s name to:
Dayton VA Medical Center,
ATTN: 135 for the Freedom Center or Wounded Warriors Program
4100 W. 3rd Street, Dayton, Ohio
45428