Donald Wrightman, E’mmaandaa-Zhiwebzid Nini, a member of Walpole Island First Nation, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at the age of 84. Don is the son of the late Agnew James & Bernice (Peters) Wrightman. Beloved husband of Elaine (Johnson) Wrightman. Loving father of Don Adams, Keith (Loretta), Jonathan, Desi, Brant (Amanda) and the late infant daughter Dawn. Papa lived for his grandchildren; Kaiden, Aanzhenii, Kailee, Lila, Larissa, Carter, Phoenix, Paytyn, Draedyn, Logan, Azlynn and Kailer and great grandfather of Emeric. Brother of the late Betty Isaac, Connie Lallean, Harold Peters, Gretchen Williams, Darrell Wrightman, Lloyd Wrightman and Edward Wrightman. Don had worked in Michigan for most of his life at John Carlo construction and then Walpole Island First Nation as a crane operator. A man who worked hard his whole life to provide for his family because he loved them fiercely, will forever be loved, missed, and remembered until they meet again. He will never be forgotten because the laughs, the teachings, the love, guidance, and especially the memories he left within each of us, will live on in every life that was blessed for having known him – even if it was his contagious smile.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at the Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home, 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg on Monday, August 3 from 5 – 8 PM. The funeral will be celebrated at the Walpole Island Sports Complex at 12 o’clock noon on Tuesday, August 4. Interment to follow at Highbanks Cemetery.
Cherished stories and tributes may be left for the family at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca.
