I have been in a state of shock since Christmas eve. It’s hard to imagine our mediation community without Walter Wright, not only in Texas, but throughout the country and the world. He was truly a gentleman and a gentle man. I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. He was always calm and wise and patient and caring. His depth of knowledge about mediation and the law was profound. Yet, he was humble and giving and willing to share his knowledge with all of us who had the great good fortune to know him. I first met Walter more than twenty years ago when Josefina Rendón introduced him to me. I believe they attended law school together and have been great friends ever since. Over the years since that meeting I asked Walter for his help many times, and he always gave of his time and talent willingly and on-time. I was the TAM newsletter editor twice – the last time for seven years. Walter provided me with many well-written, thoughtful mediation articles for the newsletter during that time – a number that he wrote himself and some that he asked his mediation friends from around the world to write for our International Mediators column. In addition, he gladly shared beautiful photographs he had taken during TAM’s annual conferences for publication in the newsletter. He also came to our rescue several times when the Austin Mediators Association needed a speaker at the last minute. He was always there – ready and willing to serve. He will be sorely missed – both professionally and as a good friend. Goodbye, Walter. I’ll miss you.

Linda Gibson

Temple, Texas

Walter A. Wright was a great teacher, a humble man, and an epitome of kindness. He was a rare gem and a voice to be reckoned with in the field of mediation. You will be greatly missed, especially by people like me, whom you greatly touched. My first mediation training was under you, and I never regretted it. I looked forward to every day of the training and hoped each class never ended. You gave us all a teacher could give his students, with enthusiasm and kindness and that gave me the courage to face my mediation practice without hesitation. I pray for the entire family you left behind, loved ones, and TAM family that God gives everyone the fortitude to bear this loss. Rest on W.A.W- (Walter A. Wright) Rest on!!

Fola Adeleye

The Woodlands, TX

I am so sad to hear of Walter's passing. I remember his energy, his enthusiasm for conflict resolution and the board meetings we had in Austin. I know that my life has been enriched by being a part of TAM and knowing Walter. The admiration that the association has for him is second to none, and he will be very much missed. Rest in peace, dear Walter, as you brought so much peace to the people that you mediated and associated with in TAM.

Jill McKibben

Houston TX

I never had the privilege of meeting Walter, yet I had the privilege of hearing him speak so many times on so many varied and valuable topics on mediation, that I sense a deep loss of this great pioneer to our profession. I'm grateful for the trail he blazed in bringing mediation from it's infancy to the ethical and honorable profession it is today, and from which we all benefit. My sincere condolences to Walter's family, his dear friends and his colleagues who all love him so.

Dana Garnett

Dallas, TX USA

Que brille en la luz Walter Wright, sobresaliente profesor, mediador, amigo y sobre todo un generoso ser humano siempre colaborador, dispuesto a ayudar y entregar lo mejor de sí mismo. Siempre le recordaremos por su espíritu alegre y jovial. Vuela alto Walter!

Paola de la Rosa

México

I am sending my deepest condolences and prayers to the family of Walter Wright. I was blessed to have an engaging conversation with him during a recent training event that I will always cherish. During every encounter I had with him, he offered words of wisdom and encouragement that impacted me in a special way. The field of mediation will always remember his significant contributions, sense of humor, and most importantly, his humanity.

Patricia Bradley

San Antonio, TX

I regrettably never had a proper handshake introduction to Walter, but I owe him a great debt and although an email may be far from the best place to express this, there’s clearly no time like the present. From the time I returned back to Texas with my bachelors in conflict resolution, I quickly took a deep dive in research to learn what my exact career options were and what exactly I needed to do to hold myself out as a Mediator. I joined TMCA and later, TAM. Walter’s opinion 675 was foundational as a refined my understanding on the field and its unique intersection with law and the practice of law. Now I know others are far more familiar with the history of the field, both in Texas and abroad, but I’m under the impression that Walter helped set the stage (with opinion 676, and I’m sure with efforts far, far beyond it) for mediation to grow into the rich multidisciplinary field it is now, thanks to his efforts to distinguish mediation as not constituting the practice of law. Having acknowledged his great efforts, without Walter and others like him, I would have returned to Texas with unclear and risky guidelines that do not exactly entice and young graduate to enter the field — or worse, I would have found a clear answer that one must be an attorney to enter into the field. While I have a profound passion for this field, either of those positions could have easily redirected me into an adjacent field, such as Human Resources; I simply would have chosen against attending law school, as I had yet to develop as much passion for this field at that point. Thankfully I was able to enter the field, learn among tremendous minds with generous hearts, and help parties in dispute all without a law degree… all thanks in enormous part to Walter. My condolences go out to his family and close friends. The field signs deeply this evening, though we stand atop a mountain of gratitude.

Alec Chapa

San Antonio, TX

Walter Wright was one of a kind. The news of his passing has saddened me so much, and I send my sincerest sympathies to Daphne and the family. I feel honored to have gotten to work with Walter as a coach for basic mediation training at the DRC for many years. He was a natural and gifted teacher, always encouraging and supportive, and a wonderful mentor. Everyone loved his mediation stories. I will miss his wisdom and the kindness that he shared so readily. Walter also magically reunited my family with a scholarship fund at Texas State University that had been started for my stepfather, Dale W. Hardin, a former professor. Walter had been generously donating to the scholarship over the years. He had fond memories of my stepfather and it was so wonderful to know someone who remembered him so well. And because he told me of the scholarship, my husband and I were able to endow the fund. In 2022, we witnessed the first of many recipients. My mother, Sandy Hardin, and I are forever grateful to Walter for his diligent contributions to the fund over the years and for reconnecting us with it so it could have a meaningful impact on TXST students. Walter will forever be one of the best human beings I have ever known.

Stacy K Alexander

Austin

Professor Wright was a remarkable educator, an empathetic human being, and a kind-hearted individual. I had the privilege of being his student during my master's program, and every time I saw his name on my class schedule, I felt a surge of excitement. He was not only one of the best educators I had ever encountered but also a captivating storyteller. His life experiences were always enthralling. His unwavering support enabled me to graduate, and his quiet belief in me gave me the strength to persevere. Thank you, Dr. Wright (although you preferred not to be called Dr.). Rest in peace.

Vanessa Garcia

Dallas Texas

Walter was my instructor at the DRC when I was in the beginning stages of my mediation career. We have lost an amazing, talented and giving individual. He was always willing to stay late and offer guidance whenever needed, while offering encouragement with a never ending smile. He will be missed by many. My deepest sympathies to the family.

Bettye Benten

Austin, Texas

Mis mas sinceras condolencias para su esposa Daphne ,Walker , Camille y sus nietos por la perdida del estimado Walter.Haberlo conocido fue una gran bendicion.Hace 29 años que lo conozco y siempre mi admiracion se ha acrecentado desde que fui su alumna en Mediacion.Una gran perdida como ser humano como Mediador y como docente y como amigo Una calidad humana pocas veces vista.Mis oraciones estan con Walter y con su querida familia.Un abrazo grande!!!

MARIA CRISTINA CAMELINO

LA PLATA ARGENTINA

We are truly moved by the news and we want to extend our hug to you, dear Daphne and Walker. We know that you will understand our regret because we have lost a true friend, always attentive, always generous, always willing to lend a hand and, above all, always willing to share good times with our entire family and to share with yours. We ask you to give us a contact so we can communicate directly with you. It may be through the contact that Walter had on his cell phone or by email to info@equipo-imca.com.ar. Daily we raise our prayers so that God has him in his glory, he has been an exemplary person. Alba and Mario de Almeida.

Alba y Mario de Almeida

Argentina

Deepest condolences to the family. Walter was an inspiration to all that knew him.

Ron Murray

Austin, Texas

I just received this heartbreaking news. There is so much to say, for now I'll lead with where I start with Walter. He helped me get my first teaching job at Texas State in the early 2000s. Put simply, I owe an enormous debt to Walter, and can only hope I honor his confidence, friendship and memory through good works and attempts to follow his example. Love to all.

Jeff Jury

Presently traveling overseas; otherwise, Austin

Mis condolencias a la familia Wright, continuará en nuestra vidas con sus enseñanzas y sus pensamientos escritos.

Rosario Martell

Mexico

Pocas personas aparecen en el mundo con tanta personalidad de bondad como el profesor, lo conocí en un curso de Abaroli México, conocí únicamente su lado académico, pero resultará un recuerdo grato a la familia, saber que muchos recordamos a Walter, por su gran calidad humana en la enseñanza, sus principios de paz, aprendí en su persona que la sabiduría tiene una profunda sencillez, que motiva cálidamente a los demás, su enseñanza no solo era académica, si no que dejaba en todos una semilla para ser un mejor ser humano, el ahora vive en ustedes, que en afecto del recuerdo encuentren consuelo.✨

Mildred Gamboa

Veracruz México

I remember Walter as a great friend who would always greet with me with a warm smile and with respect. A graceful giver of his time and wisdom, a teacher, a mentor, and a leader of mediation, and dispute resolution. He was a passionate defender of the mediation process and a fierce advocate for quality and ethical mediations and dispute resolution for all backgrounds and cultures. I am a better person because Walter was a part of my life.

John P. Palmer

Waco

Walter Wright was one of the most kind, thoughtful, decent and caring human beings I ever had the pleasure of meeting and knowing. As a colleague in the development of mediation and dispute resolution, Walter was a leader and inspirational to many. His work and teaching will continue to inspire for decades to come and he will be sorely missed . Walter was the kind of person we all aspire to be . Condolences to Walter’s family and to all of his colleagues who considered him a dear friend. May Walter’s memory be a blessing. Eric Galton

Eric Galton

Austin

En representación de todos los agremiados del Colegio Mexicano de Mecanismos Alternativos de Solución de Conflictos, AC. y como presidenta de la junta directiva de COMFAMASC. AC. Así como leal y fiel seguidora de nuestro muy apreciado amigo Walter A. Wright quien ha trascendido a un mundo mejor en camino con nuestro padre celestial. Expresamos nuestro pesar y muy sentido pésame a la familia de uno de los grandes precursores de la Mediación. Con su generosidad, honestidad y sincero apego a los valores que rigen los MASC. Nos deja un legado, lo tendremos presente; honrando su memoria, seguiremos el ejemplo de su espíritu de servicio y disposición que tuvo para todo aquel que por fortuna pudo conocerle y tratarle. Reiteramos el compromiso con la construcción de La Paz a través de la justicia Alternativa, mediante la práctica de la mediación. Dr. Walter A. Wright nos deja mediante sus enseñanzas y ejemplo de vida este gran Legado. Descanse en Paz, un amigo, un colega, un gran ser humano en todos los distintos roles de su vida. Lo guardamos presente en México. 🇲🇽 Dios de fortaleza a su familia y expresamos nuestro muy sentido pesar a su esposa, hijos y nietos y a toda su familia que le sobrevive y para Èl que brille la luz celestial a perpetuidad.

Colegio Mexicano de facilitadores en Mecanismos Alternativos de Solución de Conflictos AC.

Dallas Tx. Y San Luis Potosí México.

Walter was one of a kind. He was dedicated to making this world a better place, and was generous with his time and efforts towards that effort. The world and our profession has lost a true leader and gentleman scholar. He will be greatly missed, but always remembered.

Anita Savage

Dallas, Texas

Se ha ido una extraordinaria persona, gran mediador y estupendo amigo, Walter Wright. 😢💔 Recibo la noticia de que emprendió el viaje de regreso a la casa del padre 🙏🏻 Recibí la noticia en Acapulco, donde me contó se enamoró de México en los 70’s en un viaje como estudiante, una larga historia no solo con México pero Latinoamérica. Quienes no lo conocieron les cuento en breve, que fue un buen hombre: GENEROSO: Siempre dispuesto a ayudar a los demás sin medida o esperar algo a cambio. AUTENTICO: Siempre fue la misma persona, nunca de más ni de menos, sencillo y humilde. CONGRUENTE: Fue un hombre que llevaba a las acciones lo que decía, de los pocos que conozco que fue fiel a sus principios y valores en esta difícil profesión de la mediación. PRUDENTE: Jamás los escuché quejarse de algo ni menos hablar mal de nadie. BUENA COMPAÑÍA: Walter fue un gran conversador pero sobre todo buena oreja para escuchar a los demás. PROFESIONAL: Amaba su profesión y todo lo que hacía lo hacía con un alto estándar. PROFESOR: Dedicó su vida a la enseñanza, me comentó que se estaba preparando para el retiro, nunca pensé fuera así. Dejo a generaciones de alumnos que acompaño en su formación, un maestro querido y que seguro lo van a extrañar en Texas State University, así como en la comunidad de mediadores en Estados Unidos y Latinoamérica. Fue un esposo devoto y un padre amoroso. Gran pérdida para la mediación en Texas a unos de sus pioneros, en México y Latinoamérica dejó gran enseñanza y muchos amigos que lo vamos a echar mucho de menos. Se fue el día de los Santos Inocentes, la inocencia la podemos también definir como la ausencia de malicia, Walter fue un hombre así, bueno y sin malicia. Más de 25 años de amistad nos unen, se le recordará siempre como el gran hombre que fue. QEPD 🙏🏻 An extraordinary person, great mediator and wonderful friend, Walter Wright, has left us. 😢💔 I received the news that he undertook the trip back to his father's house 🙏🏻 I received the news in Acapulco, where he told me that he fell in love with Mexico in the 70's on a trip as a student, a long history not only with Mexico but Latin America. For those who did not know him, I will tell you briefly that he was a good man: GENEROUS: Always willing to help others without measure or expect something in return. AUTHENTIC: He was always the same person, never more or less, simple and humble. CONGRUENT: He was a man who put into action what he said, one of the few I know who was faithful to his principles and values ​​in this difficult profession of mediation. PRUDENT: I ​​never heard him complain about anything or speak badly of anyone. GOOD COMPANY: Walter was a great conversationalist but above all a good ear for listening to others. PROFESSIONAL: He loved his profession and everything he did he did with a high standard. PROFESSOR: He dedicated his life to teaching, he told me that he was preparing for retirement, I never thought it would be like that. He left behind generations of students that he accompanied in their training, a beloved teacher who will surely be missed at Texas State University, as well as in the mediation community in the United States and Latin America. He was a devoted husband and a loving father. A great loss for mediation in Texas, one of its pioneers, in Mexico and Latin America he left behind great teaching and many friends who will miss him very much. He left on the day of the Holy Innocents, innocence can also be defined as the absence of malice, Walter was a man like that, good and without malice. More than 25 years of friendship unite us, he will always be remembered as the great man that he was. RIP 🙏🏻

Rafael Lobo Niembro

México

It was such a shock and sorrow to learn of Walter's death during the Christmas holidays. I served on several State Bar of Texas committees with Walter, and he was also a colleague of mine at the University of Texas School of Law. He was truly irreplaceable, and he will be greatly missed. His kindness and generosity of spirit always made it such a pleasure to work with him, and his devotion to the field of alternative dispute resolution was unsurpassed. Walter was widely respected and admired by his colleagues, and I hope that his outstanding legacy will comfort his family as they grieve his passing.

Sara E. Saltmarsh

Austin, TX

Walter didn't know it, but he was someone who I thought was the coolest person in the world. Or, I may have expressed that to him and his modesty prevented him from accepting that compliment. He worked at a great university, had a soft voice that was powerful, his intellect showed without being pretentious, he had the best Zoom backgrounds (scenic photographs from his travels), and so much more. We had some opportunities to do some professional work together for the mediation community, and I am so appreciative of his time, energy, leadership, and most importantly, his servant's heart. I also have the opportunity to know his sister, Patsy, and her husband Roger, as Patsy and I work together. They are great people who so deeply care about others. We need more of that service and caring. Thank you, Walter, for the tremendous amount of time and energy you gave to not only the people of Texas, but around the world as you contributed to peacemaking in so many different ways. So many lives are better because of you. I'm thankful to God for not only having our paths cross, but for enabling you to do what you did because you loved the work and loved people. My condolences to your family and friends; I pray that God will provide peace and comfort.

Gene Roberts

Huntsville, Texas

Devastating. So many of us benefited so much from Walter. Steady, compassionate, wise...he was a rock.

Craig Bell

Austin

A visit with Walter Wright during TAM conferences was always a highlight for me. Each year, we laughed over our running joke about him being my “son.” That’s right—years ago, I gave birth to Walter’s mediation career, or so we liked to say. It all started when new mediators in Houston were organizing programs to introduce the public to mediation. Walter’s insatiable curiosity led him to meet with us. From the very first “Hello,” spirit, attitude, and values marked him as an influential star in the mediation world. Our annual conversations gave us a chance to catch up and share personal news. The most meaningful part of Walter’s life was not the performance we saw on the professional stage, but the work he did behind the scenes on the stage crew. He gave priority to being a loving, caring husband and father. It was important to meet the needs of his family and add pleasure to their lives. Somehow, he mastered the art of balancing it all. Walter’s legacy shines through in his writings, speeches, and teachings, leaving an indelible mark on the mediation field worldwide. Each of us who knew him has our own superlatives to describe this extraordinary colleague. As an educator, Walter imparted knowledge. As a leader, he encouraged us to follow. As role model, he inspired us to emulate his professional activities. The “Wright light” continues to illuminate the way, guiding us as we navigate our individual careers. To honor Walter, let us all strive to set our sights a little higher and carry forward the values he so beautifully embodied. Submitted by Laury Adams, Past President, Longest TAM member, and Recruiter

Laury Adams

Houston, TX