Dr. Wright was an amazing professor I had the blessing and opportunity to learn from. He will always be one of my best mentors and great friend who encouraged me to follow my academic dreams to go to law school. I took several of his classes and learned so much about his life, his love for his family, and his great care for his friends and students. I am grateful to have met such a kind soul and I know anyone who had cross paths with him would say the same. I appreciate all the lessons and wisdom Dr. Wright shared with me and I will keep working on being the best person he believed me to be.

Heidi Muñoz

Texas State

Professor Wright was such an amazing person and a great mentor. I still remember when I went into his office and asked him to be the faculty advisor for a brand new organization I wanted to start at TXST. He wholeheartedly agreed, and became such a great resource for us at the Black Pre-Law Association. He gave me so much advice and later wrote my letter of recommendation for law school. I still have an email in my drafts to update him on how my first year of law school is going. I wish I sent it earlier so he could have known that I am doing well. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and everyone who was affected by his passing. Professor, you were an amazing person and an amazing teacher. Thank you so much for everything! Rest in peace.

Kenny Anagbogu

Boston, MA

I had the pleasure of taking multiple classes with Dr. Wright. I learned very quickly that he was organised, diligent, extremely intelligent, and above all, caring. He had a sense of humour that always made me smile in classes. Dr. Wright was always understanding of his students and made every effort he could to engage us in the class materials. His advice will stay with me for the rest of my life because was the best professor and mentor I have had.

Kate Malazonia

San Marcos, Texas

I am deeply saddened to hear the news about Dr. Wright. I had the privilege of being one of his students and will never forget his passion, joy and enthusiasm he brought to the classroom every single day. May he rest in peace, and my condolences out to his family.

Jacquel

Texas State

I had the privilege of being a student of Professor Wright’s for the Fall 2024 semester. It was my first day at the legal studies program, and he was my first class. I will always remember how, when Prof Wright entered the room, there was an immediate sense of respect that followed. His polite yet profound intelligence commanded it, not through words, but through his presence and the thoughtful way he engaged with all of us. He had a way of encouraging students to look toward the future, and I will cherish his gracious, purposeful advice. He was a source of great experience that I feel honored to have met at the start of my legal career. He absolutely had the jokes! His passing is deeply felt, and my thoughts are with his family during this time.

Samantha

TXST

My heart goes out to Dr. Wright’s family. Dr. Wright was an amazing human and professor! He taught me soo much in my Masters program and for that I am forever grateful. My writing significantly improved after taking Dr. Wright’s class. He opened my eyes to so many things and different points of view. I’m so thankful I took his classes in my Legal Studies program, because it gave me the opportunity to meet him. Last year I was unemployed and I reached out to Dr. Wright to ask if he knew anyone looking to hire a paralegal. He went out of his way to reach out to friends and colleagues just to help me. He was such a kind soul and I will always remember the impact he had on my life. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Ariana Burgess (Truhlar)

Austin

Dr. Wright was a great professor but overall a great person in general. He was so helpful when I, as a student had any doubts. Such a thoughtful profesor and went above and beyond to help his students. I wish him and his family peace during this tough time. Thank for everything Dr. Wright!

Em

Texas State University

I had the privilege of taking Dr. Wright's ADR course in the Legal Studies program during COVID. Classes were still fully remote, and he had provided some of his own copies of the required texts to students by mail who needed them. In my copy, I found a lovely thank-you note from a former student that I don't believe he saw, so I attached my own note when I returned the book at the end of the course, basically thanking him for all the opportunities to interact and connect that he provided to us during a time of so much isolation. He reached out after the semester to let me know he received both notes and was grateful for them. He was a phenomenal educator, an incredibly kind human, and I will remember him fondly. Sending lots of love to his friends and family.

Karli Moore

Salado, Texas

There are not enough words to express the immense impact Dr. Wright had on my life. He was a brilliant mentor, advisor and overall friend as the years past on after graduate school. He wrote countless letters of recommendations for me for law school and was always enthusiastic to hear back about my journey, regardless of the hurdles. I still have all of his edits and work we reviewed during my thesis and I can still hear him tell me "if you feel like you're writing in circles, that's a good thing. It means you're not trying to reinvent the wheel!" We exchanged photos of our ofrendas in honor of Día de Los Muertos and discussed the different plans we had each time the holiday approached. I'm honored to have crossed paths with Dr. Wright and have been his student. While I'm deeply saddened by his passing, and send my condolences to his family, I'll be adding his photo and memory to my ofrenda this year to continue spreading his light to everyone I know. 🤍

Olivia Acosta

Washington, D.C.

I was fortunate to meet Dr. Wright last semester at Texas State. He was passionate about our pursuit of a career in the legal profession. He encouraged us to do our best and gave us other career options to consider. In his last email to us, he told us that he admired us all. I will cherish that email and will think of him as I start my paralegal journey. I will make him proud. Praying for peace and comfort for his family.

Valerie Francois

Texas State Student

I'm on the executive board for BPLA which Walter advised, and from the short time that I spent with him, he was very kind. He will be dearly missed.

Amber Weatherton

San Marcos

Walter was a bright light in any conversation. He was generous, supportive, and even offered his office for an out-of-town, neutral location for a mediation. His soul lit up when he spoke of his friends and colleagues from Mexico. He contributed so much to the Mexican DR community, the TAM community, his TSU students, and so much more. My deepest sympathies to his family during this very painful time. We will truly miss Walter's friendship and contributions.

Patricia Porter

San Antonio

May you rest in peace🙏🏼 Thank you for your service to the community. May the Lord Bless you and your family. I learned so much from you and I thank you.

Martha S Peña

Conroe Texas

My deepest condolences to Walter's family and friends. I am still in a state of shock over this devastating news. I had the pleasure of working with Walter when he did mediation and outreach work for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. I will always remember Walter's kind heart and gentle spirit. He was one of a kind. Rest in peace, my dear friend.

Kathy Perez

San Antonio, Texas

There really is not enough space for me to let Walter and his family know how lucky I am to have known him. I will do my best to sum it up. A little over 22 years ago, I had just finished my BA in English at SWT and was thinking about a career in the law but with no idea what that meant or how to really get there. I met Walter and asked him about the Master's department legal studies program at SWT and, long story short, he convinced me it was a good first step for me. He then mentored me for the better part of two years. Gosh I can still recall driving to his home office in Austin dozens of time after I got off work to talk shop and to work on being a better legal writer and legal thinker. Feels like yesterday. I took a number of courses with him as my professor (including ADR) and finished with my masters in Legal Studies spring of 2004. I doubt Walter really knew what kind of impact he had on my professional journey (or on the dozens of other students that he willingly helped so selflessly). When I decided to go to law school a year later, he was one of the first people I told and he again gave me great advice along the way. Much of his advice and mentoring serves as a foundation for what I do professionally today. I can honestly say that I would not be sitting in my office in Houston, practicing law and serving as the managing partner for the Houston office of a national law firm without Walter. I know I've said it to him many times over the years, but as he earned his wings, I'll say it again. Thank you Walter. Rest in peace my friend.

Isaac Villarreal

Houston

Walter became my friend while serving as Vice-Chair of the SBOT Collaborative Law Section's CL/ADR Innovations Team. Walter's high intellect and deep knowledge and extensive experience with our subject matter was invaluable to our Team. All of our Team Members are deeply saddened by his lose. He is not replaceable! On behalf of all our Team Members, I extend our deep condolences and best wishes for the journey through the grieving process for all of Walter's family, friends, and colleagues.

Richard A Shannon

Austin, TX

This is such heartbreaking news. I had the privilege of spending time with Walter in Buenos Aires where he served as my guide, interpreter, translator and diplomatic envoy to make sure that I did not make any missteps. He was so kind and patient and I knew I had made a true friend. He was a quiet giant in the mediation world and I always looked forward to seeing him. He always spoke of his beloved family and my deepest sympathies to them on losing such a wonderful member of their clan. The world has lost a dear soul and heaven has gained a shining star. Walter will be greatly missed.

Courtenay Bass

Dallas, Tx

Walter was such a gentleman to know. Gentle in so many ways but definitely a man who loved ADR and Mediation and was willing to stand up for it spread throughout Texas and all of the Spanish-speaking countries where he reached out I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My God richly bless his family.

Cecilia Morgan

Dallas

I received a training with Walter about neuroscience and negotiation and it was just amazing, the way he used to teach. Rest in peace

Rosa Abdelnour

Costa Rica

I am still trying to come to terms that my friend and fellow mediator has gained his wings. I met Walter in 2013 when he was a contract Spanish mediator for TWC-Civil Rights Division, and I was starting my career there. From that first meeting, our friendship grew. I was even invited to speak to his Graduate ADR classes every semester. I never missed that opportunity just to hang out with his classes and him. His students really respected him as a person and teacher. My co-workers who attended his training to obtain their 40-hours mediation certificate loved his classes. I just explained to them that, how Walter was during those training was who he is in person. Just a kind, caring, wonder person. The TAM conferences will just not be the same without his smiling face and “Never met a Stranger” personality. I know he will be there in spirit but I’m selfish, I would rather see him. Rest in Peace my Dear Friend Walter.

Marci Y. Anavitarte-Jordan

Austin, TX

Please accept my deepest sympathies to Mr. Wright's family and friends. I am truly saddened to here of his passing. I had the great pleasure of learning from and working with Mr. Wright in the field of dispute resolution. I was particularly impressed by his work on cross cultural and multicultural dispute resolution. I learned a tremendous amount from his outstanding presentations and mentorship. His intellect, demeanor, and skill set will be truly missed. Un fuerte abrazo Walter! Saludos.

Arturo Aviles

Austin, Texas

I was so heartbroken to hear of Walter’s unexpected passing. As a provider of mediation training for the DRC (Travis County), I had the pleasure of watching him connect with aspiring mediators via his vast knowledge of both academic study and experiential practice of the field. Aside from his collegial support, we enjoyed a common affection for northern New Mexico. Upon my retirement last year, he bid me farewell with a promise to visit us in Santa Fe when he found himself nearby in Albuquerque. It saddens me to realize that will not happen. I pray that the warmth of Walter’s memories and the pride in his accomplished contributions to his field of expertise brings comfort to all of us who remain and, especially, to his loved ones.

Kris Donley

Santa Fe, NM

I will remember Walter as a scholar, a mediation professional, and a friend. He was always a caring and kind person, with great love for our mediation profession. He was extremely professionally accomplished, yet humble and approachable to talk with anytime. My sincerest condolences to his family, very respectfully, Ernesto.

Ernesto Escobedo

San Antonio

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