DENNIS “BUBBA” WRIGHT
August 24, 1974 –
September 24, 2012
On September 24, 2013, the San Quentin community remembered Sgt. Dennis “Bubba” Wright, whose expansive personality continues to inspire everyone who knew him. The consensus among staff and inmates is that “Bubba” loved life with the heart of a “Gentle Giant.” One month after his 38th birthday, “Bubba” suffered a fatal heart attack (9-24-12). Along with his wife, and six children, the entire SQ family continues the grieving process. The memory of the joy and the laughter he instilled in everyone he met is the positive-motivating force that carries them along.
To everyone who was touched by his kind spirit, “Bubba” was the most kind and gentle soul inside San Quentin. C/O B. Hart stated, “He was straight forward, and would do almost anything he can to help you. He was fair, and I really miss my sumo wrestling partner.”
The message of generosity and respect was repeated by everyone who knew him. “Bubba” spent most of his time in West Block. For those inmates, Curly Joe Burrell said, “He was the handle that made our life inside a little bit better. We looked forward to “Bubba’s” tequila whistling, or a love song to remind us of our loved ones. He was our ‘live and in your face’ disc jockey!”
“You got this, you can do it!” was the recurring theme from “Bubba” to everyone. Sergeant L. Perez, who met “Bubba” while at the CDCR training academy, spoke of the vote of confidence she often received from him during challenging circumstances, “ ‘You can do this, I got you.’
“The way you go into it, is the way you come out of it”
He never wavered in supporting anyone who needed help. His heart was as big as he was. He was truly a unique and special soul who is unforgettable and also irreplaceable.”
C/O E. Sanford, who went through the academy with him, recalls their four months of training: “ ‘Bubba’ picked me up and drove me home each day because my car was inoperable.”
To co-workers, family and friends, “Bubba’s” warmth and personality continue to radiate in their lives. “The Big Teddy Bear lives on in our hearts,” his wife Koren said. “Bubba’s big smile and laughter was like sunshine in our lives. It raised me up when I was feeling down.” One of his daughters remembers the last words of hope she heard from her dad: “The way you go into it, is the way you come out of it.”
“Bubba’s” words and spirit continue to live on. He was a truly special human being in the hearts of all within San Quentin and beyond. Remembering his passing brought tears of sorrow and of joy for having been a part of his life. It is a comfort to hold on to his big and awesome love.
