Richard Bright

Richard Bright

Richard Bright, 93, of Aitkin, passed away Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Aicota Health Care Center /  Vitality Living in Aitkin.  He was born March 21, 1933 at Mrs. Draper’s in Aitkin the son of Edward Mac and Viva (Drone) Bright.  He grew up in the Kimberly area where he attended Kimberly School from 1st to 8th grade.  While in high school he enjoyed playing baseball and football.  He graduated from Aitkin High School in 1952.  Richard was united in marriage to Irene Corba  on June 25,1960 in Minneapolis.  He was a Seargent in the Army National Guard and was a member of the Army Reserves.  In 1950 Richard and his dad started a beef cattle farm in Kimberly.  They also had a dairy herd and hog herd.  Richard also worked as a bartender and bouncer for Mark’s Bar in McGregor.  He played town ball in Aitkin, McGregor, Rossburg and East Lake until the age of 30.  He joined the over 35 softball league where he played for Hyytinen’s  team and continued to play well into his 60’s.  Richard enjoyed trapping mink and fox, going fishing, and tending to his garden.  He was preceded in death by his wife Irene C. Bright on December 10, 2016, sister Hazel M. Bright and his parents Edward Mac and Viva Bright.  Richard is survived by his children: John Bright (Rebecca), Christine Bright Marwede (Dwight) and Jim Bright (Wendie); Grandchildren: Erianne (Casey) Gibson, Elyssa (Bevan) Bredesen, Taylor Bright, Ally (Wyatt) Sanford; step-grandchildren: Wyatt and Layton Carlson, Alexander  and Christian (Elise) Marwede; great grandchildren:  Thor and Diana Gibson, Maverick, Kelbi and Monte Bredesen, Riley and Josie Sanford; step-great grandchildren Andria and Emily Marwede, Skyler, Jason, Aria, and Maddie Marwede; his caregiver Mary Radke and neighbor Todd Radke; And many other special relatives and friends who mourn his passing.

Funeral Service will be 11am – Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Military Honors will be accorded by Aitkin American Legion Lee Post #86 & VFW Roberts Glad Post #1727.  Lunch will be served in the Underground at the Ripple Center  in Aitkin following the service.  Private Burial will be at Saron Cemetery.  To leave a message of condolence, please visit:  www.srtfuneral.com.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Aitkin.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Bright, please visit our floral store.