Wright was mayor from 1976 to 1988, and was first elected as an Alderman in 1966.

Wright was a member of the Order of Canada, and a Saskatoon Public Library branch bears his name.

According to the city, Wright oversaw the creation of the Meewasin Valley Authority, the Circle Drive North Bridge, the Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre, at the SaskTel Centre arena.

"It is a sad day in Saskatoon," said Mayor Don Atchison in a news release. "Mayor Wright led our city through some difficult times and some good times. But he never stopped believing that Saskatoon was a great city with enormous potential."

City Hall is lowering its flags to half mast to honour Wright's contributions.