The Queen’s community is remembering A. Colin Wright, a professor of 35 years in the Department of Russian Language and Literature, who died Sept. 15 at the age of 85.

Born in Chelmsford, County of Essex, England, Dr. Wright first studied at Cambridge University, Pembroke College, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1961 and a master’s in 1965. In 1986 he received a PhD from Cambridge in Russian Language and Literature.

He joined the Department of Russian Language and Literature at Queen’s in 1964, after previously teaching at the British College in Riggio Colabria in Italy, and at the Bell School of Languages in Cambridge, and taught Russian and comparative literature for more than three decades, before retiring in 1999.

A writer and speaker on Russian literature and art, Dr. Wright's major research interest was the Russian author and playwright Mikhail Bulgakov, and wrote a book entitled Mikhail Bulgakov: Life and Interpretations (1978).

Outside the classroom he was traveler, a rower and downhill skier, a dramaturge and player, a linguist and interpreter, a playwright and author.

He was also known for his kindness and generosity, his willingness to help and to listen to others – traits which he fought hard to cultivate because of an inner shyness.

A family obituary is available online.