Geoffrey Hall Wright

Geoffrey Hall Wright, at the age of 31, died peacefully October 24, 2020, surrounded by loving hearts. He suffered a sudden cardiac event and collapsed in his apartment on Oct. 11. He spent 13 days in the ICU at UC- San Francisco. His cause of death is still unknown.

Geoff, a native Californian, called both Sebastopol and Santa Rosa home. He attended Willow Wood Waldorf School, Sonoma Country Day School, and Santa Rosa High. In his too few years on earth, Geoff left an indelible presence. He excelled in all that he touched: his personal relationships, his profession, his passions. The world is a better place for his myriad contributions.

After high school, Geoff obtained his Bachelor of Science from UCLA, while continuing a lifelong habit of balancing responsibility and play. He was accomplished in Aikido, played the drums, competed in high school basketball and tennis, and dove into golf until he could claim proficiency. He became an avid backpacker, hiker, and camper. Geoff, or “Jefe” – as he’s been known to friends since high school - took immense joy in sharing what he knew of nature, and how to appreciate and respect its beauty. He hiked many of the famous, challenging treks in California – either solo, or with friends he met along the way. Geoff left an appreciation for the outdoors in the hearts of many. Geoff credited his deep love of the outdoors to a life- changing Alaskan wilderness experience he had through the National Outdoor Leadership School ( NOLS).

After UCLA, Geoff left the West Coast and headed east. In 2015, he graduated The George Washington University Law School, 6th in his class. He was always prepared, loved a challenging professor, and never backed away from a good argument. He was Managing Editor of the GW Law Review in his senior year. After a year working at Latham & Watkins, LLC, Geoff obtained a clerkship with the Sixth District Federal Court of Appeals ( Akron, Ohio). He then moved back to the Golden State, serving 2 years as an Earl Warren Fellow with the California State Office of the Solicitor General. He handled litigation that often was given to more senior attorneys. He was a member of the team that successfully challenged the termination of the 2017 DACA program, was lead author of a state Supreme Court brief, and got to present oral argument before the California Supreme Court. In 2018 he rejoined Latham & Watkins, hoping eventually to specialize in appellate or environmental law.

In 2020, just before the pandemic arrived, Geoff fell in love with Amanda Carrillo, a data analyst originally from El Paso. Elizabeth and Gene’s spirited and accomplished son had found another piece of himself.

Geoff is survived by his parents Elizabeth & Gene Wright of Santa Rosa; Patricia and E. R. Waskawic ( aunt and uncle – Omro, WI); Janis Wright ( aunt- Oshkosh, WI); Jayme Kinderman ( cousin – Appleton, WI); Kirsten Michels ( cousin – Minneapolis, MN); Alex Waskawic ( cousin – Houston, TX). He is predeceased by his older brother Nathan who died June 21, 2019. Geoffrey also left behind innumerable friends from high school, college, law school, work, and his outdoor adventures. First among them being his love – Amanda Carrillo.

A virtual Celebration of Geoff’s life is scheduled from 2pm to 4pm ( PST) on January 9, 2021. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to NOLS ( 284 Lincoln Street, Lander, Wyoming, 82520). Funds will be used to establish a perpetual scholarship in Geoff’s name. Virtual Celebration of Life information may be found at www. geoffwrightmemorial. com. Elizabeth and Gene Wright can be reached at GWrightCelebration@ gmail. com