Rex Bright

Rex David Bright, age 81, lost his battle to Multiple Myeloma on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, and joined his father, mother, and many special friends in heaven.

Rex loved his family, friends, and his work. He was curious about people and would go out of his way to know a person’s name and story. He left his mark in clever ways; postcards, caricature drawings, custom business cards, embarrassing bumper stickers, personalized wine labels, outlandish suits, phone calls, and messages. He enjoyed the latest tech gadget, sailing, drawing, sculpting, traveling, crossword puzzles, current events, and Broadway shows.

He was an entrepreneur; and he was an industry expert in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, aesthetic dermatology, and cosmeceuticals for over 50 years. He was president & CEO of Seabright Associates and held senior executive positions in various healthcare companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Allergan, and SkinMedica. In addition, he served as acting CEO for several startup companies and was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the California State Assembly and the Carlsbad, California Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Rex served on multiple boards including Vyne Therapeutics, MDRejuvena, Skylit Medical, and was a member of Vistage International and the American Academy of Dermatology.

Rex’s love of people and relationships went beyond family and friends as he touched the lives of countless people through his volunteer work. As a survivor of childhood polio, he supported Rotary Club’s continued work in eliminating that disease. He was a member and past president of Fallbrook Rotary where he enthusiastically participated in that organization’s ongoing effort to “…provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace…” He was a member of the North County Fire District Citizens Advisory Committee, and board president of the Boys and Girls Clubs of North County. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Drury University and continued to actively volunteer in various ways; providing scholarships, advising students, speaking to classes, and promoting reunions. In 2018, Drury inducted Rex into the Breech Hall of Fame and then honored him with the Drury University Distinguished Alumni Award – Career Achievement in 2020.

Rex is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Marilyn Bright; their children, Jill (Kevin) Struemph and Toni (Brad) Reel, and his grandchildren; Simon, Sam, Peyton, and Phoebe. His younger sister JoAnne Newby and her kids; Michael McConnell, Robbie McConnell, and Nicole (Scott) Quisling (Ava, Bella & Emma). His dogs; Charlie (his sleeping buddy) and Penny. He was a faithful friend, talking daily with so many especially his friend, Don Eves.

In lieu of flowers, Rex requested donations in his memory to one of the non-profit organizations that were close to his heart: Drury University or the Boys and Girls Clubs of North County.

A celebration of life will be held in both California and St. Louis, an electronic announcement to follow.