Bill Carry, long-time Pax Christi member, Ambassador of Peace, PRESENTE!

Pax Christi USA is saddened to hear of the death of our long-time member Bill Carry, who, along with his wife Mary, was a Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace.

Bill, a former coordinator of Pax Christi Michigan, was well known and admired for his warmth, sense of humor, and commitment to peacemaking in all its forms.

“Bill Carry was a steady, calm, helpful presence in the midst of any storm,” remembers Ambassador of Peace Sr. Anne McCarthy, OSB, former Pax Christi USA national coordinator. “As treasurer of Pax Christi after the move to Erie his skill and expertise was invaluable. And, if there was a large mailing going out in Erie and we were overwhelmed, Bill and Mary would drive to Erie from Detroit, set up their camper in the inner city and help get the mailing out. 

“I remember one delegation to Haiti specifically during the violent aftermath of the coup that removed President Aristide from office, at a memorial mass in Port-au-Prince for Antoine Izméry, a prophetic peacemaker and businessman who had been assassinated during a liturgy. His wife and children had been unable to gather for a memorial and requested Pax Christi’s accompaniment presence. Bill and Mary and Tom Gumbleton and Mary Lou Kownacki and others responded without hesitation. Bill’s thoughtful presence, insights and humor were invaluable on that delegation. 

“I remember Bill’s special ministry, the countless cars he repaired and then donated to those without transportation in Detroit. And I remember many celebrations that Bill created or encouraged that were essential for Pax Christi’s mission. Pax Christi and the world have lost a committed, beautiful and fun peacemaker.”

“As a young Brit and Pax Christi’s first development director, the presence of Bill as treasurer was a true gift to me,” remembers former staff member and Ambassador of Peace Jo Clarke. “It was the days before Zoom and cell phones so long telephone conversations and face-to-face meetings were a must. I have many memories of the times when Bill and Mary would drive to Erie in their camper or wherever our National Assembly was. Their camper would be open to all and ‘Camp Carry’ became a part of Pax Christi legend. Warm summers evenings at ‘Camp Carry’ were memorable for both relaxation and fun but also for many serious conversations of all kinds.

“Bill was always there in good and bad times. I remember Bill, Mary and Tom Gumbleton visiting the office on September 11, 2001 and standing in our office in Erie in stunned silence and shock as we watched the terrible events unfold on our television. To have them there was comforting at a time that none of us could ever have imagined with ramifications that would affect us all for generations to come. Bill’s expertise, friendship, sense of humor, kindness, patience and hospitality were always present. He was an amazing man… Thank you Bill!”

“Bill (along with Mary) was the perfect example of quiet, ‘off-stage’ leadership. So much of what Pax Christi USA has been able to do over the past 50 years can be traced to Bill’s unwavering support from the wings,” said Johnny Zokovitch, Pax Christi USA’s former executive director. “He and Mary mentored and encouraged so many folks who were in positions of public leadership in our movement, including me. I cannot tell you the number of times that Bill put his hand on my shoulder, gave it a squeeze, looked at me with a smile, and offered me words of encouragement when I was faced with difficult decisions. I think of all of the leaders I know — from Michigan’s state leadership to national staff and council members to Teachers of Peace like Bishop Gumbleton — all of us benefited from Bill’s friendship, wisdom, demonstrations of solidarity, and his sense of humor and joy when they were needed to bring a little light into the darkness.

“I have firsthand experience of how his and Mary’s giving enabled us to do so many projects — including much of our work with young adults these past few years — that wouldn’t have been able to get off the ground if we didn’t trust that we would have the financial support to start and sustain them. You could always, always count on Bill, no matter what the need was.

“I know I am not alone in mourning this loss. He touched and inspired so many with his witness, his commitment to making this world more peaceful, more just, more sustainable. I give thanks for his life and my heart goes out to Mary and all those who are most directly affected by Bill’s passing. For Pax Christi USA, we can count another advocate among that great cloud of witnesses who will intervene on our behalf. Bill Carry, presente!”

The wake for Bill will be held Thursday, September 26, 3-8 PM at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers and Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48073; the funeral Mass will be held Friday, September 27, 10 AM at Holy Name Church, 630 Harmon Street, Birmingham, MI 48009.

Use this link to read his obituary: “With Mary by his side, Bill traveled over 25 times to central America, Haiti, and the Middle East to be in solidarity with people who were suffering as a consequence of U.S. policies and actions, organizing delegations and serving as witnesses to some of the horrors of these war-torn regions. They shared their stories with people back home, hoping to raise awareness and concern for these struggling human beings. He and Mary took part in and organized countless vigils, protests, and demonstrations in opposition to war and its importance to the country, capital punishment, and government actions and policies that cause suffering for the poor and marginalized. A deep and abiding faith in the gospel of Jesus fueled Bill’s passion for the mission he and Mary chose together.”

Feel free to leave any messages of condolence or memories of Bill Carry in the comments below.