Barry Martin Carter

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." – A.A. Milne 

Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Barry Carter, aged 77, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 17, 2024, in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, surrounded by the love of his wife, Pauline, and daughter, Michelle.

Barry was born in Ilford, Redbridge, UK, to George and Daisy Carter. Sadly, Barry's mother and older brother, Martin, passed away from tuberculosis when Barry was just 18 months old and he spent his early years with his uncle Charlie and family in Forest Gate, London, before returning to live with his father and stepmother at the age of three.

For most of his adult life, Barry lived in London and Essex with his wife, Pauline, whom he married in 1969, and later their daughter and only child, Michelle. Meanwhile, Barry pursued a successful career in the wholesale fastener distributive trade, reaching Divisional Director. Later, he stepped back to help Pauline run their launderette businesses in Central London.

In 1996, Michelle moved to California, and in 2009, Barry and Pauline followed her there. The highlight of this new chapter was greeting their granddaughter, Daisy, when she was born that April.  In March 2022, after many years enjoying and being integral parts of Daisy's childhood, Barry and Pauline returned to the UK, settling in Dersingham, Norfolk, to be closer to Barry's family

Barry was a true English gentleman, taking pride in his appearance and treasuring good manners and kindness. Although a man of his time, Barry embodied the spirit of "live and let live" and took people as he found them. He had a gentle nature and a smile that could brighten anyone’s day, paired with a quick wit and a wicked sense of humor that kept his loved ones laughing. Barry loved music and spent hours playing the organ and keyboard, a passion he inherited from his father. He enjoyed taking long drives down country roads, savoring a traditional Sunday roast, and indulging his sweet tooth—he could never say no to dessert, and it was impossible to pick his favorite.

Barry is survived by his devoted wife, Pauline; his daughter, Michelle; his granddaughter, Daisy; his brother, Grahame; and his sister, Janet. He is predeceased by his younger brother, Brian.

Barry was deeply loved by all who knew him. He leaves a void that can never be filled in the lives of his family who adored him. His sharp wit and caustic comments will always remain part of the stories we tell and the memories we cherish.

If you would like to attend a service in Barry's memory either in person or virtually, please scroll down for more information. The family kindly requests no flowers. Instead, donations in Barry’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society at www.alzheimers.org.uk.

We also encourage you to share your memories of Barry here on the Memory Wall.

Gallery

Memory wall

November 22, 2024

Fond memories of childhood visits with a very much loved Uncle and later spending time with Uncle Barry during his visits from the U.S..this usually involved breakfast or lunch....but generally cake 🥰 I remember his shock at my yellow shoes - a birthday gift opened in his company.
Taking him to primary school lunches and stage performances with his great Nieces.
And in most recent years introducing him to his great,
great neice and nephews.
A sad loss of a wonderful Uncle..one of life's true gentlemen xx

Suzy

November 21, 2024

Barry was warm with his embrace, infectious with his laughs, kind and gentle with his interactions, and genuine with everyone around him. Words cannot express my gratitude having known you and sadness to have lost you. You’ll be missed and remembered forever!

Joy Fong

November 21, 2024

I first met Barry and Pauline when my husband and I visited London in 2006. I worked with Michelle and she arranged it. After a long flight, I was so relieved and happy to see their smiling faces! They took us home and treated us as family for the next few days. When they moved to California, we were lucky enough to live in the same neighborhood. As avid walkers at the time, I would often get to visit with Barry as our paths crossed - literally. He was a kind man, always asking about my family and showing great interest. At gatherings, he may have been quiet at times, but then he would throw in a zinger and make everyone laugh. You knew it was coming by the twinkle in his eye! I’m happy that I had a chance to know him. He will be missed. Much love to all of you.

CJ Warriner

November 20, 2024

We will forever be lucky to have had such an amazing great Uncle. He will be sorely missed but fondly remembered. May he rest peacefully knowing how loved and cherished he was x

Demi-Sian

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