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Harry Carey Obituary
His daughter, Melinda Carey, said he died Thursday of natural causes surrounded by family at a hospice facility in Santa Barbara, Calif.
"He went out as gracefully as he came in," she said Friday.
Carey's career spanned more than 50 years and included such John Ford classics as "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon," ''The Searchers" and "The Long Gray Line." Later in life, he appeared in the movies "Gremlins" and "Back to the Future Part III."
His memoir, "Company of Heroes: My Life as an Actor in the John Ford Stock Company," was published in 1994.
While he lacked the leading-man stature of longtime friend and co-star John Wayne, Carey's boyish looks and horse-riding skills earned him roles in many of Ford's films.
He and fellow character Ben Johnson famously learned to stand simultaneously on two galloping horses — a trick known as roman riding — for the 1950 film "Rio Grande" starring Wayne.
"My journey has been that of a character actor," he wrote in his memoir. "I've worked with the great and the not-so-great. But mostly I've worked with men and women who loved their profession, and who like me, had kids to raise and houses to pay for."
Carey was the son of silent-film Western star Harry Carey Sr. and actress Olive Carey. He was born on May 16, 1921, on his family's ranch and graduated from Hollywood's Black-Foxe Military Institute.
During World War II, he served in the Navy and worked with Ford on films for the Navy.
He is survived by his wife, a son, two daughters, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
DERRIK J. LANG, AP Entertainment Writer
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
209 Entries
richard heyman
December 7, 2024
He diddn't know me, and I didn't know him, but I enjoyed his movies and the interview he did with Ben Johnston. A true gentleman and fine actor.His memory will live on!
Linda Janssen Gjere
May 21, 2023
I had the marvelous chance to work with and share a short friendship with Harry Carey Jr that began with working on "Endangered Species" in Wyoming in 1981.
My husband and I have great memories of meals shared in our home, and golf dates (for the men).
I also have copies of Soledad Productions Materials if family members are interested in them.
He was a lovely man, and a delightful storyteller.
Linda Janssen Gjere
Maurice H Bank
December 24, 2013
Mr Carey would write to me over the years via Email, and we would talk about his various films. His book Company of Heroes is a must for all Ford Ensemble fans. I join in sending condolences on his passing.
Gilbert Mandeville with Terry
Terry Mandeville
January 22, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss! My father always talked fondly of visiting with his Carey cousins (related through the Ludlum family) and I always got a kick of watching Mr. Carey on the Mickey Mouse Club and telling everyone he was my "cousin". I loved all of his films.
How you can show support
RICK ADAMS
January 12, 2013
my condolences to the Carey Family, i had the pleasure of emailing with him,and talking about being married to our wifes both of us in august,and enjoying the movies he has been in what a great actor, you will be missed
January 11, 2013
To the Carey Family: Your tribute to Dobe on his official website is beautiful and so appropriate for such a gentle man. Thank you for sharing him with the world. May God's peace be with all of you. An admirer of a great talent
George Bulgin
January 8, 2013
Our condolences to the Carey family. We corresponded with Dobe & Marilyn during the late '90's and treasure those letters.
May God Bless and watch over them.
Dobe, Fair winds and following Seas, Shipmate.
Mary-Ann Hornbaker
January 7, 2013
He said," I'm taking her to New York City for a steak at Delmonicos, Bub." You could have worn my yellow ribbon, Mr. Carey.
January 7, 2013
YOU ARE OPENING YOUR HAND AND SATISFYING THE DESIRE OF EVERY LIVING THING..pslm.145:16...sorry for your loss..dm
January 6, 2013
All his performances were excellent and his talents always added to the entertainment in any show he was in. May his family be comforted by God in their loss of this gentle man. Fan
January 6, 2013
To the Carey Family- My sincerest condolences. and Thanks For serving during WW2, sir. God bless.
January 6, 2013
May you find comfort in the Hearer of prayer at this time. Psalm 65:2
January 5, 2013
To Harry's wife, children and grandchildren: I would like to extend my sympathy and prayers to all of you. Dobe was a great treasure who will forever be remembered as a gentleman and a terrific actor. One of his many fans
Jim Snyder
January 5, 2013
Cowboy Fans will never forget You
Jim Snyder
January 5, 2013
Talented and worked with other greats esp ford and the Duke
Connie Converse
January 3, 2013
I'm sorry for your loss. I remember seeing some of his moives with my grandma, she loved The Serchers, The Three Godfothers and Rio Grande. He was great at what he did. Rest in peace.
Alec J Wieczorek II
January 3, 2013
My condolences to Mr.Carey's family ,he was one of my favorite actors. All of the great ones are getting together up there now and keeping watch over us and waiting for us to rejoin them there.until we all meet again, Farewell.
Vasilios Emmanuel Glimidakis
January 3, 2013
Dear Carey and other families,
I am sorry for your loss. God bless him and his family.
January 3, 2013
To Dobe's family: His memorable "characters" are forever on film for everyone to enjoy. He is now at rest--May you too have peace-my sincere sympathy to all of you--A Friend
laura abrahamson
January 3, 2013
we fondly remember Mr. C with love and passion. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. The end of the Westerns are over.
Laura and John in Utah
Catherine Newton
January 3, 2013
I was never familiar with his Western movie work, but I enjoyed his characters in his relatively recent movies. Mask and Tombstone were 2 of my favorites of his. My condolences to the family. What an adventurous, meaningful and long life he must have enjoyed!
January 3, 2013
To the Carey family: My sincere sympathy on your loss. He was a great actor who never failed to entertain his millions of fans. His legacy will live on in his films. Dobe, thank you for sharing all those great stories in your book. A long time "Fan"
Frank Hill
January 3, 2013
It's sad to say but all the true movie stars are passing away
But they will live forever in the films
January 2, 2013
our deepest sympathies to the family. We have many fond memories of Dobe. He was a fine man and happily lived a long happy life.
Although it has been many years since we have had contact, we would like to know if there isw a service. My mom is living with me in San Diego because my dad passed away last December. However, if Marilyn is up to it, my mom would love to hear from her. Her number hasn't changed it is 818-789-0945.
We are happy his passing was peaceful and surrounded by family. That is how it was for me Dad and that provides comfort to this day.
LOVE, MABEL, JUDI AND ROBERT KLEIN
Ron
January 2, 2013
Should have been leading man in many western's
January 2, 2013
I loved those movies. He was great in all of them. He was like you wished you and your sons would be in those situations. He will be remembered. Condolences to his loved ones. A Fan in St. Louis, Mo.
G Guild
January 2, 2013
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon was one of my favorites.
ROB
January 2, 2013
To the bereaved family and friend OF MR.Harry Carey JR.We sent our condolence,May God grant you peace and comfort.2Cor 1:2-5.
January 2, 2013
An end of an ERA, thanks for the memories
leonard garris
January 2, 2013
Thank You Harry for all of the
enjoyment you brought watching you on the silver screen RIP
PC Barrett
January 2, 2013
What an STAR... I love watching him in movies back in the day....
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
Rest in peace
Lois H
January 2, 2013
I always knew if I saw Harry Carey JR.s name on the billing, it was going to be a great movie. You'll be greatly missed.
Jeff Tracy
January 2, 2013
So Long Dobe, Ben is a the gate with a fresh horse. Duke and your Dad are waiting.Enjoy the ride old friend.
Don Hanberry
January 2, 2013
Thank you Harry for carrying on a fine family name. We admired you.
January 2, 2013
I have enjoyed your movies. Knowing that you have pleased others, may you rest in peace. A fan,
Edmund A. Zell
January 2, 2013
HARRY CAREY JR.HIS NAME SPEAKS FOR HIMSELF.HE IS ONE OF THE VERY LAST REAL COWBOYS.THE WEST HAS LOST A GOOD ONE.GOODBYE HARRY.
Linda Lippincott
January 2, 2013
Thank you for enhancing the movies you were in.
Shirley Hart
January 2, 2013
Deepest sypanthies to the family and friends of Harry Carey Jr. I also loved his
westerns movies.
S.M. Hart
January 2, 2013
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it's the memories of you that are the most precious.
By Lamaretta Simmons
Ricky Scarborough
January 2, 2013
I have watched Mr Carey's movies for as long as I can remember. He will be missed. Prayers to his family and friends. Wish I could have known him.
January 2, 2013
He was great and so were all his movies.
Larry Coleman
January 2, 2013
Thank you for some of the GREATEST westerns ever. I am 68 yrs. old and grew up loving the westerns you made........
Joe Hart
January 1, 2013
Mr. Carey:
Thank you for your military service to your Country. You made some great films greater.
Brenda Ward
January 1, 2013
Loved your movies.
January 1, 2013
Dobe was a true gentleman and he entertained millions in those great westerns. We will never again see the unbelievable roman riding that was done by him and Ben Johnson. Ride with the wind Dobe. A Fan
Connie Barnett
January 1, 2013
He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.
Bill King
January 1, 2013
I always enjoyed watching his movies. His passing is a great loss. R. I. P. Harry. You will be missed.
Terry Blanchard
December 31, 2012
My condolences to the Carey family. But we are very fortunate to have Harry's movies to remember him by. I loved every movie he was in, especially Rio Grande and the Searchers. We can only try to instill in our children his qualities. Thank you Harry, Jr. for so many sweet memories.
Vicki Hill
December 31, 2012
I really had a crush on him when I watched Spin and Marty as a young girl. So sorry to hear he has passed on.
December 31, 2012
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Gary & Nancy Johnston
December 31, 2012
We were saddened to hear of "Dobe's passing.Dobe and Marilyn have been great friends of our since they lived in Durango,Co. We shared many fun times and Christmas and Easter Dinners.I can still hear "Dobie's" laughter after he would tell us a story about a "happening"on the set of a John Ford Movie. We adored Dobie and Marilyn too.Dobie you lived a long and wonderful life and gave us so much. You are with Duke and Ben and probably looking down on us smiling. We will always love you. Rest well my friend.May God bless you and your family. Gary & Nancy Johnston
John Stair
December 31, 2012
So very sorry to hear of Mr. Carey's passing. My earliest recollections of him were from the Disney serial, Spin and Marty, which aired as part of the Mickey Mouse Club in the mid 1950s. I also enjoyed his portrayals of various western characters in many of John Ford's westerns, particularly those he made with John Wayne. He always seemed to portray a character who was endearing to the viewer. My prayers and condolences go out to his family. May the Lord envelope all of you with His love and grace at this time and in the months to come. God bless.
December 31, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
December 31, 2012
MR.CAREY was a true hollywood actor he went to work performed his job perfectly
and went home to his family whom he loved so dearly. rip serio sartor ga.
December 31, 2012
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family as you struggle through the grief and sadness. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Support staff,
My Fondest Memory
Gail Socha
December 31, 2012
THOSE WERE THE DAYS WHERE YOU REALLY KNEW THE GOOD GUYS FROM THE BAD. RIDE WITH THE WINDS AND KNOW YOU WERE LOVED!
Sid Smith
December 31, 2012
Deepest condolences to Marilyn and family. I will miss you dobecarey. R I p. Sid smith . From the uk.
Ron
December 31, 2012
Unfortunately, time robs us of all of our great heros. Harry Carey Jr. was a hero in his own way. A great loss to all of his fans. May he ride on God's Range. RIP.
Linda Jackson
December 31, 2012
I was so sad to learn of Mr. Carey's passing, I have always loved him in the movies and on Spin & Marty. Even as a child I thought he was one of the most handsome men I'd ever seen. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Debora
December 31, 2012
Rest in peace. My God be with the family we loved all your. Moves they we're good
Gerald Turley
December 31, 2012
sorry to hear of your passing thanks for all the great western movies you gave us alway looked for your character in the John Wayne westerns my wife & I enjoyed them all
Tom Bennett
December 31, 2012
Adios Dobe.
December 31, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the family of Mr Harry Carey Jr. He was seen and enjoyed by many of us as we watched him on the screen. He will be missed but not forgotten. May God be a refuge for you during this time.
Ps. 46:1
Susan Ehlert
December 30, 2012
Happy trails, Dobe. Loved you in Spin & Marty too. My condolences to your family.
olga flores
December 30, 2012
Gone but never forgotten,He will live in our hearts and in the films that we so adored as children,w/all the ones that went before him and are now together ,again!Especially,John Wayne,John Ford ,his Father and Mother of course and my favorite w/him in Rio Grande,Ben Johnson!..Rest in Heaven and wait for us Buckaroo!
Mike O'Verly
December 30, 2012
I grew up watching you star beside the Duke. The way you rode those horses in Fort Apache was amazing! YOU should have won an academy award for supporting actor in "The Searchers". God be with you and yours.
John J. Grimes
December 30, 2012
R.I.P. Harry, you were one of those actors that won't be forgotten. My sincere condolences to the family.
Walter Keys
December 30, 2012
I am sure he is riding the range in heaven. We will miss him here.
Ed
December 30, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Carey family for your loss. May you please find comfort in prayer at this sorrowful time. Psalms 65:2
marie bales
December 30, 2012
Anyone can tell you I love a western and Carey was One of the best. We will miss him. He was truly great. GOD bless his family.
Christina FitzSimons-Guernsey
December 30, 2012
Remembering the Best!!!!
Ve Esta Haynes
December 30, 2012
The best tv shows ever
Gary Wiles
December 30, 2012
Dobey: We'll miss you.
Guy Ransom
December 30, 2012
My sincere sympathy to the Carey family in your loss. From what I have read and seen Mr. Carey was an excellent actor as well as a gentleman. If I am not mistaken, he and Mr. Carey, Sr., both had roles in "Red River." I don't believe his skills will ever be duplicated in films, not even close. May God Bless you all!
Glenda Lamka
December 30, 2012
One of the Three Godfathers. My favorite old movie ever! Rest In Peace Harry!
December 30, 2012
It was a great privelige to have lunch with Harry and Marilyn Carey at Buffalo Bill's Museum in Golden,Co.,talking about all the movies Harry and Ben Johnson made together. Happy Trails in the sky with all your friends! LeRoy and Beverly Allen,Golden,Co.
Phil Appell
December 30, 2012
My sympathty goes out to the family, he was a good man and a great actor. He will be missed.
Russ Adkisson
December 30, 2012
I never had the pleasure of actually meeting Dobe in person, but loved seeing him on the screen, and in TV and documentary appearances.
He was one of the greats, and will be missed.
"There will come a time sir, when I will be known as First Lt!"
"Yeah, in about 10 or 12 years!!"
(From She Wore A Yellow Ribbon"
Frank Rose
December 30, 2012
God bless the Carey family. I remember watching Mr. Carey when I was a child , on the Micky Mouse Club, in Spin and Marty. I later became more familiar with his acting,seeing him in many other movies. I also had the pleasure of emailing his website and received a personal repy. I was thrilled that he took the time to answer his websites emails. Happy trails!!!
December 30, 2012
To the Carey Family: Dobe was an excellent actor. He was outstanding in creating memorable characters in all of his performances. I will never forget his and Ben Johnson's roman riding in Rio Grande. I have never again seen such an accomplishment. May the "kid" keep singing in Heaven and may God give him eternal rest. JM, Austerlitz, NY
Wm L. Murphy
December 30, 2012
Rest in Peace Harry
Gary Hummert
December 30, 2012
Your riding horses with Ben Johnson. RIP.
Debbie Kelley
December 30, 2012
Mr Carey, you so feeled our lives with your movies..watched them over and over..our prayers goes out to your family..
Gwendolyn Williams
December 30, 2012
Because of my Dad's love of the older westerns, I got hooked and saw a lot of you're westerns. Maybe you weren't the leading man but you sure made each western worth watching. Happy Trails Mr. Carey...
Joseph Henderson
December 30, 2012
I hope you are picnicking with John Agar, Joann Dru, and the Duke, and all the other greats who have moved on.
Linda "Lyn" Winbourn-Sanchez
December 30, 2012
Thank you for the times you brought actors into Durango and shared them with those who cherished thier movies. You were a true genltman!
HR Braggs
December 30, 2012
To the Family of Harry Carey Jr, Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. May you look forward to a time when this verse comes true "And He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away".
May the God of comfort be with you.
hugh macleod
December 30, 2012
With the great sympathy Mrs. Carey and Family,I meet Harry four times in Maine,D
urango and twice in Tombstone.He was always kind to his fans.I have my scapbooks out looking at pictures.Thank you and Harry for your kindness to a fan.
Ken Downs
December 30, 2012
You and the "Duke" can ride into the sunset once again...God Bless and RIP
Tommy Woolley
December 30, 2012
A great character in his day and will be sorely missed, my prayers go out to his family. He e.mailed me once asking what I thought about the westerns they were turning out now, I sent a message back saying they were crap, he replied agreeing with me.
Rick
December 30, 2012
Long before I watched you in the movies on tv, I watched you on tv in 'Spin and Marty'. You were a terrific actor and I enjoyed all of your performances. Rest in peace.
Gary Burns
December 30, 2012
Thanks for all the movies, you where a star through and through.
May you rest in peace and God bless your family in their time of need.
Curt Kendall
December 30, 2012
A huge loss to all of us-I had the privilege to meet him with his wife Marilyn at the former Carey ranch in Valencia,CA two years ago and he was very gracious to all attending the event. May God bless his family and friends forever.
Curt Kendall
Lawrence & Patricia Crawford
December 29, 2012
Thanks for all the movies, and the great entertainment you provided for my family.
Terry R. Rush
December 29, 2012
Rest well Dobe. I cherish the e-mails we shared, your wonderful book and all the movies you've made. You too are now a "Shining Star In The Western Sky". My thoughts and prayers go out to Marilyn.
Richard Magee
December 29, 2012
I shall miss the acting and abilities you presented to us, your fans. Rest in Peace my friend, ~Rick Magee, FL
Deborah Turnor
December 29, 2012
I loved your movies!!
Garcia
December 29, 2012
Rest in Peace...
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