Carlton Ford Fry, 75, passed away peacefully on the evening of January 6, 2023 surrounded by his wife and their three children.

Born in White Cloud, Michigan in 1947, Mr. Fry graduated from Mona Shores High School, south of Muskegon, in 1965. He earned a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University. After serving two years in the Army, he completed a master's degree at The Ohio State University, and later earned a second master's at Michigan State University.

Mr. Fry managed the Ethan Allen Store in Traverse City, and later owned Georgetown Manor Ethan Allen in Lansing. He changed careers at age 40, shifting to the Human Resources field where he worked as an administrator and consultant until retiring in 2019.

After moving to Traverse City in 1977, Carl and his wife Rondi have lived on Long Lake since 1984. Carl loved the outdoors, and enjoyed running, hiking, snow-shoeing, sailing and waterskiing. In his later years, he took even greater pleasure in sharing those activities with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was dedicated to preserving nature for future generations to enjoy, and became an active member of the Grand Traverse Land Conservancy. He was instrumental in creating the Bullhead Lake Natural Area, which was the first such area in Long Lake Township.

Mr. Fry was predeceased by his parents, Clyde and Mildred (Boutell) Fry. He is survived by three sisters, Janet, Lorraine, and Alice, his wife, Rondi (George) Fry, their three children, Peter, Erin, and Andrea, and four grandchildren.

A memorial service honoring Carl's life will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 14, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and continue until the time of service. Reception to follow.

Those unable to attend in person may view a livestream of the service at rjfh.tv.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, 3860 N. Long Lake Road, Suite D, Traverse City, Michigan 49684 or online at www.gtrlc.org

Memories and condolences may be shared on Carl's tribute page, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com