John Walter Cartwright Jr.

Welcome to our site dedicated to the memory of John Walter Cartwright Jr, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. For many years, John told us he wanted the song "Rainy Day Bells" played at his funeral. When we wondered why, he explained the words provided him a comforting message about death and acceptance that he wanted us to remember when he died.  In the song, the rain falls on a sad day, but the bells in the chapel ring to remind us one day we will walk together in the sun. 

He hasn't mentioned the song in years, even as he became sick and battled mightily to get twelve more years with his family. But as it became clear that his long illness had come to an end and we discussed what sort of service or memorial to have for him, all three of us focused on this song and the clear instructions he gave us to use it as our guide. It is thus now a very concrete message for his grandchildren and an invitation for all of us to remember him and try to find the sunshine beyond the storm. 

We thus created this site as our memorial to him, so that all of us can gather our memories, pictures, and stories and, essentially, listen to the bells together. 

~ Susan, Cara, and Jay

Rainy day bells

ring in the chapel

telling the people

there's gonna be sunshine.

Rainy day bells 

played by the raindrops

sing out a message

don't be afraid of the storm.

'Somewhere the sun is shining

through a silver lining,

wait and see', say the rainy day bells.

Hey little girl,

come to your window

and hear the music 

sing you a sweet song.

Don't let the rain

make you unhappy;

in just a moment

we're gonna be walking in the sun.

Little gray clouds will cheer up,

they're gonna smile and clear up,

when they hear those rainy day bells.