Cawas Maneck Sohrob “Bill” Mody

Cawas Maneck Sohrob (Bill) Mody, 91, passed away peacefully at his home on January 31, 2018.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 1, 2018 at First United Methodist Church in Lawrence, Kansas. The family will greet friends beginning at 9:30 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 1st at the church.

Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 3, 2018 in Old City Cemetery, Jackson, Missouri.

He was born June 19, 1926, in Poona, India, the son of Dr. Maneck and Mahabanoo Mody. He attended the Hall School in Hampstead, England, and graduated from the Doon School in Dehra Doon, India. He earned a B.A. from the University of Poona and an LL.B. degree from the University of Bombay, serving as a Barrister at the High Court of Bombay.

He earned an M.A. in International Relations from the University of Missouri and an M.A. and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Kansas where he was a member of Pi Sigma Alpha. He taught Political Science at the University of Kansas, South Dakota State University, Creighton University, Wayne State University, and the University of Minnesota.

Bill grew up riding horses, competing in steeplechase and other amateur races and playing polo into middle age. From his mother, a pianist trained in Vienna, he developed an appreciation for classical music, and from both parents he acquired a love of reading. In Lawrence, he was chair of First Nighters, a member of Lawrence Civic Choir, and a member of ZAKA (Zoroastrian Association of Kansas)

He married Janet Isbell in New York City on August 10, 1966, she survives the home. Other survivors include his son, Cyrus Mody (wife Karen Burk and daughter Daria Lara) of Maastricht, the Netherlands; brother, Daraius Mody, Pune, Janet’s brother-in-law, David Inkeles, Sparta, N.J. nieces and nephews: Neville Mody (Ayesha and daughters Maleika, Janine, and Keira), Mumbai; Simone Mody, Farrokh Mody and Mark Mody, Pune; Charles Inkeles, NYC, Barbara Inkeles, Philadelphia; John (Sheree) Inkeles, Washington, D.C.; and Laura (Jason Kanow)Inkeles, Gaithersburg, Maryland; and cousins: Daraius Ardeshir (daughter Shahine), Pune; Mehlli Gobhai, Mumbai; Cawas Gobhai (son Dinshah), Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Naheed Bassani (Danesh and sons Zarek and Ezaad), San Francisco; sister-in-law, Mary Mody, Pune. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Sammy, and sister-in-law, Margery Inkeles.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Habitat for Humanity and sent in the care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

23 Condolences

  1. Sharon Rule on February 1, 2018 at 3:41 pm

    Janet–I guess it’s because we’ve known each other so long that today I had an uneasy feeling, went to my computer, and got the news. I’m so very, very sorry to hear about your loss of Bill. I know how tough that must be. Hand in there, and know that I’ll be thinking of you. With all my love—Sharon



  2. Dave and Diana Ice on February 1, 2018 at 5:55 pm

    We are sorry to learn about Bill. Please know we are thinking about you, and that you and your family are in our prayers. We’ll always remember the choir trips together.



  3. Thomas V. Murray on February 1, 2018 at 8:06 pm

    Bill Mody was a scholar and a consummate gentleman. Janet and Cyrus, I am very sorry to hear of his passing. Although I hadn’t seen Bill for some time, it was a distinct honor to have known him.

    Tom Murray



  4. Amy Bhesania and Jason Milford on February 1, 2018 at 8:43 pm

    Janet, Cawas was also so engaging and asking both Jason and I many questions about our lives and our interests. He had wonderful stories to share, and each time we talked – Jason and I both remarked that we learned something new from him. Our condolences to you and your family, to Cyrus and family.



  5. Clenece Hills on February 2, 2018 at 3:09 am

    Janet, I am sad that you have lost your Bill. Although I only met him once, it was clear to me that he was a gentleman and a gentle man. You two have had wonderful lives together. I am thinking of you.



  6. Ken and Mary Margaret Rowen on February 2, 2018 at 9:54 am

    It was a privilege to have known Bill through the years. May God surround you and all your family with the warmth of his love. Ken and Mary Margaret Rowen



  7. Shirley Phillips on February 2, 2018 at 9:57 am

    Shirley Phillips:
    Janet, I send my condolences to you and Cyrus. Your family has been part of my life for so many years that I can hardly imagine Bill not being here. I know that Cyrus and family will be a great support for you.

    Shirley



  8. Russi & Mehroo Bhesania on February 2, 2018 at 11:04 am

    Janet our prayers and thoughts are with you. We will feel the loss of dear Cawas and will miss him. We have known you both for many years. We sat with you two for most of the ZAKA events. He was always positive, entertaining, informative and a great pleasure to be with. We will also remember all times both of you came for parties and dinners at our house all the way from Lawrence. O

    ne time you got lost and remember when the police escorted you to our house. Janet, Cyrus and family please accept our sincere condolences and take care of yourself.



  9. Wayne and Judy Whitney on February 2, 2018 at 11:35 am

    Wayne and I extend our condolences to you and Cyrus. You have been so dedicated to Bill and provided loving care these past few years, we can not imagine how hard this is for you. Good memories will be with you forever. God be with you in this difficult time.



  10. Marceil Lauppe on February 2, 2018 at 11:39 am

    Janet knowing Bill was a blessing. You were such a good and thoughtful caregiver. Peace, be with you.



  11. Sven Erik Alstrom on February 2, 2018 at 12:42 pm

    —sending my best thoughts in this time of grief to Janet, Cyrus, and family.
    Bill and Janet both remarkable people that I have known the last 15 years through many dinners and watching for the solar eclipse last year know that Bill and Janet always have shared their own quests for being well informed with others. May the warm embrace of the cosmos now protect Bill forever. Toujours!



  12. Mert & Mickey Bradshaw on February 2, 2018 at 1:21 pm

    May it be a comfort to you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. With our love and sympathy, Mert & Mickey



  13. Donna Landreth on February 2, 2018 at 4:59 pm

    Janet- I was so shocked when I read the paper this morning. I want you to know that I was so happy to have known him (and you), My prayers are also with Cyrus and his family.
    My love and prayers, Donna



  14. Barbara L. Clinger on February 2, 2018 at 6:49 pm

    Janet,
    Know I am surrounding you and your family with prayer. My life is richer because of times shared with you and Bill. He never hesitated to be who he was and respect and work to understand the perspective of others. May you find peace as you work to find a “new normal.” Be kind to yourself. Barb



  15. Dan and Fran Breslauer, New York City on February 3, 2018 at 6:08 am

    We send our deepest condolences to Janet,Cyrus and family. Cawas was a fascinating person with unusual life experience. We were honored to spend time with him. Our daughter and her family were very happy to have been able to visit with Janet and Cawas last summer. We wish you comfort in your loss. May his memory be an inspiration.



  16. Dolores Palmer on February 3, 2018 at 9:10 pm

    Janet and Cyrus, I do not know if you remember me, but I certainly remember you as a wonderful family. Cyrus, you were a fine piano student and I know you have done well in life. My sincere condolences at the passing of your husband and father.



  17. Ron Schorr on February 4, 2018 at 4:10 pm

    Janet, I’m sorry for your loss. I remember Bill as a true gentleman, and I don’t use the term lightly. It was always a pleasure to see both you and him.



  18. Deborah Altus on February 4, 2018 at 6:01 pm

    Janet, Cyrus and family,
    Jerry, Eli and I want you to know that we are thinking of you and sending our deepest condolences.



  19. Cherry McCabria on February 5, 2018 at 1:16 pm

    Cherry McCabria

    Thinking of you and yours as you say good by to your loved one. May your wonderful memories be a comfort to you. Love, Cherry



  20. Trisha Brabender on February 7, 2018 at 8:09 pm

    You are in my thoughts Janet as I fondly remember your remarkable caregiving. I feel so blessed to have met you both. Bill was an incredible human! I am grateful for the brief time spent with you both. Peace and comfort to you.
    Trish Brabender



  21. Mary Gordon on February 14, 2018 at 5:38 pm

    Dear Janet,
    I am very saddened to learn of your loss of Bill. You have been a most loving, caring, and dedicated wife to Bill and your care was a blessing to him.

    With love and sympathy,

    Mary Gordon



  22. Jeanne Klein on February 27, 2018 at 4:33 pm

    Dear Janet and Cyrus,
    My deepest sympathies for your loss. If you should need any assistance with anything, please ask–I’m right around the corner.
    Jeanne Klein



  23. Virgil Brady on March 6, 2018 at 8:43 am

    Janet: Elaine and I send our love and prayers to you an Cyrus. We have fond memories of good times together. Virgil



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