The world just became a much quieter place with the passing of Bob (Bart, if you grew up in Wheatley) Bailey on March 08, 2020 after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer. He is survived by “the love of his life”, wife of 50 years, Sharon, sons Rob (Linda) of Wheatley, Matt (Kristina) of Chatham and daughter Erin (Ron) Fick of Windsor. Proud and Loving grandpa to Darson, Jensen, Paige, Liam and new baby coming this summer and step-grandpa to Amanda and Myles. Born August 18, 1949 to parents Leonard and Elaine Bailey (who liked him best) and survived by stepfather George Fast, brother Gary (Marilyn) Bailey of Es, sister Cheryl (Dan) Durocher of Belle River and many brothers and sisters-in-law and nephews and nieces who will miss their Uncle Bob.
Bob was a life long resident of Wheatley, a commercial fisherman for most of his working life. He loved his community, coaching for many years with minor baseball, volunteering with hockey, driving the bus for the Sharks and spent many years as a volunteer firefighter. He had a passion for sports mostly golf and bowling (both participating in and watching on tv with a death grip on the remote control, sound asleep) and was a life long fan of the Detroit Tigers, Red Wings and Lions. One of the highlights of his life was a trip to the Masters practice round in Augusta.
He was fortunate to have travelled to Europe several times, the East Coast and Florida where he made many new friends over the 20+ years vacationing there. He never met a stranger and there was nothing he liked better than an interesting or lively conversation with a good or new friend even in foreign countries where he didn’t speak the language.
He was famously loud and opinionated and will surely be missed at Lil Hil’s where he spent many mornings drinking coffee and debating with the guys.
Bob was a strong man with a big heart always ready to lend a helping hand. This has been reciprocated with the many offers to take him to treatments, good wishes, prayers and visits from friends. Special thanks to friends Richard Dibbley, Charlie and Shirley, Ron and Katie for being there to help us out as Bob’s illness progressed.
Thank you to the LIHN, Bayshore and VON especially Paula and Maggie who treated Bob with no nonsense kindness and humour in his last few months. Thanks also to all of the hard working nurses at dialysis and PSWs who helped out at home.
Friends can visit with Bob’s family at Kendrick Funeral Home, 17 Little Street South, Wheatley, ON, Thursday, March 12, 2020 between 3 to 5 p.m. or 7 to 9 p.m.
If you wish, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.
Everyone who remembers Bob is asked to celebrate his life in their own way. Raising a cup of coffee in his memory at Lil Hil’s would be appropriate. As per his wishes, the first 100 bucks is on him.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Bob Bart Bailey – Wheatley Celebration Centre March 8 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Kingsville, Province: Ontario