David passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at his home in London, Ontario, in his 78th year. Beloved husband for 50 years to the late Barbara Bailey (1949-2020). Loving father of Karen Clooney (Matthew), Brian Bailey (Anita), all of London, and Scott Bailey (Christina), of Angus. “Grandpa” shared a unique and special bond with each of his adoring grandchildren: Lavinnia, Maia, Isaak, Rhiannon, Seren, Dane, and Aracelis. Also, survived by his sister Joan Stalker (John), of Cobourg; sister-in-law Jane Palmer (Mike), of Honolulu, Hawaii; his brother-in-law Chuck (Ainsley), of Beaverton. Predeceased by his parents, George and Barbara Bailey (née Smith).
David distinguished himself for two very different reasons in the world of international running, as well as food-drug research. On June 11th, 1966, in San Diego, CA, he became Canada’s first sub-four minute miler in a time of 3:59.1. He sought to top this a year later on July 22, 1967, this time in his home town of Toronto, ON, in a time of 3:57.7. Later in his life, while working on a clinical pharmacology study between a blood pressure lowering drug and alcohol, he discovered the bizarre reaction between some medications and grapefruit juice. So if you ever see a little sticker on your medicine bottle saying “don’t take with grapefruit juice” you can thank Dr. Bailey.
Over the past year, David discovered his biological siblings and has come to appreciate his unknown Scottish ancestry.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2022 from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London. A Celebration of Life and Interment will follow in Orangeville at a later date. Please contact the family for details if you would like to attend.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Dave are asked to consider the Humane Society London & Middle.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Dr David George Bailey PhD March 17 1945 August 27 2022..
Death notice for the town of: London, Province: Ontario
On behalf of the London Western Track & Field Club, I would like to offer condolences on the sudden passing of David. He was a friend to all and a loyal supporter of his sport with the many volunteer hours he gave as an official at local track and cross country meets. We will miss seeing him at events, his engaging stories, and words of wisdom to aspiring young athletes. It has been our honour and privilege to have had his presence in our lives. We hope that your memories offer comfort to all in your family.
Kathy Roberts
President–Board of Directors