Obituary of Ralph Francis Bailey

On Saturday, December 27, 2003 at the Bethany Nursing Home in Calgary, Ralph Francis Bailey, age 84 years, peacefully followed his recently departed beloved wife of sixty years, Georgia Ruth, to rest. He is sorrowfully survived by two daughters and sons-in-law Jo Anne and John Beer and their children Angela and Jonathan of Madoc, ON; and Barbara June and Jacques Boizeau and their children Caroline and Christelle of St. Leu-la-ForÛt, France; a sister and brother-in-law Dorothy and Gil Hirst of Calgary and their children Jeff and Elaine and their families; brother-in-law Dick Depue of Cochrane, AB and his children Mike, Tim and Steve and their families. Ralph was predeceased by his wife Georgia Ruth (nee Depue) Bailey; his father Herbert Leonard Bailey; his mother Constance Esther (nee Daft) Bailey; three brothers, Herbert of Calgary, Leslie and Kenneth (in youth); a sister Jean (in infancy); and a niece Dorothy Lorraine Wood. Ralph was born in Delacour, AB and graduated from Haultain and Western Canada High School in Calgary. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at the University of Alberta in 1941. He held a series of positions with Cominco in Calgary, Trail BC, Montreal and Vancouver, retiring in 1981 after forty years of loyal service. Ralph was active in square dancing and duplicate bridge, and enjoyed traveling, golf and aquatic sports at their summer home. He always took great pleasure in gatherings of family and friends, especially their very precious “gang” reunions. His determined character and vivacious personality have left marvelous memories for all those he touched. Remember him with a smile today He was not one for tears Reflect instead on memories Of all the happy years Recall to mind the way he spoke And all the things he said His strength, his stance, the way he walked Remember these instead The good advice he’d give us His eyes that shone with laughter So much of him will never die But live on ever after As we loved you, so we miss you In our memory you are close Loved, honoured, longed for always You were the man with the most! You gave us your love And you know we realize How very much you taught us Of trust, peace and happiness in our lives. Thanks to the “Sunshine Point” staff of Bethany Care Centre and to many supportive friends for their care and concern. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice. Ralph’s life will be celebrated at Christina Lake, BC in the summer of 2004. To forward condolences go to www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Ralph Bailey, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W., CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 241-0044.