Bert Raymond “Ray” Bailey, 98, passed away on Wednesday, September 9 2015, at his home in Country Meadow Village, Sedro Woolley with his loving family by his side.
He was born on July 17, 1917, in Atlantic, Iowa the son of Bert and Lola (Hamler) Bailey. As a teen, Ray and his family lived a short time in El Monte, California before settling in Whatcom County as dairy farmers. Ray worked for a number of companies in his younger years including Montgomery Ward, Brown and Cole, Bellingham Shipyard and Bellingham Chain Works. He retired from the Bellingham Sears Roebuck store in 1979 as warehouse manager.
In 1938 Ray married Ardis Anderson of Whatcom County and they have one daughter, Ardis Joanne (Robert) McCormick. In 1943 he married Alma Watson and welcomed 5 more children, Judy, Linda (Andy) Rudy, Ronald (Kathy) Bailey, Lola (Randy) Locke and Robert (Julie) Bailey.
Ray was 72 year member Of Masonic Lodge #151 F&AM as well as Maple Leaf Chapter, Order of Eastern Star where he was Worthy Patron on two separate occasions.
Ray and family were members of Fairhaven Methodist Church and he was an integral part in the construction of Aldersgate Methodist Church in Bellingham.
Ray is survived by his 5 children; 18 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; 14 great-great grandchildren and their spouses.
He was preceded in death by Ardis and Alma; parents, Bert and Lola; stepmother, Bertha; sister, Noreen Manke; daughter, Judy, and son-in-law Randy Locke.
The family would like to thank the staff and residents at Country Meadow Village for the love and support they provided Ray and his family. He considered them his second family and loved them dearly. He was known there as “Mr. Trouble”. He always said his goal in life was to wake up each morning and put a smile on someone’s face and that he did.
A celebration of Ray’s life will be held Saturday, October 3rd at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2015 E Blackburn Road, Mount Vernon, WA, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. with a short service at 2:00.
In lieu of flower, the family suggests memorials be given to Evergreen Elementary (1007 McGarigle Road, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284). Dad loved working with the special needs children.
Another memorial suggestion would be Hospice of the Northwest (227 Freeway Drive, Suite A, Mount Vernon, WA 98273). They were fantastic in helping Dad and the family transition to his next adventure.
Directions to First Evangelical Church are as follows: Driving North on I-5, take exit 225 (Anderson Road) – follow this east (it curves), and turn left on Blackburn. The church is on the right. If Driving South on I-5, take exit 226 (Kincaid), turn left como funciona el viagra masculino at the light and go up the hill. Turn right on 15th and then left on Blackburn. The church is on the left.