Vernon Dewey Bailey
Vernon Dewey Bailey passed away at home on Monday, May 11, 2009 after a courageous battle with bone cancer.
Vern was born on July 14, 1952 in Polson, the son of Dean and Lovie Bailey. He attended Polson schools, graduating in 1971. While in school, he as an active member of 4H, Future Farmers of America and was an accomplished wrestler.
On June 4, 1977, he married the love of his life, Christine Andersen and to this union, two sons were born, Andy and Greg. He felt his boys were his greatest accomplishment and was very proud of them.
Vern worked on the Bailey farm, at Marvin’s Mobil, was manager at Polson Stove Shop building Earth Stoves, Castlio Well Drilling, and finally at Beacon Tire Center for 18 years. He was an avid welder and built many decks, ramps and awnings for many people around Polson.
He loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting with his sons, brothers, Howard and Mark, and his friends. He lived his whole life in Montana and enjoyed all it had to offer. He was just where he wanted to be.
Vern cherished his large family and their many get-togethers, which are always full of fun and good food. He was always available to help his family and friends when needed. In return, his family has pitched in to help Vern and Chris in any way they could since Vern’s illness.
Vern lived a life that was truly an inspiration. His kind and thoughtful ways, his great sense of humor and his never ending positive attitude have left a lasting impression on all who were blessed to know him. Chris said no matter what kind of day Vern had, he always came to the door whistling. Vern’s pockets may not have been lined with gold, but the love of family and friends certainly made him a rich man.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dean, his little sister, Doral, a nephew, Jamie, grandparents, Homer and Flora Bailey and George and Nora Kelly.
Survivors include his mother, Lovie Bailey; his loving wife, Christine; sons, Andy and Greg; nine brothers and sisters, Jan (Duane) Olsen, Jaquy (Kai) Christensen, Jim (Bev) Bailey, Donna (Jerry) Benson, Walt (Kelly) Bailey, Carolyn Bailey, Russell (Aileen) Bailey, Todd (Helen) Bailey, Randi Bailey (Don Garcia); Chris’s parents, Howard and Joan Anderson; brother-in-law, Mark Anderson; sister-in-law, Audrey Anderson, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends all whom loved him dearly.
A visitation will be held at the Grogan Funeral Home, Polson on Friday, May 15, from 9am – 8pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 11:00am at the Linderman Gym in Polson. A reception will follow at the Valley View Clubhouse. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation in Vern’s name to Camp Mak-A-Dream, c/o Children’s Oncology Camp Foundation, PO Box 1450, Missoula, MT 59806 or to a children’s charity of one’s choice.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home, Polson is assisting the family.
Bailey Family: We are so sorry for your loss we have fond memories of Vern he will be deepley missed
Vern was a great guy with a great sense of humor. Always a joy to be around. Always a smile.
Our thoughts, prayers and hearts are with you all.
We will miss him so much.
I am so sorry,
I am very sorry you have lost Vern. It was way too soon. I pray that you will find God’s peace in your time of sorrow and know that there are many people even as far away as Washington thinking of you and wishing they could help.
Todd and Family- Just wanted to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of loss. Time plays no favorites but it does not make it any easier. Stay tough and God bless.
So very sorry to learn of Vern’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this most difficult time. We always enjoyed the warm and friendly person Vern was when we would bring one of our vehicles into Beacon Tire Center to be serviced or a flat tire needing to be fixed. God Bless you.
Chris,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time. Know that Vern will always live in your heart and in your memories. He was a wonderful man.
Sincerely,
Your neighbors,
Frank, Linda & Gina Galiardo
Dear Christine, Andy and Greg, You couldn’t have asked for a better husband and dad. I hope your able to be strong after such a loss. My thoughts are with you. Love Mike Roberts
Chris, Andy, Greg, & Family!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Hang on to the memories to get you through…as well as the love you have in your very wonderful family!
Love, the Kinyon’s
Dear Bailey Family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at the passing of Vern. He was always such a ray of sunshine and always had a smile no matter where you saw him and no matter what he was doing. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do.
The Jones’
Chris, Andy, and Greg,
I am so sorry to have heard of Vern’s passing. It was truely my pleasure and honor to have spent a week with him last year in Canada doing something that he thoroughly enjoyed–irritating pike! He made quite an impression on our group up there and we had all hoped that it would be just the first of many annual trips up North with us. Our thoughts and prayers have been with you and him over these past months, and will continue.
Greg and Donna Hamilton
We are saddened to hear of your loss and that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you through this very tough time. God Bless.
Pat and Judy Erickson
Since we now live in Arizona I can’t tell you in person, but we do want you to know we send our sympathy and prayers for the entire family. May God bless each of you.
What an amazing family you are and what wonderful comfort you will all be to each other!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you for God’s comfort and for the strength to live on, the way Vern would expect you to.
How fortunate you were to have a man like Vern in your family, a most kind and caring individual, no matter what activities he was involved in. You have many fond memories of him which you will be able to cherish the rest of your lives as they will never go away as those whom you love will always live on in your hearts. Our prayers are with you at this time and always
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss
Very sorry to hear about Vern he will be missed.Our prayers are with you Missy & Jerry
Chris, Andy ‘n’ Greg, My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Was so glad I got to saee Vern a couple weeks ago. He will be missed. I love you guys. Andy n Greg, take care of your mama for me. Luv ya Cuzin Val
To the Bailey family, One of my fondest memories of Vern is wearing his cow apron n chef’s hat at family gatherings. He always seemewd to be at the B.B.Q. waving his spatula around. I love all of you. You have all helped me over the years so I hope this little message brings a little back at ya. I LOVE YOU ALL. Val ‘n’ Dickcee
My thought and prayers go out to al the Bailey famly .Thay havee al ben a part of my life. whitch i cherish.
Chris. Andy, Greg,
I was sorry to hear of the news of husband and father, Vern was such a kind man with such a big heart. I know how hard it is to lose a loved one, and in time life will get easier for all of you. until then take care of each other and God bless you all.
Chrisy I’m sorry for the loss of your Dearest Companion.
Please know you are in my prayers.
to all who loved vern,
words can’t begin to say how sorry i am for the loss of vern, i may not have seen him much, but when i did he always had a smile on his face, i remember several times when i was going through the driveup at first interstate bank and seen him on several occasions wheeling tires by the sidewalk at beacon while i was waiting at the light and he always looked cheerful! i’ll never forget his cheerful smile….it sure will be a smile nobody will ever forget!
my thoughts and prayers to the family of vern,
heather dobson
Chris, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family. We hope to see you soon. Take care, Love Ann Mary & Don
Dear Christine, Andy, and Greg and all families: We were so saddened to hear about Vern’s passing. Your hearts must be breaking – I don’t understand why God took such a young, wonderful man. I wish we could do something to ease your sorrow and pain, but there is nothing that can fill the hole when such a loving and kind person is gone. We just pray that God wraps your hearts in cotton for awhile to ease the pain. All our loving thoughts go out to all of you. Love, Connie, tiffany, and Tyson
I just read of Vern’s passing. He put up a good and valiant fight. My thoughts are with you all. Royalee Wilson Class of 71
You have awesome memories and a great love that you shared. Remember Vern in his healthier days with that great smile.
Please ask those around you for help as we all want to help but don’t always know what is needed. love ginny
Sorry we were unable to attend the services for Vern. He will fondly be remembered as a wonderful addition to our family. Vern was a delight to be around as he always saw the good in everyone and everything. There was no room for negative thoughts in his mind.
His loving and caring attitude will always be remembered and his “Vernon Hugs” will never be forgotten.
My heart and prayers go out to your family.
Sending love and prayers for your hearts to heal. There are angels among us and now in heaven. Blessings.
My condolences to all of you. May God grant you the peace and comfort that only he can give.
Chris,Andy n’ Greg
I love you and thank you for the loving care you gave Vern. Your little family have such wonderful memories to help you in the coming days. If we can help you in any way; we will be at your service.
God bless and keep you. Jan & Duane
Can i ask wh0s christopher wayne mcINTOSH?why he died at the very age?only 15..everytime ive read the post of his family/relatives in bebo.com i felt sad..i d0nt kn0w y..perhaps because we have the same name..i really felt sad when im reading the post of d fam. Of chris about his leaving…pls u cn answer my question via email calarcon78@yahoo.com thanks
I was so sorry to hear of Vernon passing away. I remember so well, way back when, I used to babysit for the “Bailey Kids”, Vernon being one of them. They were our neighbors in Valley View for a time and then moved closer to Polson. My condolences to the Bailey family at this most difficult time.
Lorna (Forman) Fox
Christine:
I was so surprised and sorry to hear of you husband’s passing. I will hold you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Melissa