Robert W. Bailey
“Bob”
Robert Wyman Bailey, 82, of Suttons Bay, Michigan, passed away on June 18, 2010, at Munson Medical Center. Bob was born December 15, 1927, to the late Keith and Thelma (Jacobs) Bailey. Bob married his beloved wife, Patricia L. Dustman on March 5,1949.
Bob is survived by his wife, Patricia and his children: Deborah Love (wife of Robert), Kirk Bailey (husband of Dianne), Anne McCauslin (wife of John), and Brian Bailey (husband of Jeri-Lynn). Bob is survived by his sister, Jacqueline Cole (wife of K.C.). Bob Is also survived by grandchildren Erin Love, Scott Love (husband of Dr. Stacy Love) Kristin Schwaninger (wife of John), Lisa Cox (wife of Jason), Ryan Bailey, Jeffrey Bailey, Morgan Housden (daughter of Dianne), Alexandra McCauslin, Lauren McCauslin, Kyle Bailey, Mary Bailey, Nora Bailey, two great grandchildren on the way, one nephew Troy Thomas (husband of Gina) and two grand nephews, Cameron and Zachary Thomas.
There will be no funeral or memorial service. Instead, Bob asked that there be a celebration of his life. The immediate family celebrated his life at a family gathering on June 19, and will celebrate again with Bob’s larger family and friends in late September, 2010.
Bob started out as a hopeful member of the Future Farmers of America. He started college at Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State University). After a year of college Bob enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Japan between WWII and the Korean Conflict. After serving in the armed services he returned to Flushing, Michigan, to marry Pat and to work with his father in the hardware business.
In the late 1950’s Bob and Pat moved their family to Ann Arbor where they lived for thirty years. He entered the University of Michigan where he received a bachelor’s degree in architecture. After several business ventures, Bob joined Bechtel Corporation as a staff architect. Bob and Pat retired to Omena, Michigan in 1988 and recently moved to Suttons Bay. They were faithful members of the Leland Community United Methodist Church, and were founding members of Share Care of Leelanau, Inc.
After retiring from Bechtel Corporation, he combined his love for the State of Michigan with his entrepreneurial expertise to start the Bailiwick Company, the Michigan Peddler, and various other retail companies specializing in the sale of Michigan made products. Bob loved the outdoors, anything to do with water, the gardens he and Pat created and tended, his home, lively political discussions, and most of all, family gatherings. Bob will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, any donations or memorials be directed to the future beautification projects for the Leland Community United Methodist Church.
The family is being served by the
Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.