Obituary of Brian Wayne Bailey

With heavy hearts we are left to cherish our husband, father and Papa Brian. On Tuesday, March 28, 2023, with his family close by, Brian passed away after a very short illness. Brian leaves to mourn his wife Geri, daughter Arlene, son Doug, daughter-in-law Monique, son-in-law Rod, and four fantastic grandchildren Dakota, Gates, Tristan, and Macy. He will be greatly missed by his brother Roy, and numerous other, cherished in-laws and relatives. Brian will be dearly missed by his many friends and co-workers whose lives he has touched over the years. Notably, the “Circle the Wagon Flock,” whose lifetime friendships have surpassed 50 decades and still met regularly for Skypes, cards, dinners with themes, and golf adventures. Of course, Brian will also be missed by his grand-dog, Leo, for afternoon naps in the sun. Brian was born in Neepawa and grew up on the family farm just northeast of Birnie, Manitoba. He was predeceased by his parents Russel and Joyce (Dyer) Bailey. Brian spent part of his teenage years driving around the local area and Clear Lake, Manitoba, on his 1950’s-era Matchless motorcycle. Dad was a Navy guy in his younger days, joining off the farm at age 19. He served with the RCN for 3 years, including the maiden voyage of the HMCS Saskatchewan, which took him on an adventure across the world. Brian was a Civil Engineering Technologist for his work life, first with UMA, and then Wardrop Engineering for over 40 years. This afforded him the opportunity to work on many projects and travel to Northern Manitoba as well as Nigeria, Africa with Mom by his side. Dad loved his time in the North and we have all heard many stories of the people and adventures he experienced, all with the biggest smiles. Traveling with Mom to Africa was a huge adventure for them and in their 5 years of back and forth they gathered many tales to tell. In addition to ships he had a deep love of flying as well. Brian had his small plane pilot’s license and enjoyed flying in his early adulthood. Right through to current years, he would often be found immersed in a book, magazine or program about small engine planes, and would just as often excitedly share them with us. At home, Dad loved his daily card game with Mom. Mostly she beat him and he had a funny quip about his “scheduled trouncing.” He loved being on the deck for Happy Hour with her, or tending his beloved roses and tomatoes. Their friendly garden wars - her cucumbers, his tomatoes - were a joy to behold. Listening to him explain his “method” each Spring will be sorely missed. Most of all, Dad loved Family time. Whether traveling with us, Sunday dinners, special occasions or just quiet one on ones. Each of us brought a joy to him that he reciprocated tenfold. We could not have asked for a better man to be our husband, Dad,or Papa. One last time, please raise your glass for a toast to “Papa Brian.” How lucky we are to have someone that makes saying “Goodbye” so hard! We love you, we miss you, and we cherish your memory. We will keep you alive in all that we do, until we are all together again.