Brian Lewis Bailey was born in Montebello, California, on January 7, 1961. His mother, Pat Bailey, was unable to care for him; so, his grandmother, Betty Bailey, adopted him when he was around 6 months old. She raised him to love animals and horses, and to be a caring young man. He adored her, and was very sorrowful when she passed away from cancer when he was 31 years old. Brian was a young father; and had his daughter, Toni, at the age of 19, and his son, Jesse, at the age of 21, who survive him, along with his wife, Carrie. They were married for just short of 35 years. They remember him as a strong man, but also a caring one; and he was always making jokes, and had a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed spending time with his family, boating, camping, fishing, roping and vacationing. When he needed to get away from the house, he did a lot of hunting and fishing on his own or with friends. He made his own flies for fly fishing, and made shot gun shells for hunting. He also was a taxidermist for a while, and stuffed some of the animals he hunted. He was also an avid Ham radio operator. He repaired and built radios, and was very proud of getting his advanced license and learning Morse Code. Brian’s daughter, Toni, was married in 2006, to his son-in law, Mike; and they had a son named Micah in 2011. Brian adored Micah, and saw a lot of himself in him. He was over the moon when Micah was born; and he noticed Micah had a bent right ear, just like his grandpa. Over the past two years his family has seen more genes that have carried through Brian to Micah, and delighted in it. In 2009, Brian found a lump in his neck. He had it biopsied; but Carrie and he had planned a trip to New Mexico, and so decided to go on the trip before they got the results back. When they returned, they found that the biopsy was positive for cancer. He was treated for it, and was cancer free for 5 years before he died from complications due to the cancer treatment. He was hospitalized multiple times, and became very close to his caregivers. They appreciated his will to live and undying sense of humor, despite his pain and suffering. His son, Jesse, stayed with him and Carrie to assist with his care and help around the house while he was sick. At that time Jesse was also going through college, and Brian was very proud when he graduated and became a Lineman. Jesse often works out of town, but still kept close tabs on Brian and family; and was available when needed. Brian lost touch with his sister, Connie, after his mother’s death; but luckily, they were able to reunite this summer when Connie came to visit from Michigan to stay for the week. They, then, became very close with near daily contact. Brian was taken in by Carrie’s family as their own son and brother. He will be greatly missed by everyone’s lives he has touched. Celebration of Life Thursday, May 1, 2014 at Adrian Comer Garden Chapel, interment Imperial Memorial Gardens. Online condolences www.adrian-comer.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18