Kenneth Robert Bailey Jr. 11/30/1957-6/7/2013

The Oregonian wanted an insane amount of money to publish an obituary. Several of my friends have asked that I post it online. This is the only place I can think of that would reach the masses. Thanks again to everyone who has supported my family and I in the last week. I cannot convey enough gratitude to you all! We are completely overwhelmed!

OBITUARY

Bailey Jr., Kenneth Robert 55 Nov. 30, 1957 June 07, 2013

Kenneth Robert Bailey Junior passed away on Friday June 7^th, 2013 at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland OR, surrounded by his loving wife, 5 children, mother, pastor, mother-, daughter-, and son-in law. He was the third of six children, born in Kennewick, WA to Kenneth Sr. and Marian Bailey, receiving his name due to his close physical resemblance to his father. After spending a year in Kennewick, then another in Klamath Falls, OR the family followed employment opportunities for Ken Sr’s construction career and settled permanently in Portland OR. Ken attended Bilquist Elementary, Kraxberger Junior High and graduated from Clackamas High School in 1976. He became a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and met his soul mate, Mary Hamlin, in 1979 marrying her 7 months later in April 1980. Over 33 years of marriage, they faithfully raised 5 children, spending 9 years in the Seattle area from 1982 and moving back to Portland, desiring to be close to family, in 1991. Ken spent many years in the manufacturing industry, working in galvanized ducting, then as a machine adjuster for an envelope manufacturer as well as a 4-year hiatus in the then-young computer industry where he had the opportunity to fix the computer of a young CEO, Bill Gates. Prior to his passing he worked for the American Red Cross in hospital services where he was the first recipient of the “I Radiate Pure Awesome” award. Ken was an avid cyclist and formidable racer in his younger years, securing first place in the 1981 Piece of Cake Road Race. He also enjoyed back-packing and hiking, camping, astronomy, dragon boat racing and was the family barista and professional gravy maker. He is survived by loving wife Mary Bailey, his daughters Jessica Banister, Abby and Dianna and sons Kevin and Isaac, mother-in-law Louise Hamada, sister-in-law Laurie Howell & family, as well as parents Kenneth Sr and Marian Bailey and  5 siblings Allen, Duane, Kathryn, Ron and Patty Bigelow in addition to 9 grand-children and dozens of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. The family would like to extend special thanks to the NTICU nurses Brigid and Carla of Legacy Emanuel Hospital as well as pastors Jeff Seavey and Bruce Ray. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday June 15^th, 2pm at Living Water Community Church in Vancouver, WA. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Living Water Community Church or Juanita Community Church of Kirkland, WA.