It is with heavy hearts that we announce Mr. John Alfred Cecil Bailey, who was surrounded by his family on Father’s Day, passed away peacefully at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, Alberta on Monday, June 18, 2018 at the young age of 90 years. John was born in Ottawa, Ontario and moved to Alberta in 1948. John had a special fondness for each and every one in his family, from children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. During his lifetime, John was a Police Officer, built houses and worked in construction, worked for Calgary Power, and spent many years on the Oil Rigs. He loved to overhaul cars, trucks and compressors, and spent many hours doing so. John was a Jack of all Trades and a master of many. John will lovingly be remembered by his second wife and sparring partner of sixty-years, Merle. From this union there were five children, Richard, Cheryl and Ron, and two step children, Karen and Randy; and two sons from his first marriage, Dennis and Donald. John was predeceased by a daughter, Joan.

A poem from his wife, Merle.
I’m Glad I Touched Shoulders With You
There’s a comforting thought at the close of the day,
When I am weary and lonely and sad,
That sort of grips hold of my crusty old heart,
And bids it to be merry and glad.
It gets into my soul and it drives out the blues,
And finally thrills through and through.
It is just a sweet memory that chants the refrain
“I’m glad I touched shoulders with you!”
Did you know you were brave, did you know you were strong?
Did you know that you helped when I erred?
Did you know there was one leaning hard?
Did you know that I waited and listened and prayed?
And was cheered by your simplest word?
Did you know that I longed for the smile on your face?
For the sound of your voice ringing true?
Did you know I grew stronger and better because –
I merely touched shoulders with you?
I am glad that I live, that I battle and strive
For the place that I know I must fill:
I am thankful for sorrows, I’ll meet with a grin
What fortunes may send, good or ill.
I may not have wealth, I may not be great;
But I know I shall always be true,
For I have in my Life that courage you gave,
When once I touched shoulders with you.
~ Anonymous

At John’s request, no service will be held. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2018-06-18
• Location : Red Deer