David William Bailey, 76, of Glasgow, Montana passed away peacefully at Valley View Home in Glasgow, Montana.
David was born at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow on January 20, 1945 To Perle “Bill” William Bailey and Olga Marie (Egstad) Bailey. He was raised in Glasgow with his sister Margaret. He had many stories and fond memories for growing up on 4th Avenue North. He attended Glasgow schools, graduating in 1963. He always enjoyed his class reunions, seeing old friends, being able to share stories and memories with them. He attended Concordia College in Moorehead, Minnesota for one year and MSU Bozeman for one year.
In 1965, David joined the Navy, he was honorably discharged for his service in Viet Nam in 1969.
In high school, David started working during the summers for the Burlington Northern Railroad. After his military service he became a conductor and worked many different runs seeing lots of country. His final years of his 36 year career with Burlington Northern were spent on the Minot to Glasgow run. Dave also owned and operated his own business, Dave’s Insulation, while working part-time for the railroad.
He married Janice Grandboise in 1970, from this union he had one son, Cory William Bailey. The couple divorced in 1975.
On June 3, 1986, David married Marian J. Boston Hopstad, adding two step-daughters to his family: Barbara Ann Hopstad and Cynitha Lynn Hopstad.
David collected barn wood and made many furniture items and picture frames which he gifted to his family or to sometimes sell. There was no topic that could be mentioned that he did not have a story to tell.
After retirement David and Marian made several trips with their 5th wheel to Harlingen, Texas, Yuma Arizona and other areas along the way, making memories and new friends. One trip that was a highlight was a Caribbean Cruise with cousins one year.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Perle “Bill” and Olga Bailey.
David is survived by his wife, Marian; son, Cory (Cindy) Bailey of Dickinson, North Dakota; step-daughters, Barbara Hopstad and Cynthia Hopstad of Glasgow, Montana; granddaughters, Linsey Bailey and Kelsey (David) Bailey-Senski and their son Emmit of Dickenson, North Dakota; grandson, Colin “CJ” (Ashley) Kemmis and their children Camryn and Harrison Kemmis and grandson, Calvin Kemmis all of Glasgow, Montana; sister, Margaret LaRoque of Malta, Montana and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place as per his wishes and inurment will be at a later date. Bell Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family at bellmortuarymontana.com.
“I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck…..Woohoo.”
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gerald archambeault says
Marian:
Sorry about your loss. It is a great one since Dave was a great and funny fellow.
Stay strong and be safe.
Roberta Hopstad says
Dave was always so accepting and happy to be part of Marion’s family. He always had a special place in his heart for the Kemmis and Hopstad boys and was a huge baseball fan of all of them. We all know he was a great story teller and always enjoyed visiting with him whenever we would see him. He was simply a nice guy! Our love and prayers go out to Marion, Cindy, CJ and Calvin.
Lots of Love,
Charles and Berta Hopstad
Janel Novak says
Marian
Prayers to you and your family. I enjoyed vists with you two and hearing Wes and David reminisce. David was such a wealth of knowledge and memories.
Duane Eatinger says
I grew up with David as we went to the same church and had many classes together. He was very friendly and easy to be around no matter what the event. He tracked me to Denver and kept me in the loop on family and school mates. It is going to be hard with out Dave’s smile and happy go lucky ways. I enjoyed his Dads train set in the basement as he showed me all the new cars or lights on the set up. He will be very very missed when I think of Glasgow.
To the family and friends you have lost a one of a kind person we will all miss David’s smile, laugh and very caring ways.
Steve Schindler says
I worked with Dave many years and he was a friend, I am so sorry Marion.
Chuck Wetterling says
David and I both lived on 4th Ave No in Glasgow . When I was born in 1946 his home was next door to my family’s, and his parents became my God Parents . Soon after the Baileys moved one block up the street across from the Catholic School Play Grounds . We later began to play together a lot . When we were approx 4th & 6th graders we accidentally set the Baileys garage on fire — but we’re never found out 😳 . I must have been so scared that I blocked it out of my mind . Then at one of our Glasgow All School Reunions he reminded me — I was taken aback , but slowly then recalled the incident . He never told his parents and was never asked about it 😊 . Both our families were members of First Lutheran Church , and Dave and I both sang in the church choir , as well as the Glasgow High Choir . I have many fond memories of our friendship over the years .
Jim Blazek says
I would stay with the Bailey family on Thursdays growing up because my mother worked late. I remember Olga usually made a hearty stew for dinner. David and I would wrestle on the living room floor in front of the television. I was fascinated by Bill Bailey’s train set up in his basement. David and Margaret would also babysit me at my house on other occasions. They were great company, I would be excited if one of them was my babysitter.. Bill was my host for a number of father/son banquets at First Lutheran.
I have fond memories of David and the entire Bailey family. They were kind and welcoming.
God’s peace to Marian, Margaret and the rest of David’s family.
Gwen Cornwell says
Marion and Family: I am so sorry to hear of David’s passing. Reading the moments, I see that many others had fond memories of growing up on 4th Ave. NO. It is with great regret that David and I never did take that drive up and down 4th remembering who lived where. He will be missed.
Lynelle Johnson Eck says
David and I were both in the graduating class of 1963 and were classmates for all 12 years of school. I remember him best from all the class reunions we’ve had. He was always a gentle giant checking to make sure everyone was having a good time and had everything they needed. Reunions won’t be the same without him!
My sincere thoughts and wishes to Marion and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Hopefully your memories will help soften the pain and grief of the moment!
Mary A King says
I will miss David! One of the down sides of moving so far away, here to Kansas, times with family are sometimes far and few between. That was the case with us, but every time I and/or my family was up in the home territory, David was often one to encourage us to be sure to get together. Maybe it was just a visit at their house, or maybe a bigger gathering at Kiwanis or a restaurant. His greeting to me was often “Hi kid!” I guess as a younger cousin, that is what I always was to him, a kid, but I definitely felt loved by him. I will never forget that when he was stationed in Japan, this little 11-12 year old cousin would write to him, and he would write back to me. My prayers for God’s comfort go out to you, Marian, Cory and family