Donald James Bailey ,66, was born on August 12, 1957 in Glasgow, Montana, the first child of James Bailey and Janet (Bergstrom) Bailey.
He grew up on the family farm northeast of Opheim. He attended school at the Opportunity School in Glasgow and graduated from Opheim in 1979.
He was a member of the Opheim United Methodist Church and the Opheim Community Church. He could be found lighting the candles and taking the offering every Sunday.
He worked at the Pro Coop in Opheim for 44 years. He cleaned and was in charge of the coffee pot. Donnie enjoyed socializing with the coffee crowd and monitoring their coffee intake. He perfected his “special” hand bump with the guys at the “Pro Co”.
Throughout his life you could find Donnie biking around town. One of Donnie’s biggest passions was competing in Special Olympics. He was a Special Olympic athlete for 53 years. He competed in bowling, bocce ball, bike racing, speed walking and softball throw.
He enjoyed hunting, bowling, fishing, looking at photo albums, baby animals, playing Farkle “Shake’Em”, dancing, birthday parties, cheering on the Opheim Vikings, and finding his name in the newspaper.
Predeceased by his grandparents Roy and Ethel Bergstrom and Frank and Ethel Bailey. He is survived by his parents Jim & Janet Bailey, brother Dave and Cathy , sister Debbie, brother Doug, niece Stephanie and Tigh Fuhrman, nephews Kieren and JD Bailey, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Bernadette Wilson says
I am so sorry to hear about Donny’s passing. He will be missed by many who knew him. My condolences to the whole family. 💙
Bailey Caragata (Ellis) says
I’m so sorry to hear about Donnie’s passing. Heart goes out to the Bailey Family.
Lisa Garsjo Thievin says
Donnie was the brightest light every time we’d run into him. Oh that BIG SMILE! Now I know why the Northern Lights have never been more vibrant. They were welcoming Donnie to Heaven!
We know your hearts are broken…but weren’t we the LUCKY ONES for having him in our lives!
Donnie…please give my brother Palmer a GREAT BIG HUG when you get there.
Kenny Bies says
I graduated with Donnie from Opheim High School in 1979. Our classmates are huge successes according to the world’s standards: stars in business, education, sports, parenting, friendship etc. I admire all of the accomplishments of all of my classmates, my lifetime friends…But, when I look back at the most powerful spirits that I walked the Opheim High School hallways with, I have to list 3 individuals that had the greatest impact on my entire life-Steve “Super”Fauth, Joey Stevens and Donnie Bailey! All three men demonstrated something extra special! They each taught me the joy of the moment and the appreciation for simple things! All 3 men walk(ed) the earth with profound dignity!
I saw Donnie just over a year ago when we visited Opheim for my aunt’s memorial service! We gathered at The Mint Bar and Donnie was there! It was so good to reconnect with an old friend and exceptional classmate!
God bless you Donnie Bailey! Thank you for being such a powerful presence on this earth! You will be missed!
Mariann Prewett says
Donnie was a wonderful, kind soul. Opheim will miss his smile and energy.
Alison Barnard says
So sorry about Donnie prays for your family
Randy Vick says
Always enjoyed Donnie’s smile and cheerfulness when he would come in the cafe. Praying for peace and comfort for Jim and Janet and family!
Leslie, Jackson and Jacob Bishop says
We are so sorry to hear about Donnie’s passing. We will miss his smile and fist bumps. Jacob says that he enjoyed going into the Pro-Co because of Donnie’s smile. Jacob says, “no matter what, if I had a bad day seeing Donnie’s smile made it better.”
Praying for the Bailey family.