John “Jack” Collison Bailey
May 25, 1942 – September 12, 2024
Jack “Ace” Bailey passed away peacefully the afternoon of Thursday, September 12, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Jack was born in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1942 to John and Ora. After moving around Saskatchewan for most of his young life, he married the love of his life Mary Ann in 1963 and graduated with a B.A. from the University of Saskatchewan in 1967, becoming one half of the first married couple to do so. They moved to Calgary, Alberta and then Thunder Bay, Ontario where he worked as a photographer for the Leader Post, eventually earning a B.Ed. degree from Lakehead University. They moved to Dryden where he became a teacher revered by students, teaching at first George P. Vanier and then Barclay Public School until retirement, and supply teaching beyond that.
Jack and Mary Ann welcomed their daughter, Liane, in 1971 followed by their son, Sean, in 1974. Jack loved to make people smile, was quick to tell a joke, and was remembered by his students and children for his enjoyment of reading them stories. A long time resident of Dryden, Ontario, Jack golfed in the summer and curled in the winter. A lover of animals, he had many pets over the years, and fed the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, deer (and one stray rabbit) that would visit their home.
He will be missed by his wife of almost 61 years, Mary Ann; children, Liane (Kevin), Sean (Tanya); grandchildren, Jackson, Devin, Liam, and Teagan; siblings Beverley, Ian, Christopher and Marion; as well as numerous extended family members and friends.
Jack was predeceased by his parents, John and Ora.
Please join us any time between 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on September 21, 2024 for an informal come-and-go Celebration of Jack’s life at Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Ave, Dryden, ON. A private interment will occur earlier that morning.
Memorial donations may be made to the War Amps at waramps.ca or 1-800-250-3030.
Condolences may be posted to www.dcfh.ca
Arrangements entrusted to the Dryden Community Funeral Home,
249 Grand Trunk Ave. Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
