Irvine Gerald Bailey of Vernon, BC passed away peacefully at 11:35 pm on Monday, May 1, 2017 in Vernon Jubilee Hospital at the age of 78 surrounded by his wife, Linda Bricker, and daughters: Kelly Chappelle and Barbara Pittman. Irv was born July 19,1938 in Winnipeg, MB. He was predeceased by parents, Herman and Lena (Blair) Bailey; wife, Marlayn (Follis) Bailey; son, Captain Richard Bailey; stepdaughter, Susan (Bricker) Weeks; brother-in-law, Andy Croke; and nephew, Sean Croke.
Irv is lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda Bricker; daughter, Kelly (Gord) Chappelle; grandchildren: Michael (Lyndsay) and Katelyn Chappelle; stepchildren: Barbara (Kelly) Pittman, Peter Pittman, Robert Bricker (Sheri), and Renee Bricker; son-in-law, David Weeks; grandchildren: Megan, Breanna, Jaden and Jacob Bricker, Alanna and Dorian Weeks, Melissa Mitchell (Bobby), Samantha Pittman (Cory), and Andrea Pittman; great grandchildren: Ethan, Mekhi and Aaliyah Mitchell; brothers: Keith (Iris) Bailey, and Ken (Ingrid) Bailey; sister, Lois (Bailey) Croke; and many nieces and nephews.
Irv was raised in Winnipeg, MB and sworn into the RCMP on September 2, 1957 at the age of 18. He served in Lumby, Vernon, Agassiz, Vancouver, Prince Rupert, and Terrace, returning to Vernon in 1978 where he retired as Staff Sergeant OPS/NCO in 1985. During Irv’s 28-year career, he received citations for his investigative skills and marksmanship. Irv made a positive impact on many individuals wherever he was stationed. After his retirement he went into business, starting with a Texaco Service Station (later becoming an Esso Station), Ryder Truck dealership, Husky Service Station, U-Haul dealership, Thermotech Insulation Systems, Chinwags, The Junktion, and The Bear’s Den.
Irv was an active volunteer in the community. He was a Mason with the Masonic Lodge and held many positions with the Vernon Shrine Club, including President. The Shriner’s Hospital for Sick Children held a special place in Irv’s heart.
Irv loved card games, especially crib, poker and bridge. As he settled into his second retirement, he pursued his passion for bridge playing several times a week. Irv made many wonderful friends at the Vernon Bridge Club. Those treasured friendships helped support Irv and Linda during his long hospital stay after his accident.
Irv’s family extends their gratitude for the excellent, personal care Irv received during his long stay at Vernon Jubilee hospital, in particular, the Care Staff of Floor 3 North. Your warmth and kindness is deeply appreciated.
The Celebration of Life for Irv will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 27, 2017 in the chapel of Pleasant Valley Funeral Home. A reception will follow in the tea room.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the Upper Room Mission or to the Vernon Shrine Club.
Arrangements have been entrusted to PLEASANT VALLEY DIGNITY FUNERAL HOME, 4303 P.V. Road, Vernon, B.C. V1T 4M4 Phone: (250) 542-4333. Condolences may be offered at pleasantvalleyfh.com