DONALD ATHOLL BAILEY

Condolences & Memories (26 entries)

• I was very saddened to learn of Don's passing. We became friends when we both lived in Le Vesinet in the late sixties. We kept in touch via Christmas cards and the doings of our children. - Posted by: Jim Elliott (Friend) on: Apr 15, 2016

• Our friendship took root in the UU pilgrimage to Poland in 2002 and we stayed in touch since via email. His generosity of friendship extended to a walking tour of Paris during one of my visits there. Don's death leaves a huge hole where his kindness and spirit of compassion touched everyone who crossed his path. This news reached me only in context of the UUF of Paris cancelling the memorial service due to the violence in that city a few weeks ago; what an ironic juxtaposition of the death of a man who believed in equality and nonviolence with those who would use violence. My sincere condolences to Don's family and especially Jacqueline. - Posted by: Donna Preston Loveland (friend) on: Dec 15, 2015

• What a wonderful surprise it was to meet Don Bailey, my former undergrad history professor, at the European Unitarian gathering last year. Over 35 years ago, his wide-ranging and eloquent lectures had inspired my buckling down to do a degree in history. To talk to him so many years later, to hear his ongoing enthusiasm for the world as it was and is, inspired me once again. My deepest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Reva Gutnick Allen (former student) on: Nov 16, 2015

• The UU Fellowship of Paris will be holding A Service of Remembrance and Celebration of the Life of DON BAILEY Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 7:30 pm The service will be followed by a buffet dinatoire. Place: American Church of Paris, Thurber Room 2e étage 65 Quai d'Orsay, 75007 Paris - Posted by: Dorcy Erlandson (friend and fellow UU in Paris) on: Nov 11, 2015

• As an undergrad, I met Don in 1979 when he was teaching the "History of Women in Western Civilization" course, delivering his lectures with such powerful insight and humility. Our discussions extended long after our classes ended each day, my interest in social justice putting down deep roots from his planting. But his interest in his students was not confined to the classroom. He reached out to a few of us in the class from out of province, offering us a place at his table on Thanksgiving, and taking us away from our textbooks to concerts and plays. Both inside the classroom and out, Don was, without question, the epitome of Teacher, in the greatest sense. Having been a teacher in my professional life for over thirty years, and having met and worked with many, I hold fast to this assertion of his place. Despite my many, many moves around this country, I still carry in my book collection the Women’s History textbooks that we had discussed so many years ago, with notes scribbled in the margins of my wonderings and his wisdom. Although I left Winnipeg in 1986, Don and I remained in touch; some years we were better at this than others, but we always managed to hold onto the tether. I looked forward to Don’s annual holiday summations of each year, containing his astute insights into the many serious problems of our world, along with a perspective that offered just, humane solutions. His last letter is tucked away among the holiday cards that we received last year, a gift waiting to be unfolded once again, one that we will keep for years to come. I had the pleasure of meeting with Don and his lovely Jacqueline when they visited Vancouver Island a few years ago. Such a delightful afternoon in Chemainus we spent together! I was thrilled when Don agreed to be the officiant at my second wedding this past May in Halifax. Departing his dear Jacqueline in Paris to come to Canada “for just a few months”, he arrived full of great vigour (his health complaints were few), and explored the city on his own, gathering new experiences to weave into his life’s tapestry. Then, for four lovely days in the seaside village of Chester, he joined Lex and our families and friends for the preparation and French-inspired celebration, always ready with a smile, comfort, and laughter, and for sharing earnest and engaging discourse over a long meal and a glass of wine. On our day, Don presided over us, the picture of calm reassurance in his University of Winnipeg gown, delivering our written words in his exceptionally warm and beautifully phrased style. Buoyed by his strong presence and joie de vivre, ours was an exquisite day we will always remember with great love in our hearts. A photograph was taken of him taken on that day, in the early evening, sporting a jaunty black beret, a large white lily unfolding gloriously on his lapel, his face alight with joy, an image that we will treasure always. I am so pleased that our loved ones had had the opportunity to begin to get to know, even if only to scratch the surface, of this inspiring, beautiful soul. On our way to the airport, it was clear through our conversation that there were still many things that Don had left to accomplish, dreams he had left to fulfill, experiences yet to be embraced. When the time had come to say good-bye, I cannot help but wish that I had hugged him a little longer, squeezed him a little harder, and thanked him one more time for everything. There can be no effective condolence to his loved ones faced with his loss. All we can do is hold onto the certain knowledge that he was loved greatly and he loved deeply. Et, finalement, c’est le raison d’etre. Merci pour tout, cher Don. Je me souviendrai toujours. - Posted by: Wendy Williston (Friend and former student) on: Nov 02, 2015

• I have only just learnt in the last few days of Don’s death and like so many of you am shocked and deeply saddened. Don was loved here in Britain, too, by those of us who had the privilege of knowing him and enjoying his always stimulating company. We all looked forward to the visits he faithfully made to us on his annual trips to Europe. I first met Don in 1962 in Oxford when we had adjoining rooms in 5 Beaumont Street, the Worcester College house where he spent the first year of his British degree studies. A lifelong friendship ensued, forged over late night discussions on politics, economics, history and religion – all topics of which Don already had a mastery. Others have remarked just how honourable, decent, considerate and compassionate an individual Don was, all of which my family and I strongly endorse. He had a remarkable interest in people, their lives and interests, their concerns and preoccupations, and retained a memory of so much that was important to them and of conversations with them long past. My wife, Susan, and my son Huw retain very happy memories not just of recent visits but a trip many years ago to Folklarama and meetings with his extended family. To me and more recently, my son, he has been advisor and mentor. I was myself honoured to be asked by Don to be one of the pre-publication readers of his magnum opus, Seven Reasons for Supporting Social Democracy, a work of outstanding breadth and intellectual sweep, encapsulating Don’s knowledge of political philosophy from Plato to the present day. This and another important work, La Vie de Michel de Marillac, Conseilleur du Roi, are significant legacies to scholarship in two important fields. He performed for me the same function when my own World War One book, Tell Mum Not to Worry was published earlier this year, advising on content, giving the introductory speech at the launch party in Cardiff and offering the most gracious appreciation of it. When I think of Don one last abiding memory will be our walks around Cardiff the following day when my ever smartly–dressed Canadian friend in his Loden coat and I were twice stopped by photographers sent by their college on a mission to photograph the finest hat-wearers on parade that day. Don made his mark everywhere! Don was a truly noble soul, whose love for others, and for the world shone as a light and who acquired and deserved the love he garnered in return. - Posted by: Rhys DAVID (Friend since college days) on: Oct 18, 2015

• So Sorry for your loss Monica and family. So saddened were we when we heard, it was a moment we wished we had misunderstood. We loved Don and will miss his friendship. He will always be remembered. We were fortunate to had him over for a meal in August where he was keen to hear all about Jamila entering University and to check out our new home. So glad we had that time together. We will miss him. - Posted by: Debbie Dedrick-Williams and Jamila Dedrick-Wiliamsl (Friends of Don and Monica) on: Oct 08, 2015

• I was a student of Prof. Bailey. He taught a history course while I was an undergrad at the Univ. of Wpg. that focused on social contract thinkers of the Enlightenment. He was easily one of the finest teachers I ever had. A beautiful mind, as they say. - Posted by: Douglas J. Johnston (former student) on: Oct 07, 2015

• I was shocked and saddened to hear of Don's death. Although I never met him I corresponded with him regularly as editor of the UK based journal 'Faith and Freedom'. Don provided a whole series of highly scholarly articles and reviews which were greatly appreciated by our readership around the world. I last heard from him just two days before he died when he sent a wonderful article about Francis David for the 'Transactions of the Unitarian Historical Society'. A brilliant scholar he will be greatly missed. - Posted by: David Steers (Colleague and editor) on: Sep 16, 2015

• Don was always a bright addition when Leuba brought him to join the Daniels/Franko Family......oh so long ago! We enjoyed family camping trips in BC where Uncle Bill inspired Marshall in the love of the outdoors. Monica was always a delight. We are sorry we have lost Don. Love and sincere sympathy to all your family. Aunt Laura and Gail. - Posted by: laura franko (Aunt (by marriage to Bill Franko dec)) on: Sep 16, 2015

• Fellow historians of France, we always had a lot to talk about. I greatly treasured both his friendship and his scholarship. - Posted by: Richard Lebrun (Fellow graduate students of John B Wolf at the University of Minnesota - though I was a few years ah) on: Sep 15, 2015

• I am so sad to hear of Don's passing. I only met Don recently, in the fall of 2013. He had come to speak at the Unitarian Congregation in Saskatoon about "The Language of Faith." I was with the youth during the service but introduced myself to him because I wanted to learn about his topic. We had a lovely but brief conversation. So I was so surprised when I saw him at the Canadian Unitarian Council gathering the next spring and he remembered me and also remembered what we'd talked about. We had several conversations that weekend. He was a wonderful conversationalist with a genuine interest in people, a passionate intellectual, and a great Unitarian. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his family. - Posted by: Karen Fraser Gitlitz (Unitarian) on: Sep 14, 2015

• Don was a deeply appreciated colleague and friend. He brought a wonderful and infectious èlan to his work and his play. I enjoyed his company at the University, at Wildewood, and especially at the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra. He was both generous and deeply committed and seemed always ready to smile. Dear colleague and good friend, you are missed. - Posted by: Michael Collins McIntyre (Friend and colleague) on: Sep 14, 2015

• My family has been friends with the Bailey's since we both grew up in Saskatoon. My mother considered Mary Bailey one of her best friends. I had the luck to have Mary Lou as my professor of educational foundations at the University of Saskatchewan and enjoyed visits with Gord and Sue at their B&B on the Sunshine Coast. I was lucky to get to know Don at the Canadian Unitarian Council annual meetings, especially when we were both there vetting social justice resolutions and sharing time in the table area where I was selling t-shirts and he was selling books. He was such an important intellectual and spiritual leader in our Unitarian movement. It was such a shock to hear he had died. My deepest condolences to Mary Lou and Stan, Gord and Sue, and to his wife, children and grandchildren. I am holding your whole family deeply in my heart at this time. - Posted by: Frances Deverell (Friend) on: Sep 13, 2015

• Don was the epitome of artistic support, inspiring intellectual curiosity and knowledge -- combined with overflowing warmth and humanity. It was an honor to work with him (years ago) on the Aurora Musicale board; the memory of his friendship will be treaured forever. - Posted by: Patricia Spencer (Friend) on: Sep 12, 2015

• Don was a joy to be with at any family function, always friendly and interested in others. His Papers shared and his annual insightful and entertaining Christmas letters were much appreciated by me. I have many things I would have liked to talk with him about, still. Cousin Marg - Posted by: Margaret Franklin (First cousin) on: Sep 12, 2015

• Don was a profoundly kind, brave and generous friend. He always demonstrated courage in the causes that he promoted. Don remained all his life a member of the creative aspects of the Canadian Left and was a tolerant, freedom-loving Unitarian. He was invariably cheerful and honorable to the entire Rempel family -- my parents and my sister Eizabeth Rempel. My wife, Ann, and I send our deepest sympathy to his children, grand children and siblings, especially Mary Louise, for we know her especially well and like her so much. Posted by Richard Rempel, friend from the 1950s and later, posted 12 September 2015. - Posted by: Richard Rempel (Long time and long ago friend from the University of Saskatchewan and Worcester College Oxford.) on: Sep 12, 2015

• Whenever in our too few occasions -- most recently at the UU family camp-out at Hnausa Beach, stirred but cut short by a fierce and rousing thunderstorm -- Don's and my paths crossed a memorable conversation would rise. Earnest and gracious, questing and witty. That is the man I only recently came to know. I had looked forward to our next conversation, and where our questions might take us. Never his student, but related to one: I can only voice my sadness to hear of Don's passing. How the mortal wheel turns, how it turns. - Posted by: Saul Hillel Benjamin (A friend, only recently) on: Sep 11, 2015

• Don Bailey was our big fan and appreciator at Monica's flute choir studio and made us all feel good about sharing what we were learning in music together. His warmth and sense of humour will be missed. Our sincerest condolences to Don's family at this sad time. - Posted by: Liz Gauthier (Friend of Monica Bailey) on: Sep 11, 2015

• While ever mindful of tradition, Don was aware that the big concepts that govern our lives must evolve. In his last sermon at the Unitarian church, shortly before his death, Don equated God wit experience and possibility. He lives on in our experience and memory. - Posted by: Carolyn Garlich (friend rom church) on: Sep 11, 2015

• When, as one of his undergraduate students, Don pointed out that he and I shared the same birthday, I imagined I was about to make a lifelong friend. Time proved me right. What I didn’t imagine was the grief and sadness of having to say goodbye. What remains is a great deal of gratitude, for the wonderful friendship we shared, and plenty of fond memories of Don, in all his energetic and dynamic complexity. Don-the-professor was my intellectual mentor who brought the history of early modern France to life and made of his passion my own, and so began my academic path in the same field. Don-the-dear-friend maintained an interest in my life and well-being for years beyond my time as his student. Mentorship blossomed into a lively camaraderie fostered by our mutual Francophilia and interest in social justice, a friendship fuelled by Don's zest for life, curious and critical mind, loyalty and devotion to his family and friends, and that special 'aura' surrounding him and his richly patterned social and intellectual life. Don never failed to seize opportunities to reach out and share his knowledge and compassion with others, whether his students and colleagues, church community, or the wider world. I will cherish a lifetime of memories that include a last-minute rendez-vous at Winnipeg airport, coffee at Stella’s, and a chance encounter—of all places—at the outdoor toilets at this past summer’s Folk Festival. I will fondly remember this last, comically Rabelaisian meeting not only as our final one, but as a time when Don was in his element, glowing with midsummer happiness, exuding the joy of a life well lived. I extend my deepest condolences to the Bailey and Labaste families at this difficult time. Please know just how many lives Don touched during his life, as we celebrate his. - Posted by: Margaret Carlyle (Friend and former student) on: Sep 11, 2015

• Don was a generous and equitable human being, a caring teacher, a passionate scholar and a model citizen. Dear colleague and friend, we will miss you. - Posted by: Liliane Rodriguez (colleague and friend) on: Sep 11, 2015

• Don was a great teacher, fine scholar, and a good friend. Lunch with him was always stimulating and enjoyable. Wesley M. Stevens - Posted by: Wesley M. Stevens (Colleague) on: Sep 11, 2015

• Dr. Bailey was an inspiring and caring professor. - Posted by: Lee Anne Block (student) on: Sep 11, 2015

• Don was a valued colleague, character, and devoted professor. He will be missed by the UW community. - Posted by: ed byard (colleague at UW) on: Sep 11, 2015

• Don has been a true friend since my arrival at the University of Winnipeg in 1998. His generosity of spirit and authentic engagment with the core ideas of responsible citizenship continue to inspire me. We miss you Don... - Posted by: George Fulford (Colleague and friend) on: Sep 11, 2015