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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BAILEY, Ronald Merlin - Ronald passed away peacefully in his sleep at Willow Cottage in Edmonton at the age of 91. He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife of 64 years, Marion, his son and daughter- in-law Bill and Karen (Denver), his son and daughter-in-law Grant and Bonnie Rae (Ottawa), his grandchildren Pamela Aden (and Nick) (San Diego), Colin (and Kelly) (Denver), Daniel (and Catherine) (Denver), and Douglas (Ottawa). He is also survived by his younger brother and sister- in-law Don and Donna Bailey (Saskatoon). Ron was born and raised in Saskatoon, SK, the son of a Canadian Northern and Canadian National Railways locomotive engineer. After finishing high school he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy and proudly served his country during World War II as a radio operator on the HMCS Matane. Upon being discharged from the Navy in 1945 Ron enrolled at the University of Saskatchewan and graduated as a Civil Engineer in 1950. Shortly thereafter he commenced a distinguished 34 year career with Canadian National Railway. While a patient in Saskatoon City Hospital Ron met a young nurse and his future bride, Marion. They were married in Jasper on May 25, 1951. Ron's career with CN included postings in Smithers, Vancouver, Port Arthur, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and finally Edmonton where he spent 12 years as Regional Chief Engineer of the Mountain Region, presiding over a massive track rehabilitation and expansion program which continues to provide benefits to CN to this day. Ron is a recipient of the Arctic Star and an inductee into the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame, recognized for his engineering contribution to the Canadian railway industry. In his spare time during his working career Ron enjoyed playing tennis and curling. He cherished spending time with family and friends at his father's cabin on Christopher Lake, at a shared camp with dear friends the Brown's on Lake Superior, and finally at Ron and Marion's treasured cabin on the shore of Moose Lake near Red Pass, BC. In retirement Ron earned his private pilot's license and flew a 1946 Cessna 140 out of Cooking Lake, AB. Ron and Marion continued to enjoy the cabin at Moose Lake, curling, cross country skiing, travelling, cousin's reunions, and visiting with sons and grandchildren in Denver, North Bay, and Vancouver. Prized possessions included his amazing player piano, his elaborate model railway, the brass number plate from steam locomotive 5140, and his 1965 Mustang convertible. Thanks to all the staff at Willow Cottage for their loving care in his final years. A celebration of a life well lived will be held for Ron at Westlawn Funeral Home, 16310 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 30. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dayspring Presbyterian Church. (The Edmonton Journal 24 Oct 2015)
Ships served in:
Envelope from letter addressed to R. M. Bailey of Saskatoon, SK Stamp Cancellation 27 Nov 1945 Courtesy of David Upright
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