Mark Edward Rachid BAILEY

1951 - 2021

MARK EDWARD RACHID BAILEY August 20, 1951, Victoria B.C. August 22, 2021, Ottawa, ON It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Mark Edward Rachid Bailey on August 22, at the age of 70. Devoted husband to Raja for 45 years. Cherished Dad of Ghislaine (Curtis Berlinguette), Nawel (Rasmus Rojkjaer), and Soraya (Patrick Boyle). Proud Grandad of Zachariah, Alexander, Asher, Freya, Silas, Anais, Clare and Rhett. Predeceased by his father, Wallace Mark Bailey. Survived by his mother, Lillian Edith Bailey (née Smart), and siblings, Ian, James, Bruce and Janet. Born in Victoria, B.C., Mark graduated from the University of Victoria in Political Science before moving to Ottawa to join what was then known as the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (now Global Affairs Canada) in September 1973. He dedicated his life to public service, retiring from a distinguished career as Ambassador in 2017 after 44 years. Mark was a diplomat, a gentleman and a scholar. After starting his career with postings to New York, Rabat Morocco, Abidjan Ivory Coast, Jedda Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Geneva Switzerland, and Washington D.C., Mark moved quickly up the ladder to work as the Director General of the Middle East and North Africa Bureau. He went on to serve as Canadian Ambassador to Morocco, Syria, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Austria, and Slovakia, as well as Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna (UNODC, CTBTO) as well as Canadian Governor of the IAEA. He held a poignant regret in not having succeeded in finding the missing Canadian, Nicole Vienneau, who disappeared in Hama Syria in 2007. He was proud in 2008 to lead a team negotiating the release of two Canadian hostages from a terrorist organization. Mark was a talented musician, playing guitar at home, for his children and grandchildren, and on rare occasions, for those lucky enough to have attended certain events at Canadian residences. An avid golfer, Mark was not deterred by 45C temperatures nor 5 a.m. tee times in Morocco and Syria. A quiet man of faith, Mark was the first Canadian diplomat to complete the pilgrimage and become a Hajj. Mark leaves a legacy of brilliance, integrity, and humility with his colleagues around the world, and one of love, respect, and generosity with his friends and family. He will be missed beyond words, and remembered always. A Memorial Service will be held in Ottawa on October 2. Those wishing to attend should contact his spouse.