Richard K. Bailey

June 05, 1955 - March 15, 2025

Rick Bailey of Victoria, BC died suddenly in Esquimalt in his 70th year. Beloved dad to Jake (Brooke) Bailey and grandpa to Juniper and Braxton, of Sturgeon County, Alberta. Born in Kitchener, Ontario to parents Gerald and Madeline Bailey, he met his first love, sport, as a youth and advanced to play lacrosse with the Jr. B Kitchener Braves and the formidable senior B Fergus Thistles. "Ace" was known for his skill at face-offs and while playing short-handed.
He moved to Victoria, BC, with his family and worked in maintenance, the past 15 years part-time at the Esquimalt Rec Centre. He was known for his good humour (after having his first cigarette and Timmie's of the day) and his diligence. He was a familiar face at Market Square where he was in charge of maintenance for the past 17 years and was deeply committed to the unique challenge of caring for a historical gem. There should be a bench with his name on it. But no, Rick was a notorious prankster so be forewarned, a new trickster might show up on the downtown ghost walk. He will be deeply missed by his friends, especially Ellen McLean, Denene Ewert and Wilson Punu and sisters Karen (Paul) O'Brien of Victoria, Madeliene (Steve) Tarasick of Parham, Tracy Schoen of Cambridge and a brother, William (Trecylyn) of London. He was predeceased by a brother Frank of Kingston. Thank you to first responders and staff at the Esquimalt Rec Centre and passersby who quickly responded to his medical crisis. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a private celebration of life at a later date.