Melvin Douglas "Doug" Bailey

MELVIN DOUGLAS "DOUG" BAILEY
October 27, 1951 ~ July 26, 2011

Doug Bailey, a life long resident of Cowlitz and Clark counties, passed away peacefully at his LaCenter, WA home on July 26, 2011 at the age of 59. He was born Oct. 27, 1951 in Portland, OR.
Doug was well known in the Vancouver and Kelso areas as the founder/owner of the Academy of Kung Fu in Vancouver since 1982. He had several schools in the area and most recently opened a school in LaCenter WA. Well known by many as a great teacher and gifted competitor, Doug thought of all his students as family. Many students later became instructors in their own right and have continued Doug's legacy in the martial arts community. Most recently Doug was honored as a Grand Master rank in Kajukenbo Tum Pai, the highest rank attainable within the Kajukenbo family of Martial Arts. During the years Doug competed in several Martial Arts tournament circuits. He was a regionally and nationally ranked competitor.
One of Doug's many hidden talents was his love of music. As a young man Doug wrote and composed music. Although he did not make himself well known in the music world early on, it became a primary love of his the last 10 years of his life. He used music to describe many of his experiences and honor friends and loved ones. He recorded two albums in these later years and had written over 1000 music titles. A very talented musician, he could play both piano and guitar. He used to laugh about the fact that he could play both left and right handed on the guitar, so it did not matter to him which instrument he picked up.
Doug was also an avid pool player in the local area. He competed in many pools leagues over the years and was a regular at regional tournaments. He played on many local league championship teams.
In his early adult years, Doug worked construction and was employed by the Longview-Kelso Laborers Union.
Doug is survived by his two children, whom he had a deep love for: son, Meacon and daughter, Cheyenne; also his brother, Dan Bailey of Kelso; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Cheryl Earls (Bailey); and his mother, Helen Holt, both of Kelso.
A memorial will be held Sat., Aug. 13, 2011, noon-4:00 p.m. at the Kelso Eagles Lodge, 609 South Pacific Ave., with potluck to follow.
There will also be a tribute for Doug at the Kajukenbo Tum Pai Luau on Sun., Aug. 21, 2011 from noon-6:00 p.m. at 8250 SE 172nd, Gresham, OR 97080. Again, everyone is invited including families. Please bring a potluck dish to share and lawn chairs to sit in. Luau cost is $20 per adult (includes one child), additional children are $10 each. RSVP on the Luau (360-355-2383) so KTP can estimate attendance as they are providing roasted pigs as a main course).
Please sign Doug's guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.