Bayless, Dr. Michael Brad
67 years old, passed away on June 11, 2015. He was born June 7, 1948 in Portsmouth, Ohio to Julia Belle Tubbs and Walter Bayless. He arrived in Arizona in 1966 to attend Northern Arizona University and graduated from there with a Master's degree in psychology and attended Arizona State University where he completed his PhD in Counseling Psychology. Brad married Denise Bowman in 1983 and divorced in 1999. A trailblazer and advocate of mental healthcare in Arizona, Dr. Bayless founded Bayless Healthcare in 1982 with the vision of creating a place where people from all walks of life could come for compassionate care. Three decades later, the established practice has served thousands of children, adults and families. Always a forward-thinker, Dr. Bayless was a pioneer for Integrated Health Care, focusing on behavioral and emotional wellness, alongside traditional physical health. The first member of his family to earn an advanced degree, Dr. Bayless leaves behind a legacy not only through the practice, but also in the memories of humor and genuine care for everyone he met. Dr. Bayless was not only devoted to his family and the community he served, he was an avid golfer and jazz music enthusiast. His infectious personality and humor lit up every room he walked into. He will always be remembered for his mission to provide help for those who would not have received much-needed care otherwise. He is survived by his sons, Justin Michael Bayless and Jerryd Andrew Bayless and his brother Shannon Bayless. He was preceded in death by his mother Julia Belle Bayless and father Walter McKinley Bayless. A Memorial Service will be Saturday, June 20, 2015, 10:00 AM at Mesa Country Club, 660 West Fairway Drive, Mesa AZ. Dr. Bayless had a passion for helping underserved youth, the family asks that all donations and contributions be sent to the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Phoenix in the loving memory of Dr. Bayless.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Jun. 17, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Bayless

30 Entries

June 11, 2019

Only just yesterday friends and I were sharing memories of Brad and the laughs were many. Brad was a remarkable man, and I feel blessed to have known him.
Most Sincerely, Ann Grab

Linda Mangosing-Rose

July 14, 2015

I was shocked to hear that my friend had passed and at such a young age! I will miss him dearly. My sincerest sympathy to his two sons, and Brad's entire family. May God give you strength during this very difficult time.

Denise Scarduzio

June 25, 2015

My deepest sympathy to the entire Bayless family. I just found out today.I am so sorry that I did not find out sooner, because I would have been at the services to pay my respects and give support to the family. Justin and Jerryd, I will especially pray for you in this difficult time. Your dad was a wonderful person and a great dad. One of my fondest memories of your dad was when he used to stand in the bleachers at SM and say the cheers and follow along with the cheerleaders'dance routines at the basketball games along with the teachers. He loved you so much. I will be praying for your family and sending you strength.

June 23, 2015

Miss seeing you doing your exercise 3 times a week may you rest in peace hallie

Erin Johnson

June 22, 2015

I love you Uncle Brad!! I'm going to miss you dearly.

June 22, 2015

Brad,you were always there when my family needed you. And it wasn't just during the bad times. I remember you promised Erin that you would talk to her class about psychology. You were scheduled to testify in a case that same morning. Erin called you saying,'are you still coming to my class this morning, Uncle Brad?' You told me later how you had to take a later flight and didn't get to Atlanta until midnight the next day. You said, 'that little girl owes me big time!' The way you would fuss let me know how much you cared and how much our family meant to you. Thank you for always being my 'big brother'. My prayers and love go out to the two beautiful young men you raised so successfully. I'll miss you, Angel J.

Michelle Davis

June 21, 2015

Shock and sadness came over me when I received the news of Dr. Brad's sudden passing. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Brad at family celebrations in Atlanta over the years; he was a jovial and very warm-hearted man. Justin and Jerryd, I send you and your family prayers of comfort, healing and strength during this difficult time. When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. Please take comfort in knowing that you have an angel watching over you now. I extend my most sincere condolences to you and your family.

Melissa Martin

June 20, 2015

We will miss you terribly Dr B! Things will never be the same! We will make you proud!

June 20, 2015

To Brad's family-I have lost one of the best friends anyone could have had. We met in our PhD graduate work, did our internships together, were the first to have our degrees confirmed and became life long friends. Our respective worlds have lost a great man. Dr. Grant W. Johnson

cleo robinson

June 20, 2015

Dr. Bayless or "Brad" to his Northern Arizona Univ. friends and Kappa brothers is a person that we will always remember with warmth in our heart. His charismatic gift has touch us and many deeply and we cherish the time we have shared. Special prayers to his family and friends for our tremendous loss

I. M.

June 20, 2015

Dr. Bayless
Thank you for the friendship you provided my son (Michael D.)

Anita Royal

June 20, 2015

Life is surpassingly interesting, revealing and awe-provoking when we show up for it wholeheartedly and pay attention to the particulars. Brad showed up wholeheartedly throughout his entire life. And paid attention to the particulars. Most notably he lived life wholeheartedly, with outrageous zeal enthusiasm and unconditional love for his beloved son, Justin and Jerryd. He joyfully paid attention to every minute detail of your lives. As the entire essence of his being was/is love for his sons and brother Shannon. He is soo very proud of you. Live your lives with the same wholeheartedness, innovation, inquisitiveness, infectious humor and charm and zest for living.
Well done Brad and thank you for an amazing 35 years of friendship. Every fiber of my body grieves your loss.

Sonny Campbell

June 18, 2015

B.B., as we called you in college, thank you for sharing your brotherhood and generosity with me (and the guys and gals at NAU). You loaded a bunch of us in the "Ram Charger" on numerous occasions and one special one for me was when you drove a group of us to Tucson when my daughter was born. Sometimes we made it tough on you but you handled it with grit, knowhow and compassion. I'm happy to have shared time with you during our lives, Rest in Peace. To the family, please be comforted knowing you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Carmen Tubbs

June 18, 2015

Our hearts are heavy at the passing of our cousin Brad. We will miss his laughter his love and devotion to family. We are grateful for having known him and what he meant to each of us. To Denise, Justin and Jerryd we love you. The Tubbs Family: Carmen, Dennis II, Brian and Nicole and Denise.

Angela Robinson Rodgers

June 18, 2015

So saddened to hear of Brad's passing. Having grown up in the same small, close-knit community of Portsmouth, I can say that Brad's accomplishments have been a source of neighborhood pride as well as an inspiration to many. To the Bayless/Tubbs family and friends, may your precious memories of Brad be a source of comfort and strength in the coming days. Peace and love always.

Gina Copeland

June 18, 2015

Dr. Bayless touched so many lives and will be greatly missed. He gave me my first job out of college and I still reflect to this day the life lessons he taught me. I am very sorry for your loss.

June 17, 2015

Dr. Bayless will be truly missed. He is the reason I have my LCSW. I've reflected on the times we laughed. He was a great leader, but most of all he thought me how to use cuss words in a therapeutic setting and get away with it. My prayers go out to the family. You both have so much to be proud of he was a great man.
Esther Thomas

June 17, 2015

Jerryd, Antwi called me in Ghana about your father's passing. I am deeply shocked and saddened. My condolence to you and your family. May the One Above protect and comfort you as we join you in mourning Dr. Bayless

Yao Atuahene

June 17, 2015

We are heartbroken to hear of Brad passing. Our memories are filled with his face smiling when he shared all the great successes of his boys. Life is too short and we pray for each and every one of you during this time of sorrow.
Dan & Cathy Colton

Laura Avelar

June 17, 2015

My dear friend Brad, having known you since your NAU days, I was shocked and saddened to hear of your passing. You once said to me you've come a long way since those NAU days. As I read your tremendous accomplishments you have indeed come a long way but left this life way too soon. My condolences to your family.

Kim Vercauteren-Griffin

June 17, 2015

Justin and Jerryd,

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great loss.

Ms. V.

Kathryn Brown

June 17, 2015

Thinking of Brad brings back memories of good times at ASU. Get togethers at the Kappa House, the Inner Ear or the MU. He was always the perfect gentleman. Through the years I would encounter him at conferences and other community functions. Recently I saw him at the Suns vs Bucks game where he was attending to see his son Jerryd play. My condolences to his sons, brother, Frat brothers and others who knew Brad. He was a great person.

"Since they will be comforted" Matthew 5:4

June 17, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

June 17, 2015

I will always cherish my memories of Brad and our wild times in Flagstaff Arizona as Lumberjacks. The "Ram Charger" drove us around the area many a night. The laughter and tales are fresh in my memory today. Also, Brad was the center of attention at my home as I hosted after game parties when Jerryd was a Wildcat... What fun! RIP my friend. Linda Dyer

June 17, 2015

Dear family,
I am deeply sorry fot your loss. May you find comfort during this most difficult time. Luke 1:78

Larry Billar

June 17, 2015

Dr. Bayless was one of my psychology professors at Scottsdale Community College what seems like a long time ago. However, he quickly became my favorite. He was engaging, funny, personable, and not afraid to lay out the facts. When I was departing SCC for NAU, one of his alma maters, I was concerned about losing a girlfriend in the Phoenix area. He reminded me that "absence doesn't make the heart grow fonder, but causes it to wander." RIP, Dr. Bayless.

George DeLong

June 17, 2015

Brad, I will long remember and cherish our days together as interns at the Wayland center, and our experiences together in court. rest in peace my friend. George

June 17, 2015

Brad, you will definitely be missed. I hold years of memories where you would come to my parents home and sit at our dinner table to eat the meals I've cooked. Even though I was learning how to cook, you still ate the meal and said how good the food was. Thanks for lying because it encouraged and motivated me to continue improving my cooking.

You will be missed,
Dindi

June 17, 2015

Justin and Jerryd, I met you briefly but I know the loss of your father must be devastating to you, as I know from my time with your father, how much he loved you. It is a loss for all of us that spent any time with your father, either professionally and or personally.

Ann Grab

June 16, 2015

I have so many fond memories of Brad. He was an extraordinary man, and it was my privilege and honor to have known him. My deepest sympathies are extended to those he loved and who also mourn his passing.

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