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Matthew Bailey Obituary
Bailey
1925 - 02/24/2015
Matthew Alfred Bailey left this life February 24, 2015. Born in San Francisco to Matthew and Phoebe Bailey in 1925, Matt spent his childhood in San Francisco and at the family retreat in Boulder Creek. Following graduation from Lowell High School, he enrolled at Cal Poly, San Louis Obispo. When the campus was converted to military use, he took an appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at King's Point and graduated a marine engineer in 1946. Following several years at sea, he did ranch work in Montana and California and packed mules in the High Sierras. In 1952 he married Betty Behrens, whom he had met while a midshipman at King's Point. After trying his hand at farming in Pennsylvania, he returned to the west and took a job with PG&E at Lake Spaulding, later transferring to Drum Powerhouse. In 1958, Matt and Betty and their three daughters settled in Dutch Flat. Matt's pursuits were varied, including pivotal roles in establishment of the Dutch Flat Water Company and historic zoning for Dutch Flat. He was an avid reader and life-long student of local and world history, active in both the Golden Drift and Placer County Historical Societies. He was actively involved in a variety of wildlife and land conservation issues, including several terms on the Placer County Fish and Game Commission. His crowning achievement was inclusion os a 38-mile reach of the North Fork of the American River (Heath Springs to Colfax) in the National Wild and Scenic River System, in 1978. The 10-year crusade to protect the North Fork of the American River included formation of the North Fork River Council and a campaign to prevent construction of a proposed dam at Giant Gap. Matt was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Betty Bailey, and his elder sister Phoebe. He is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law: Heidi and Clif Youmans, Gretchen and Richard Dyson and Lisa and Doug Balmain; granddaughters, Amy Balmain and Lizzie Dyson; grandsons Doug Balmain and Peter Dyson and beloved nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life for both Matt and Betty will take place in May, in Dutch Flat.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Bailey
Nancy
April 3, 2015
I am sorry for your loss. He will be missed. Please know you are not alone in your grief the God of all comfort is here for you as well. Psalms 55:22 encourage you to throw your burden (grief) on him and he will surely sustain you. I encourage you to do so if you haven't already. Please take care.
Harper
April 1, 2015
My condolences go out to the family. During the days ahead may prayer comfort and strengthen you. 1Thesssalonians 5:17
March 28, 2015
My condolences to your family. I hope you find comfort in the words found at 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17.
D Hernandez
March 20, 2015
I am sorry for your loss, may God comfort you and your family during this difficult time
March 18, 2015
You have my deepest sympathy. May the God of loyal love comfort the family during your time of sorrow. Psalm 119:76
Alan Ferrier
March 11, 2015
Sorry to hear about both of your parents- always enjoyed talking to them
Gretchen Bailey Dyson
March 11, 2015
My other best friend and my hero. Daddy was a man amongst men and, like dear Mother, unforgettable, treasured and loved beyond measure by Peter Lizzie and me.
March 10, 2015
Matt was a great friend to those of us who love the natural beauty of Placer County. When I was a young teacher, he came to my classes and shared his passion for the North Fork of the American River and other wild places. He had a wonderful family and was a fine man. I will always remember him.
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