David K. "Dave" Bailey Sr.

1938 - 2016

David 'Dave' K. Bailey Sr.
of Tewksbury

TEWKSBURY -- David "Dave" K. Bailey Sr., born June 25, 1938 in Lowell, MA to Rymer C. Bailey and Alice (Dean) Bailey, died on August 16, 2016. He grew up in Dracut, MA and lived in Pelham, NH, Andover, Haverhill, and Tewksbury, MA.

Dave graduated from Dracut High, class of 1956. He attended the Stockbridge School of Agriculture and received his Associates Degree in Science.

He worked for many years for the Town of North Andover Department of Public Works, most recently as the Superintendent. He retired in July of 2000.

Dave was a member of the Pelham Lions Club, and was an avid supporter of the Boy Scouts in Haverhill for many years.

Dave was a special man, no matter how you knew him; he was the type of person whose charm and outgoing personality instantly drew people to him. He had a great sense of humor, and like his father before him was quite the comedian. Dave could light up the room, no matter where he was - in fact, he recently introduced himself as David "Fun" Bailey.

Dave was the ultimate outdoor enthusiast, and always appreciated the small things of life, from first flower to the last leaf on the trees. He was an avid camper, outdoor sportsman, and gardener. One of his greatest gifts to his children was to pass on his love of the outdoors, something that will always be part of their lives. He also loved traveling, visiting new places, and experiencing new adventures.

Dave had an incredibly strong love for life and will to live. He battled cancer for 16 years, never giving up the fight while teaching us all how to face adversity with grace and courage. We will always remember one of Dave's favorite lines ... "It is what it is". While cancer eventually took Dave, he passed with his loving family by his side and we are grateful that he is no longer suffering.

Dave is survived by four children, Lynn, Cheryl, David Jr. and Bryan; two sisters, Audrey Pooles and Sandra Berube; one niece, Hope Neault; seven loving grandchildren and two loving great-grandchildren.

He was the brother of the late Rymer Bailey, and the uncle of the late James Neault.

BAILEY -- David "Dave" K. Bailey Sr., of Tewksbury, died August 16, 2016. Friends and family invited. Visiting hours Tues. 10:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Funeral Service at 12:30 P.M. at the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX ST., CHELMSFORD. Burial in the Lowell Cemetery, Lowell. In lieu of flowers, his family would appreciate donations in his memory to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org/index). ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com