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George Bailey Obituary
1944-2023
Orem, UT-Our beloved father George M Bailey passed away peacefully but unexpectedly at his home in Orem, UT on May 22, 2023, surrounded by his family.
George Bailey was born in Richfield, UT on February 2, 1944, to Maurine Hansen and is the eldest of four siblings. He graduated from Richfield High School and with the help from a grant he was able to attend college at BYU where he met his wife.
Dr. Bailey went on to graduate from Northwestern University Dental School in 1977 and practiced periodontics for 44 years in Utah. He loved teaching and was an assistant professor at the UofU Medical School and Creighton School of Dentistry. He lectured internationally, authored numerous professional articles, and taught advanced techniques to practicing dentists.
George had a passion for road biking (as his road rash collection can attest) and would get out and ride nearly every day. He was an avid traveler, reader, photographer, hiker, outdoorsman, yogi and podcaster. He worked with humanitarian groups and foundations world-wide and most recently was on the Board of Directors for The Refuge Utah, a non-profit helping survivors affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.
George was kind, generous, hardworking and a beautiful soul... what can we say? He was George Bailey and he gave his family a wonderful life! He was incredibly devoted to his wife and kids and spending time with them. He has always had a deep and special relationship with each of his children and is lovingly known as "Papa" to his seven grandchildren.
He became a hero to his children when he jumped into the Murdock Canal to save a puppy that had fallen in. Standing in terror, his kids watched as he and the puppy were swept away by the current and then immensely relieved when he showed up minutes later soaking wet with the puppy in his arms. He taught the grandkids that cookies are best eaten after dipped in milk and instilled a love of nature in his children and grandchildren that will live on for generations.
We will miss him dearly and love him always.
George was preceded in death by his beautiful wife Gay Lynn Bailey and dog Sneezle. He is survived by his four children: Adrienne Bailey, Tara (Joshua) Cluff, April (Matt) Waldron and Deven Bailey, as well as his grandchildren: Wilder, George, Marley, Henry, AJ, Ezra, and MeiLeigh, and siblings: Kathy (Tom) Capece, Jed Sylvester and Lanan (Jim) Peterson.
There will be an open house Celebration of Life on Monday, July 17, 2023 from 6-8:30pm at Wadley Farms 5 E 400 N, Lindon, UT. The family asks that donations be made in lieu of flowers or gifts to: The Refuge Utah https://therefugeutah.org/donation/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Bailey
6 Entries
Rachelle Valentine
January 20, 2024
Dr. Bailey was an excellent periodontist, a wonderful boss to work with, and made such a positive difference in his patients´ lives. I secured my first job with him fresh out of dental assisting school in Utah and I am so blessed to have worked with him for several years. He was an absolutely incredible teacher and fostered an even greater love in me for the dental industry. Now I am about to graduate as a dental hygienist and I owe that solid foundation in dentistry to him. He left his legacy in the dental industry and he will be greatly missed.
Littlewood Merril
July 16, 2023
George and I have been best friends all our lives. We have suffered and celebrated our mutual events for 80 years. George missed his dear wife Gaye so much but was humbly uncertain about their eternal lives together. I am certain they celebrated their reunion and will continue to do so. George is one of the best people I know. He is very kind and charitable, exhibiting the pure love of Christ. He has been a great example. I miss him terribly and look forward to our friendship continuing eternally.
Kathy Morris
June 28, 2023
What a professional dentist. Gentle and through. A real gentleman. He had just my stent, carefully made it fit. I enjoyed talking with him. What a loss to your family. Very sorry of his passing.
Kevin and Margie Murphey and Family
June 25, 2023
Hello George Bailey Family, we are so sad to hear of Dr. Bailey's passing. He was a amazing dentist and friend. He took care of my mother by placing an dental implant. She would say that it was her favorite tooth. His expertise impacted three generations of our family. He and his staff took excellent care of us and we will be eternally grateful for his gift in the dental field. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
SallySandberg McClellan
June 17, 2023
Hi I was a classmate of George at RHS . He was fun and so good looking , a special friend. Blessings to those who are left in your absence. Sincerely , Sally Sandberg.
Ann G White
June 15, 2023
My condolences to everyone! George was a special man and I fondly remember visits to see him and Gaye when he was going to Northwestern. He introduced me to my first Chicago pizza, told me funny stories about the blood bank where he worked while going to school. Gaye was a special cousin and she married a wonderful man. My thoughts are with all of you!
Ann Gourley White
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