Roy A. Bailiff

Roy A Bailiff
Of Boyne City, MI
Formerly of Grand Ledge
Age 71, passed away in his home on February 1, 2025, with his wife, Cindy by his side. Roy was born on September 18, 1953, in Hastings, Michigan to the late Garland Grace (Becker) Bailiff. He was a graduate of Lakewood High School and continued his education at Ferris State University. Roy leaves behind his wife Cindy together 23 years, his children, Amanda Bailiff, Andrew Bailiff, Sarah (Wes) Greene, and Kyle (Katelyn) Frese, his four adored grandchildren, Amelia, Lilah, Hendrix & Noah, his two sisters Mary Sandborn and Ruth Schaeffer, and a sister-in-law Eleanor Bailiff. Roy was preceded in death by his brother James Bailiff and brothers-in-law, Bruce Sandborn and Ron Schaeffer.
Roy leaves behind a legacy in his career. He began teaching welding to high school students at West Shore Community College, which led him to becoming a welding instructor at Lansing Community College and an Engineering Technician at Michigan State University. Roy assisted several student competition teams, and he was a major force in the success of the Michigan State University Formula SAE Racing Team. Roy worked with tireless devotion to obtain tools and equipment, provide safety training, and was a role model for hundreds of students. His students will carry the knowledge and work ethic imparted within them well after their graduations. Roy retired from MSU in 2021 and moved to Boyne City, where he proudly served as a board member of the Boyne City 4th of July Committee. He was a long-time member of the F.O.E 1583 in Boyne City. Roy and Cindy shared many adventures and travel with friends and family; a trip to Alaksa in 2023 was the trip of a lifetime. Roy impacted so many lives by teaching us all how to be a better human by his quiet stead and patient example, which was always accompanied by his infectious laugh, smile, and humor.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes, Delta Chapel 6301 W. St. Joe Highway, Lansing. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday from 4:00-7:00 PM at the funeral home. The internment will take place at East Sebewa Cemetery in Sunfield. Visitation will continue Friday from 10:00-11:00 AM. Memorials may be made to the Boyne City 4th of July Festival at P.O. Box 407 Boyne City, MI 49712, the Michigan State University Formula Racing Team via check to; Michigan State University, 428 South Shaw Lane East Lansing MI 48824 with Formula Race Team in the memo, or McLaren Northern Michigan Hospice. A celebration of life will be held in Boyne City this summer.