Michael Dwight Bailey

1976 - 2024

Michael Dwight Bailey

June 16, 1976 - October 10, 2024

Cameron Park, California - It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Michael Dwight Bailey on October 10, 2024 at the age of 48. Michael was born on June 16, 1976 to David Bailey and Nina Wagaman in Sacramento. Michael lived a life filled with honest, kind, intelligent and loving people. Michael was known for his appreciation of and interest in those he met as he passed through life.

He was an intelligent man and always put everything he had into each day, each activity, and each person he met or those with whom he worked.

Michael had wide interests in technology, people, sports such as skiing, golf and softball. He also loved singing (he sang in a choir that was invited to and went to sing in Vienna Austria in 1998) and especially his two children, Merritt and Eva. He loved Disney Land and went there many times with his children. He enjoyed spending time with his furry cat buddy "Bagel".

Michael graduated from Mira Loma High School and attended American River College. He went back to Mira Loma to mentor an underclassman organization. He had many jobs in his early employment years finally finding his interest with computers and employment with CEI which became Kratos Unmanned Systems in Roseville. In 17 years with them he progressed from an entry level position to a specialist engineer responsible for testing communication to and from unmanned aircraft in the field. He did this in many locations around the world including California, Florida, Asia, Australia, Europe, Taiwan, and Egypt. He believed in what he was doing and he believed what he was told early in life, "Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.". He truly loved his job and the opportunities it provided and the people he worked with. His appreciation for his job was talked about after every deployment.

We are grateful to Kratos who offered this quote.

"Seventeen years ago, Mike started in the IT department contributing to the early successes of CEi. Through the last 13 years he became a resident expert for advanced unmanned aircraft communications and simultaneous control of multiple unmanned aircraft. Mike was a key contributor to the development of cutting-edge user interfaces. Kratos customers and partners have expressed the great loss that the unmanned aircraft community will have to overcome in Mike's absence."

Michael is survived by his son Merrit, daughter Eva, father David, mother Nina and aunts and uncles.

His departure leaves and unfillable void in our lives, yet we find comfort in the memories and everlasting love he shared.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to your own favorite charity in Michael's name.

There will be a celebration of life for Michael on November 16, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at East Lawn on Greenback Lane. Attendees are welcome to share memories, stories, comments and pictures of times shared with Michael.