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Michael Bailey Obituary
11/17/1946 - 06/22/2024
Michael G. Bailey passed away from natural causes on Friday, June 22, surrounded by family and friends in Seattle, WA.
Mike was born in San Francisco to political activists extraordinaire, Bill Bailey and Ruth Maguire. He graduated from Lowell High School in 1964 as Michael Maguire. Mike was what was called a Red Diaper baby and the government persecution of Mike's father compelled his mother to change his name at a young age for his safety.
Mike's parents' political activism, such as his mother's traveling to swing states well into her 80s to sleep on couches and campaign for her vision of a better world, had a huge impact on Mike throughout his life. Mike was always ready to argue for social justice and political progressive values, often too loudly in restaurants and coffee shops. Mike was also always ready to stand in union picket lines and rallies.
Mike shipped out with the Sailors' Union of the Pacific after high school and travelled the world until he retired, living in both San Francisco and Seattle. Mike is survived by his brother Dan Maguire (Colleen); sister Laurie Maguire (Cloud); nieces Caitlin Maguire, Julia Maguire, Shauna Hamilton and Areyla Mortensen; good friends Beth Neuman and Vince O'Halloran. 'May he have fair winds and following seas.'
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Bailey
J Sheehan
June 22, 2025
Mike, I really miss our text chats. Your little cousin
Dr. Virginia Freckelton
January 20, 2025
It was my great honor to have been Mike's dentist for many years. I will miss our great discussions, and I consider him a lost friend...I was very concerned when he stopped responding to calls and such...I did suspect the world had lost this wonderful grumpy guardian.
Joan Sheehan
September 1, 2024
I am Mike´s little cousin on his dad´s side. We connected during Covid when his dad´s book came out. He was the best. Mike, educated me on our family tree sent so many photos to make sure I knew who everyone was.
He was always so good about texting me. Then, I realized last week I had not heard from him. Yesterday, I texted him saying I was going to the A&M v ND game and would send him photos. Ironic, my during the tailgate a friend´s cousin was from the Bay Area. I told him about Mike and Uncle Mike. Then, a weird feeling came over me saying I needed to check the obits today.
Mike, you are with everyone now sailing that final voyage. Can´t wait till it is my return and we are all united.
Anchors up.
Colleen
August 3, 2024
Please join us to remember Michael in San Francisco!
Michael Bailey (1946 -2024) Memorial and Celebration of Life Friday, September 27th, 2024
We´ll have a chance to remember and share memories of Michael at the Fort Point Benches AKA Fort Point Historic Site, 201 Marine Drive, (late morning) and/or at the Bay View Boat Club in San Francisco for lunch, mingling, and a few speeches (1:00 pm). https://www.bayviewboatclub.org/ Going first to Fort Point is optional!
Meeting at the memorial benches at Fort Point was a weekly tradition of the Fort Pointers, which began over 50 years ago. Michael´s father Bill Bailey was a founding member, and Michael has participated in these gatherings for decades. We thought we´d go there in the morning as a way to honor Michael´s memory.
More details to follow. Please send answers to the following questions ASAP, no later than August 15th to Laurie Maguire (Michael´s sister) to [email protected]
1. Are you planning to come?
2. Will you be meeting in the morning at Fort Point?
3. Will you be joining us for lunch at the Bay View Boat Club?
4. Would you like to say a few words (3 - 5 min) if there´s time, to those of us gathered at either Fort Point or the Bay View Club? Please indicate preference of location to help with planning.
5. Do you intend to eat lunch with us at the Boat Club?
(We need a head count for the cooks!)
On behalf of Laurie, Dan (Michael´s brother) and our entire family, we hope to see you there! We are making plans for a smaller gathering in Seattle, please watch this space for that info soon!
Giorgio Pompei (SUP Seattle)
July 18, 2024
I didn´t know about Mike´s history and family. Fascinating background and what sounds like a life fully lived. Rest well brother!
Dale Gibson
July 17, 2024
Such a loss. I met him once years ago at the San Francisco hall, when I was a wet behined the ears permit. Talking with him opened up my eyes politically. He will be missed, on so many circles. My deepest condolences to his friends and family.
Stephanie Brown
July 15, 2024
Michael and I were born 10 days apart, and we liked to say we went to different schools together. Our parents were comrades and we would run into each other from time to time. He fascinated me, he always seemed so cool and worldly. We had a date once, maybe our last year of high school. He took me to the Gold Spike on Columbus and then we went to see that strange Kenneth Anger film, Scorpio Rising. That movie was so far out of my understanding, but like I said, Michael was always a step or two ahead. Then we went different ways, I went off to college for a couple of years, got married and had kids, he went to sea. Our biggest connection became the Spanish Civil War, both our dads being vets, and we went to all the events. One time he wondered where was my husband and said I didn´t have one any more, and after that we kept each other company for a long time. He really was the very best of friends. Here we are in Spain, 1996.
Colleen, sister-in-law
July 7, 2024
Colleen, sister-in-law
July 7, 2024
Colleen, sister-in-law
July 7, 2024
Colleen, sister-in-law
July 7, 2024
Colleen, sister-in-law
July 7, 2024
Colleen, sister-in-law
July 7, 2024
The family is making plan for a celebration of life, and will share that here when plans are finalized.
Julie jacobsen
July 6, 2024
Dan, what a beautiful soul and story into your life and family. Losing a sibling is hard. Holding you in my thoughts . Always Julie Grattan Jacobsen
Vince O'Halloran
July 1, 2024
Mike and I met working on a ship over 45 years ago. Mike was a good shipmate, a good friend, and one of the best read and smartest people I Have known. Mike's grasp of world politics to local politics was equal to no one. The day before he entered the hospital, in pain and uncomfortable, he went to see Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal speak at the KMLK Labor Council. Mike was very proud she was his Representative. I will miss him dearly.
Colleen
June 30, 2024
A more recent photo, L>R, brother Dan Maguire, cousin Brian MacIver, Mike Bailey
Donna Amador
June 29, 2024
To Michael´s family. We´ve been friends since 1962. I live near his house in SF and would like to help with anything needed here. You can reach me at [email protected]
Please let me know if there is a celebration of life. My heart is heavy but he´s with Bill and Ruth.
Donna Amador
June 29, 2024
Michael was one of my best friends, from our miserable time at Lowell HS til today. Michael was the best curmugeon ever and such a good friend. I was worried about him, called & texted, and knew the worst by no reply. We walked with my pup Layla every Sunday in SF and I will miss him til I too go. Love to all the family. I am so sorry for such a great loss.
Donna Amador
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