Morton Russ Bailey

Morton Russ Bailey

Lyme, NH - Morton Russ Bailey, age 85, of Lyme, NH passed away peacefully at home on June 14, 2025. Morty was born December 10, 1939 to Morton Ball and Myrtle (Russ) Bailey. He graduated from Hanover High School in 1958 where he played on the football team. In 1973, Morton met Katherine Fogg, they were married for 52 years. Morty sold a prized bull to purchase Kathy's engagement and wedding rings, a fond memory for them over the years. A proud lifelong resident of Lyme, he grew up on a dairy farm south of the village. He built a successful business, Morton R. Bailey Construction. He was a fixture around town and the surrounding area, known for his strong work ethic, drive, and ingenuity. Locals knew spring had arrived when Morty stopped wearing a shirt.

Morty loved farming; he kept livestock, hayed fields in town, and collected and restored antique John Deere tractors. Some of the tractors were used at events where he was joined by his wife, children, and grandchildren who he taught with a calm manner. For many years, he was the president of the Northeast Two-Cylinder Club. Morty was particularly kind to friends and family helping to build his children's homes, aiding in all manner of repairs, lending his strength, knowledge, and equipment. A reflection of his generosity was seen when he needed a helping hand; friends and family were happy to oblige and were rewarded with a sincere "thank you" and a chat often while leaned against a piece of equipment. During one particularly heavy storm, he plowed snow off Route 10 and many driveways in the village with his bulldozer.

Morty took pleasure in visiting about the places and people of the area and days gone by; such as when he would go to the store with his dad to buy ten cent bread and hauling logs to the mill on Market Street. Much to the amusement of his classmates, he would often arrive at Hanover High with milk cans clanging in the bed of his truck, having just made a delivery to the creamery. Morty and Kathy had lovely car rides along the Connecticut River keeping an eye on how the corn was growing. Morty had a strong bond with the dogs by his side over the years. He was fortunate to have had good friends with whom he enjoyed working and spending time.

He is survived by his wife Katherine and their three children; Rebecca Bailey, Elizabeth Bailey-Gray and husband Shawn Gray, Morton F. Bailey and wife Sara Fonseca Foster-Bailey. He was blessed with eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was admired and loved by many and will be remembered for his generous nature and kind heart. A common refrain is Morty was a "remarkable" man, an apt description indeed.