Clifford Bailey

Clifford Burrell Bailey, 92, died peacefully at home Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. Cliff was born in Missoula on Dec. 19, 1921, to Burrell and Joaquina Bailey. Cliff had two brothers, Frank and Dan. He attended all 12 grades of school in Missoula, graduating from Missoula County High School in 1939. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps stationed in Neihart as a vehicle operator.

Cliff enlisted in the Army in 1942 and worked on the Manhattan Project until 1946, when he was honorably discharged. He married Nina Jensen on June 27, 1942, in Seattle. They had three sons: Clifford M., Orin and Bruce. He joined the Carpenters Local Union 28 in 1942, and after the war he worked as a skilled carpenter building new homes in the Missoula area. Cliff's marriage was dissolved in 1966. In 1968, he met and married the love of his life, Faye Asid, and they blended their families, which included her four daughters: Joy, Terrie, Karen and Francie. In 1969, they welcomed their daughter, Jennifer.

Through the years, he worked for several construction companies, including Pew Construction and Gordon Construction. Cliff worked on many construction projects, including the 1948 addition of St. Patrick Hospital. As a construction superintendent, he was in charge of construction projects including the Red Lion Edgewater, First National Bank, Darby and Superior high schools, the Missoulian and various buildings at the University of Montana. Cliff retired from Gordon Construction in 1986.

Cliff had many interests and hobbies during his life. He was a licensed private pilot; he enjoyed building and racing model airplanes, as well as restoring and collecting antique automobiles; and he was a member of the Hellgate Chapter of the International Classic and Antique Car Club. He enjoyed square dancing as well as camping and fishing with his family.

Cliff was a spiritual man active with the Knights of Columbus, becoming a fourth-degree member. He was also an active member of St. Francis Xavier Church in Missoula.

In October 2013, Cliff was invited to participate in the World War II Montana Honor Flight. He traveled with other Montana veterans to Washington, D.C., visiting monuments and war memorials. This trip was the most enjoyable experience of his later years and one that he never stopped talking about.

Cliff and Faye shared 46 wonderful years of marriage. He is survived by his wife, Faye; their combined family, Clifford (Cathy) Bailey of Merced, California, Orin (Mary) Bailey of Helena, Bruce (Norma) Bailey of Hamilton, Joy (Russ) O'Hara of Butte, Terrie (Tom) Johnson of Tigard, Oregon, Karen (Mark) Lewis of Victor, Idaho, Francie (Rod) Miller of Eagle, Idaho, and Jennifer (Greg) Cantwell of Eugene, Oregon; his 18 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Garden City Funeral Home, 1705 W. Broadway, with a rosary vigil at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Church, 420 Pine St., at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, with a reception following in the church hall. The interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Stevensville later that day. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to your favorite charity in Cliff's name.

Read Clifford Bailey's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.