Ronald David Bailey

14 hours ago(0) CommentsBONNER – Ronald David Bailey, 73, passed away Monday, May, 13, 2013, at his home in the Blackfoot Valley. He had battled courageously for 15 years with prostrate cancer.

Ronald was born April 2, 1940, in Rockwell City, Iowa, to Merle and Mildred Bailey. He grew up on a farm near Rockwell City and was educated in the local schools. While in high school, he participated and lettered in track and field. While a teenager, he joined a Thrill Cade Auto Show and traveled with that group to nearby events in the Midwest.

On June 25, 1966, he married Jamie Taggart of Bonner, making their home at Twin Creeks in the Blackfoot Valley, where they remained. To this union were born two children, Michelle and John.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1965, which included a 13-month tour of duty to Korea. After his discharge, he was ready for a new adventure in Montana. The Iowa farm boy became a logger, driving log truck for the Anaconda Co. He continued with that occupation through the buyout by Champion International, and in later years transferred to the Bonner mill. In 1993, he took advantage of the retraining program and became a taxidermist, eventually opening a small taxidermy shop in his mother-in-law's garage at Twin Creeks. In 1995 he went to work for L.S. Jensen Construction in Missoula, retiring from there in 2004.

He and Jamie began spending the winter months in Arizona in 2000, where he enjoyed the desert camping routine, eventually purchasing their own second home in Bouse, Ariz. It was at that time that Ron's passion for fishing bloomed. Living near the Colorado River and lake Alamo he spent many happy hours casting that rod from his beloved pontoon.

Survivors include his wife, Jamie; daughter, Michelle Ahlin (Patrick) of Stevensville; son, John of Bonner; grandsons, Benjamin Ahlin and Cody Ahlin of Stevensville; sisters, Kathleen Reynolds of Auburn, Iowa, and Rita Bailey-Holly (Gary) of State Center, Iowa. Ron was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Harlan Reynolds.

Many thanks go out to our friends and neighbors that were so supportive these past two years during Ron's failing health. Heartfelt thanks also to the physicians and nursing staff at the Broadway Building Oncology Center and Anti-Coagulation Clinic.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18, at Garden City Funeral Home, 1705 W. Broadway, in Missoula, followed by a reception in Garden City's Community Center. Charitable contributions may be made in Ron's name to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Gotta go now, the fish are biting!

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