Bruce Joseph Bailey
October 30, 2024
Bruce Joseph Bailey passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on October 30th at the age of 77. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and cherished friend.
Bruce shared 54 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Laura Anne Evans Bailey. He was the son of Carrol "Buck" Bailey and Lemona McDaniel Bailey, both esteemed educators in Woodland, who instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for learning and community. Bruce and Laura raised their family on a farm just outside of Woodland where they were active members of the community. Especially with the Woodland Unified School District and the Willow Oak Volunteer Fire Department.
Bruce graduated from Chico State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business Management, followed by a Master of Science from the University of California, Davis, in International Agricultural Development and Plant Science. His education fueled his passion for agriculture and led to a distinguished career spanning over 50 years. His work took him around the globe, including significant time spent in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the Caucasus and Africa.
Bruce's dedication to agricultural development made a lasting impact on many communities. His work was guided by his belief in the universal connections of Family and Food. Bruce was committed to respecting local cultural and societal norms while creating solutions and opportunities from within those parameters for the small farmers he loved to work with. Never comfortable behind a desk, he thrived "Out in the field," believing that time spent one-on-one, listening and teaching, made the greatest and most lasting impact. His passionate mission was to bring hope and opportunity to small farmers in emerging economies.
In 2009, Bruce and Laura relocated to Seattle, Washington. Knowing his neighbors and being an active participant in his community was a fundamental part of who he was. He supported the work of NatureBridge to connect youth with the environment and science, believed in the mission of Elizabeth Gregory Home to provide care for women facing obstacles to shelter and sustenance, stewarded the local wildlife Beaver Sanctuary, and drove to deliver weekend food supplies for un-housed children with Backpack Brigade. He believed profoundly in the work of The Red Badge Project, which cares for Veterans traveling the difficult journey of Post Traumatic Stress.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Laura Bailey; his children Karyl Alvord and her husband Elias Alvord, Gillian Bailey and Guido Gerlitz, son Evan Bailey and his wife Amanda Bailey, and youngest daughter Aubrey Bailey. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren Elizabeth Alvord, Elias Alvord, Gioia Gerlitz, Brevet Bailey, and Nathaniel Bailey.
A public celebration of Bruce's life will be held in the spring and announced by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributing to the organizations he so loved: The Red Badge Project, NatureBridge, Backpack Brigade or Elizabeth Gregory Home and give a big hug to those you love. Bruce will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.
We invite anyone who would like to share fond memories or stories of Bruce to visit and contribute to his memorial page: https://tb6.info/bb2024