I just learned that John passed away a couple days ago, the Monday before Thansgiving, a month short of his 70th birthday. I had a long, wonderful catch up phone conversation with him two years ago. He was in great, thankful spirit, having already exceeded his cancer diagnosis by a great deal. He kept an eye on many of us via Facebook and this site, and posted the occasional comment. He was a public school teacher and principal, happily married to Ann Crawford, Millikan Class of '70. They had one daughter, Mary Ann Rodriguez Bailey, who lived nearby and recently presented them with twin baby granddaughters, who brought great joy and comfort to his last days. I go all the way back to Prisk with him. We went to Arrowbear Music Camp together, where he played viola and I tried to play French horn. I am so glad to have reconnected with him, and hope his passing was easy. He was a good and lovely man.
Thank you Dave, I have many fond memories of John, too. Sunlight Seven played at his De Molay celebration and that may have been the last time I spoke to him. That would have been in 1969 or 1970. We will have to catch up when the pandemic is under control and we get back to So Cal. It was great to see you at the picnic.
Sad news indeed. I have many great memories of playing in Millikan and All Southern Orchestras with John, a kind-hearted and gentle guy. He will be missed.
Sad, indeed to hear. I remember John's great sense of humor.
We were both in the same squadron in the Air Force Reserves, 303 Rescue and Recovery Squadron.
Our commander's last name was Machado. One day John was in one of the C130 repair bays, joking about the last name Machado. At full volume John yelled out "Mac a doodle do" like a rooster would say "cock a doodle do".John's timing was perfect ... Col. Machado was walking on the cat walk to his office, he never said anything to John, but was very cautious about what he said thereafter.
Thanks for the mention of Millikan Orchestra, Michele. John's name didn't ring a bell, but now I do remember his face from the viola section. From my place next to them in the second violins, I thought he was kinda cute! And he played beautifully.
Johnny Bailey riding his tricycle down the sidewalk toward me is my very first memory of my life at about 3-1/2 to 4 years old. His friendship was the constant in my childhood. Additiionally, his older sister, Janet, was my sister's best friend. The house, three doors down from my parents' house, will always be the Bailey's house. When we both were attending Long Beach State (as we called it in those days), I would see him drive by in his white VW Beetle, and that was my notice that I needed to head out to catch the bus on Bellflower Blvd to get to school. As I got off the bus, I would see him hiking up the hill to upper campus, and I would call out to him and wave. I'm very saddened that Johnny Bailey is missing from this earth. RIP longtime friend.
Dave Schulman
I just learned that John passed away a couple days ago, the Monday before Thansgiving, a month short of his 70th birthday. I had a long, wonderful catch up phone conversation with him two years ago. He was in great, thankful spirit, having already exceeded his cancer diagnosis by a great deal. He kept an eye on many of us via Facebook and this site, and posted the occasional comment. He was a public school teacher and principal, happily married to Ann Crawford, Millikan Class of '70. They had one daughter, Mary Ann Rodriguez Bailey, who lived nearby and recently presented them with twin baby granddaughters, who brought great joy and comfort to his last days. I go all the way back to Prisk with him. We went to Arrowbear Music Camp together, where he played viola and I tried to play French horn. I am so glad to have reconnected with him, and hope his passing was easy. He was a good and lovely man.
Susan Beaver (Saint)
What a beautiful way to honor his life and passing, Dave. Thank you.
Ron Clark
Thank you Dave, I have many fond memories of John, too. Sunlight Seven played at his De Molay celebration and that may have been the last time I spoke to him. That would have been in 1969 or 1970. We will have to catch up when the pandemic is under control and we get back to So Cal. It was great to see you at the picnic.
Michele Steenbock (Morrison)
Sad news indeed. I have many great memories of playing in Millikan and All Southern Orchestras with John, a kind-hearted and gentle guy. He will be missed.
Forrest Kendall
Sad, indeed to hear. I remember John's great sense of humor.We were both in the same squadron in the Air Force Reserves, 303 Rescue and Recovery Squadron.
Our commander's last name was Machado. One day John was in one of the C130 repair bays, joking about the last name Machado. At full volume John yelled out "Mac a doodle do" like a rooster would say "cock a doodle do".John's timing was perfect ... Col. Machado was walking on the cat walk to his office, he never said anything to John, but was very cautious about what he said thereafter.
Forrest Kendall
Is there away to get these posts to John's family? They would probably like to hear them.Kristie Fawcett
Thanks for the mention of Millikan Orchestra, Michele. John's name didn't ring a bell, but now I do remember his face from the viola section. From my place next to them in the second violins, I thought he was kinda cute! And he played beautifully.Howard Higgins
Can't remember what clases I was in with John, but I do remeber seeing and talking with John many times. Always friendly.
RIP John.
Carol Reid (Conover)
Johnny Bailey riding his tricycle down the sidewalk toward me is my very first memory of my life at about 3-1/2 to 4 years old. His friendship was the constant in my childhood. Additiionally, his older sister, Janet, was my sister's best friend. The house, three doors down from my parents' house, will always be the Bailey's house. When we both were attending Long Beach State (as we called it in those days), I would see him drive by in his white VW Beetle, and that was my notice that I needed to head out to catch the bus on Bellflower Blvd to get to school. As I got off the bus, I would see him hiking up the hill to upper campus, and I would call out to him and wave. I'm very saddened that Johnny Bailey is missing from this earth. RIP longtime friend.
Steve Darling
does anyone remember Ted Frank? he was my friend.