Dr. George Bailey
February 2, 1944 — May 22, 2023
Our beloved father George M Bailey passed away peacefully but unexpectedly at his home in Orem, UT on May 22, 2023, surrounded by his family.
George Bailey was born in Richfield, UT on February 2, 1944, to Maurine Hansen and is the eldest of four siblings. He graduated from Richfield High School and with the help from a grant he was able to attend college at BYU where he met his wife.
Dr. Bailey went on to graduate from Northwestern University Dental School in 1977 and practiced periodontics for 44 years in Utah. He loved teaching and was an assistant professor at the UofU Medical School and Creighton School of Dentistry. He lectured internationally, authored numerous professional articles, and taught advanced techniques to practicing dentists.
George had a passion for road biking (as his road rash collection can attest) and would get out and ride nearly every day. He was an avid traveler, reader, photographer, hiker, outdoorsman, yogi and podcaster. He worked with humanitarian groups and foundations world-wide and most recently was on the Board of Directors for The Refuge Utah, a nonprofit helping survivors affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.
George was kind, generous, hardworking and a beautiful soul… what can we say? He was George Bailey and he gave his family a wonderful life! He was incredibly devoted to his wife and kids and spending time with them. He has always had a deep and special relationship with each of his children and is lovingly known as “Papa” to his seven grandchildren.
He became a hero to his children when he jumped into the Murdock Canal to save a puppy that had fallen in. Standing in terror, his kids watched as he and the puppy were swept away by the current and then immensely relieved when he showed up minutes later soaking wet with the puppy in his arms. He taught the grandkids that cookies are best eaten after dipped in milk and instilled a love of nature in his children and grandchildren that will live on for generations.
We will miss him dearly and love him always.
George was preceded in death by his beautiful wife Gay Lynn Bailey and dog Sneezle. He is survived by his four children: Adrienne Bailey, Tara (Joshua) Cluff, April (Matt) Waldron and Deven Bailey, as well as his grandchildren: Wilder, George, Marley, Henry, AJ, Ezra, and MeiLeigh, and siblings: Kathy (Tom) Capece, Jed Sylvester and Lanan (Jim) Peterson.
There will be an open house Celebration of Life on Monday, July 17, 2023 from 6-8:30pm at Wadley Farms 5 E 400 N, Lindon, UT. The family asks that donations be made in lieu of flowers or gifts to: The Refuge Utah https://therefugeutah.org/donation/