Obituary of Paul Heston Bailey

Paul Heston Bailey, born June 16, 1933 in Wesport, Nova Scotia passed away at 87 years on July 12, 2020. He was standing on the edge of the Eagle River in Labrador with his fishing rod in his hand and son-in-law at his side. ‘Red’ is predeceased by his mother Mary Mae Morehouse and fathers Lou Bailey and Austin Garron. Leaving to mourn are his wife, Yvonne with 63 years of marriage, daughters Kristal (Darryl), Candice (Jeff), Melanie (Bob)and son Austin Lou (Sascha), five grandchildren Jennifer (Mike), Cassandra (Steve), Colin (Fallon), Mitchell (Alex) and Blake, three step grandchildren Josh (Julie), Neal (Jill), Keighan (Rachel) and six great grandchildren, Mikayla, Chelsea, Emma, Ivy, Anna and Ryker. Red enjoyed his career as a sergeant in the Royal Canadian Armed Forces for 27 years and found a second career as a second mate with the Dept of Fisheries and Oceans for 14 years. Paul, Dad, Red, Pop, Poppy Rocks, Daddio, OMB (Old Man Bailey) truly lived and loved life. Dad was all about family and friends and he leaves us with many memories that bring a smile. When he retired, he moved to Kelligrews, NL with Yvonne to be closer to family. He was well known for being kind and generous, was supportive in our education and was so proud of all our achievements, no matter how big or small. He enjoyed life and looking forward to ‘just one more trip’ whether it was trap shooting, fishing, or a family vacation. He stayed connected to people and loved having a good time. He could share a new story or tell a joke no matter who was at the dinner table. His wide circle of friends included lifelong friends from Westport, the Annapolis Valley in NS, the armed forces, fishing buddies, trap shooting friends and family from one coast of Canada to the other. Red was involved in many community activities. He was a long time Mason, played volleyball and enjoyed telling you about his 8 ender in curling, spent hours and hours picking berries and smoking fish but in his later years, he truly enjoyed being part of the Rod and Gun Club and those members became more like family than friends. He would often say he’d like ‘one more trip’ and the boys would take him to a competition and he’d come home with a prize in the Senior Division. A special mention to Andrea, Peter, Brian, Monty, Troy, Johnny for all you did for OMB. Red also loved being on the water. He grew up on the water, was a fisherman at heart, and loved the peacefulness of an early morning cast. This year he asked if he could have ‘just more trip’ to get a salmon. He went on that trip and he caught a salmon. It is like he scripted his own passing and we know this is how it was meant to be. We celebrate your life and know there are a few ice cubes waiting to be melted as we toast to you. So now, with tons of emotion and lots of love from family and many circles of friends, we have to let you go on ‘just one more trip.’ We will dearly miss you, your stories and all your love. Family have a special thanks to friend and neighbour, Randy, who has always helped out Dad with yard work, snow clearing and house repairs. Dad always spoke highly of Randy so thank you for all you do. Many thanks to the RCMP in Cartwright for their kindness and assistance. Also a heartfelt and special thanks to Peter Hollett for his friendship and unwavering support to Jeff through this difficult time. Cremation has already taken place. Due to COVID, a service will take place at a later time. No flowers requested. If you wish, a donation can be made to the Atlantic Salmon Federation. To send a message of condolence, please visit www.hickeysfuneralhome.com