Born in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Tom Bailey devoted his life to family, medicine, and to family medicine. Growing up in Victoria, Beamsville (ON), Oxford (UK), and Vancouver, by his late teens Tom knew his vocation and knew the love of his life: Nancy, a young woman he had met in 1970 while both were Easter Seals camp counsellors. He married her in 1973 and earned his medical degree from UBC in 1976, his first son born the same day as his final exam.
He completed his residency in family medicine at Dalhousie University in 1978. He became the proud father of two more sons as he set up a medical practice in Victoria’s Western Communities, where he worked as a family physician for more than forty years.
His family grew to include four grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. His workload grew as well. He served in numerous capacities supporting family medicine, including everything from maternity through eldercare, from exam writer to committee organizer to president of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (2006-2007). He did all his work without boast or complaint.
Tom is profoundly missed by his wife Nancy; children Stephen (Christine), Andrew (Elena), and Michael (Emily); grandchildren Presley, Hayden, Isaac, and Bergen; siblings John (Brenda), Peter (Janet), and Maggie (Don); nieces; nephews; friends; family; colleagues; teammates; and patients. Tom’s death was sudden and unexpected but he spent every day of his life doing what he loved with people whom he loved.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. John’s Anglican Church, 1611 Quadra Street, on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in keeping with Tom’s life.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
86 Responses
I’m so sorry for the shock and loss of Tom’s passing. I have recently spent time with his sister Maggie and know how proud she was of her family. My condolences go to all that knew him and or loved him.
Deepest condolences to Dr. Bailey’s family. He was my Dr. for over 40 years and a good friend, he kept me alive all these years, I am truly saddened. He was one hell of a Dr.
Rip my friend, you deserve it.
He Who has Achieved Success
Who has lived well, laughed
often and loved much;
Who has gained the respect of
intelligent men and women, and
the love of little children,
Who has filled his niche and
accomplished his task;
Who has left the world better
than he found it.
Who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s
beauty or failed to express it;
Who has looked for the best in others and
given the best he had.
Whose life was an inspiration.
-A.J. Stanley
As I continue to reflect upon the passing of the best doctor in the world. I can not help but think that I will forever carry with me all of the advice and knowledge he has provided me… advice that has helped me continue to get better with my medical issue. When times are hard I will forever think about his words of wisdom. In years to come, I’ll think “what did Dr. Bailey say to do… remember what he said.” For me, besides the medical advice he gave to me, he also gave me solid life advice. He told me to move forward from what had happened, that it might happen again but that I needed to focus on my children, to focus on my hobbies and things that make me happy. He gave me hope that things would get better and I was doing the right things to move forward. Even though he is gone he will continue to make my life and so many other peoples’ lives better. He will continue to accomplish his ‘niche’ and ‘task’ as an incredible doctor and most obviously a great family man. His life will continue to inspire others and he will continue to make the world a better place.
Sending all my love to his family, friends and patients.
We are so sorry to hear that Dr. Bailey had passed away. He took care of us for many years, a caring and dedicated doctor, we will miss him. Our condolences to his family at this time.
Sincere condolences to all who loved and will miss him.
All my love and prayers to Dr. Bailey’s family…I am so grateful to have worked with Dr. Bailey on labour and delivery…his compassion, kindness and dedication to his patients and their families was evident in day to day practice. I will miss his smile and fun camaraderie on the unit.
My husband and I are so sorry for your loss. Dr. Bailey has been our doctor for 20 years and we have counted ourselves lucky to have been under his care. His kindness and caring nature really was exceptional. I have had two surgeries in the past year and with both I woke up in the hospital to his cheerful face most every morning – a huge comfort. Our condolences to your family and his loved ones.
Condolences to the family, he will be sadly missed. He was our family Dr. for over 30 years. He provided outstanding care. Rest in peace Dr. Bailey.
To Dr. Bailey’s family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Bailey’s passing. I can just imagine how you will be missing him and my heart goes out to you all. I always looked forward to seeing him walk through the doors of the NICU. Always so positive and caring and with a wicked sense of humour and kindness. He was a wonderful person and physician.
To the family of Dr. Bailey
Our hearts are heavy for you all. Your husband, father and grandfather gave so much of himself to my two sons while growing up and even into their early adulthood. He was my strength when my son, Grant, passed a few years ago. Always an open appointment the day I would call, an ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on, even a few tears to share with me during my many dark days. A great support to my oldest son Andrew offering the same support to him as he did for me during our difficult times.
I can only imagine the shock and devastation you all must be feeling. Please know Dr. Bailey was so much more than just a Doctor to myself and children, he was our hero!
He will be missed more than words can express by our family.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.