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
To Nancy, Stephen , Andrew , Michael and your extended families:
Adrian and I are shocked and devastated by the passing of your dear husband and father Tom. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Tom was a physician colleague of mine for 26 years in the Obstetrical units at Victoria general Hospital.
He was the consummate professional , a true gentleman. He was very approachable, humble , compassionate, consistent and dedicated to his patients and their families.He will be missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him and working with him.
Going forward there will be difficult times , but know that your memories together will live on forever in your hearts.God bless.
Azeita and son Adrian Harding.
Our family want your family and friends, and the office staff, how much we admired and cared about this wonderful man! To replace this very kind hearted Doctor will be a challenge. His devotion to his family and patients was outstanding and he will be missed in a way that words cannot describe. Our prayers are with you all and hope your memories will sustain you and help with the pain and sorrow you are going thru.
Our loving respect, Bev and Steve Batchelor and our children, and their families, Steven, Tana, Miranda,Jordan, Braydon
Dr. Bailey,
You were a mentor, a hero, a role model and a friend. Words cant express my gratitude for all you’ve done, not just for me but the entire community. The world is a better place for having you here, and I’ll do all I can to honour your memory, and be as thoughtful and caring as you are. Thank you for everything Dr. Bailey, you’ll forever be a friend in my heart.
To Nancy, and the family of Dr. Tom Bailey,
Our hearts go out to you amid your grief over Tom. Our prayers are with you. Tom was a remarkable man, taken far too soon. Our connection was through our shared faith community, St. John the Divine. Though, clearly, he was a man of many talents and abilities, he also was approachable, humble. We only wish we could have gotten to know him more. He is, and will be, missed.
Shalom.
My condolences go out to his family at this time , he was my Doctor for only 4 years but knew him through the priory for 32 , he was so dedicated to the patients he cared for along with staff members. Doctor Bailey has helped me through tough times the last 4 years since being diagnosed with my disease and for that I will be forever thankful. RIP Doctor Bailey may your wings be spread wide like an eagle , sore high my friend!
Dr. Bailey was an exceptional family physician. My family has been supported by his compassionate medical care for over 38 years. His positive, reassuring and patient attitude was also reflected by his office staff. It was a privilege to be under his care. What a blessing he was to the world. We send deep condolences for his loss to his family and friends.
My sincere condolences to the family and co-workers of Dr. Bailey. He was my husband’s doctor for many years and kindly agreed to accept me as a patient when my doctor closed her offices several years ago. He was always caring and compassionate and took the time to patiently address all our questions. He will be sorely missed.
I am so very saddened and shocked by Dr. Baileys passing. He was a truly outstanding doctor and friend that was very much respected. Dr. Bailey was my Dr. For 42 years and will be greatly missed. I want to wish his family some peace and calm at this very difficult time, be proud of all that he accomplished in his life. A life taken way too soon, rest in peace dear Dr. Bailey, until we meet again. Sincerely, Holly
What a profound loss it is not to have Dr. Bailey with us. I have worked with Tom in RCI for the past number of years and was so impressed with his dedication and kindness. He believed completely in what he did and wanted to make a difference every day. His legacy will be with us for years to come. He was always the quiet consistent force in the background, never wanting to compromise what was right but completely understanding what Family Physicians, patients and their families in the community need. He will be sorely missed.
It was a shock to hear about his death. He was a valued colleague, and an asset to the medical community. My condolences to his family.