Robert L. Bailey

Robert (Bob) Leroy Bailey died July 26th 2026 at Providence Hospital in Everett, WA. He got to see 88 years on this Earth. He was preceded in death by his wife Laura (Laurie) Bailey; his parents Ballard and Marie Bailey; all his siblings Betty Fletcher, Charles Rakestraw, Jack Rakestraw; and stepson Michael Kossak. 

He is survived by his children Deanna Hutchison, Jim Bailey, Brad Norman, stepchildren Karen Muniz, Brett Edwards and Duane Kossak, along with many grandchildren. Bob was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. At 17 he joined the Coast Guard where he had some fantastic and memorable adventures. He worked on an Ice Breaker and went to the South Pole and lived on Destruction Island doing lighthouse duty. This is where he gained his love for lighthouses. Towards the end of his life, these were the memories that he spoke of most often. He met and married Dottie Olsen from Westport, WA during this time, then moved back to California and had his children. After the Coast Guard he worked at the County Landfill driving Bulldozers and Earthmovers. He moved with his family in 1969 to Camano Island, WA. where he had a small gentleman’s farm and worked for Weyerhaeuser. Later he found a job driving a Semi Truck hauling boats for Reinell. 

After divorcing Bob later married Laura (Laurie) Edwards. Together, they bought a home in Smokey Point, Arlington, and made it the nicest home on the block. They took great pride in it and in their growing family. 

He later went to Aviation school and then moved onto working for Boeing until he retired. Bob inherited a 1950 Ford Mercury, which he named “Ole' Henry” in honor of his friend whom it had belonged to. He completely restored it to show quality. This gave him great pleasure for many years. After Laurie passed away, he spent the last 5+ years in an assisted living facility in Lake Stevens, WA. He greatly missed his wife, home and garage. He was lonely but comfortable there and loved the people who took care of him. His absence will leave a huge hole in the world as he has touched and beautified all the lives he was involved with. He loved with all his heart. A military graveside service will be held at Marysville Cemetery with family and close friends in attendance.