BAILEY, Robert William (Bob)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ February 26, 2011. Robert William "Bob" Bailey, 68, died quietly in the early morning hours of Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, with his wife holding his hand, at the Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center in Show Low. Bob was born Jan. 6, 1943, in St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minn. to the late Chester and Elsie (Williams) Bailey. He moved to Arizona when he was about 5 years old and lived many years in Chandler. He attended and graduated from Chandler High School in 1961. He was a very popular and well-liked student and was a friend to all. Right out of high school, he joined the U.S. Army and served from 1961-63. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Bob joined the Arizona National Guard and served nearly eight more years defending the borders of his country. He was willing to offer the ultimate sacrifice by defending the freedoms that we, as a nation, now enjoy. He truly was admirable. Robert naturally was a brilliant and gifted student. He excelled in his studies and received his bachelor's degree in engineering from Arizona State University. He soon found work as an industrial engineer working for Motorola. He is one of the few people that can say that they only ever had one employer throughout their working career. He retired from Motorola after 37 years of dedicated service. He was respected by his coworkers and truly was an inspiration to the many who aspired to be like him. Bob had an incredible work ethic and taught by example. He never asked anyone to do something that he, himself, was not willing to do. Though he was large in stature and commanded a strong physical presence, he was a meek and mild-mannered man. He was kind and courageous and his gentle spirit touched the lives of all whoever had the privilege to know him and by the many who called him "friend." One of Bob's favorite quotes was: "I am the Master of my Fate; I am the Captain of my Soul." He lived his life accordingly and never shrugged the responsibilities of his life's choices. One of the greatest choices Bob ever made was in marrying the love of his life, Ann (McHugh) Fielder. They had a beautiful relationship together and respected and loved each other just as much as anyone possibly could. They truly completed each other and each enjoyed to be in the presence of the other. They enjoyed a few years of his retirement together and have lived in Pinetop, the past 10 years. One of his life's goals was that he wanted it said of him "that he did well by his family." Every member of his family can attest to the fact that he did, indeed, do well by them. They all loved him very much and will continue to love him throughout the eternities. He was a beloved husband and soulmate to his wife, Ann Bailey of Pinetop; proud father to two sons: Steven (Sheryl) Bailey of Chandler, and Michael (Susan) Fielder of Tucson; loving grandfather to four grandchildren: Sean Bailey, Seth Bailey, both of Chandler, Nathan Fielder and Sophia Fielder both of Tucson. A public celebration of Bob's Life will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Chapel of Bueler Mortuary, 14 W. Hulet Drive in Chandler. The interment, with military honors, will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at a later date. Memorial Contributions to Hospice Compassus, P.O. Box 1975, Lakeside, AZ 85929 have been suggested by his family. Bob's family would like to acknowledge everyone who has expressed their sympathy to them through thought and deed. They truly appreciate the prayers that have been rendered them during this difficult time. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled arrangements. Those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book are invited to visit website www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.