Harry Baily Memorial
Harry Bailey left this world at dawn on March 5th. He was at his home in Grass Valley, surrounded by his
family. He was a few months short of his 99th birthday.
Harry was born in Berkeley, California to Faye and Vernon Kealoha Harris. During high school, Harry’s
eyes were opened to social justice and peace issues by a radical young Methodist minister, George
Burcham, initiating ideals that would be with him for life. Harry attended Sacramento Junior College and
took every chemistry class that was offered. He went on to UC Berkeley and continued studying
chemistry but found wider interests, including the Co-op Movement. It was at UCB that he met Lois
Waddell. They married in 1942.
Harry was a concientious objector during World War Two. After the war Harry and Lois settled in
Southern California to live in an intentional community with Quaker friends. There they raised their three
children; Jeannie, Glenn, and Nancy and helped found the San Fernando Friends Meeting. When the
children were young they spent two years in East Africa leading an American Friends Service Committee
(AFSC) community development program. Harry served on the national board of the AFSC for many
years.
Harry and Lois moved to Grass Valley in 1974, again forming a cooperative community, “Towhee” with
other Quakers. Harry and Lois were involved in the Domestic Violence Coalition, offering a safe house
for victims of domestic abuse for several years. They participated in the local alternative money system
called the “G plan” and an early food buying co-op called the “Grub Club.” He was part of the group that
founded the BriarPatch Co-op, where Harry volunteered weekly into his nineties. He was a staunch
supporter of John Woolman School, serving on Building and Grounds Committee for many years. He and
Lois were dedicated members of the Grass Valley Friends Meeting. Harry served on Buildings &
Grounds, Peace & Social Justice, Ministry & Oversight, and Finance committees. He also hosted Friendly
Eights, regularly served on Clearness Committees, and hosted the Friday morning meeting for worship at
his home.
Harry was an avid bird watcher in later years. He remained actively engaged with life well into his mid-
nineties. Harry is remembered for his beautiful smile, his enveloping and warm hugs, his passion for
social justice, his deep concern about climate change, his big heart, and his dedication to cooperative and
community values. He made a difference in this world. So many people have loved him and will miss him
in this physical realm.
Harry was preceded in death by his beloved, Lois Waddell Bailey, and is survived by his children .
He contributed greatly to fellowship and the sense of community in Grass Valley Friends Meeting.