John C. Bailey

John C. Bailey was born in Yakima, Washington, on November 3, 1935. It was the height of the depression and his father, Marion, and mother, Alma, had followed the apple harvest through the Northwest. With winter approaching, they returned to his fatherÂ?s hometown, Red Oak, Iowa, in 1938. After a move to the West Coast during WWII, they again settled in Red Oak, Iowa in 1946, where John completed high school. He enlisted in the US Navy in July 1954 and was honorably discharged in 1958. He received his bachelorÂ?s in Journalism through the GI Bill from the University of Missouri in Columbia in 1962. With diploma in hand, he moved to Denver, where he worked in corporate and community relations.John married Cora Lee Parsons of Casper, Wyoming, in 1963. They had a son and daughter and later divorced.John moved to Fort Collins in 1986 and worked in home improvement until his retirement in 2000. A guitarist for 53 years and devoted fan of Chet Atkins, he met Â?Mr. GuitarÂ? several times over the years. John played with several country-western and easy-listening bands, entertaining at senior centers, retirement homes, and individual venues. JohnÂ?s other interests included 35 mm photography, writing, reading American History, skiing, trail biking, and spending time with his grandson, Andrew. John delivered grocery staples to shelters for Volunteers of America, and made small home repairs through Retired Senior Volunteer program. He was a member of the American Legion. John was preceded in death by his mother, father, and brothers, Reid and Glen. He is survived by his son, Steven Bailey of Salida, California; his daughter Kirstan Van Hofwegen of Fort Collins; a niece, Becky Strong of Fort Collins; grandchildren, Lauren, Andrew, and Tyler; a brother, Donovan Bailey of Shellsburg, IA; a loyal friend, Carolyn Franklin, and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.At JohnÂ?s request, no services will be held. Cremation will take place.