Patrick Henry Bailey

Pat was born on March 14,1944 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was joined by a sister, Claudia, in 1947. Claudia was born with Downs Syndrome. Her care went a long way in shaping the kind of man Pat would become.

Pat attended the 5th Street School and Las Vegas High School. While in high school he joined the Naval Reserve. He attended 1 quarter of college while waiting for his orders to report for basic training in San Diego, California. Due to Pat’s expertise at sending and receiving code (he had been a ham radio operator for years) he was assigned to Radio school and to the USS Kitty Hawk where he remained until his enlistment was completed. During this time the Kitty Hawk came to PSNS for maintenance and repairs. While here, two things happened that would significantly shape Pat’s life. Number one, he joined the Bremerton Symphony and number 2 he met Danna Crist whom he married in 1966. Pat’s time in the symphony lasted 40 years. He went on to become principal percussionist. Pat worked at PSNS as an electrician and nuclear inspector. He then moved on to work for the supervisors at ship building as a ship surveyor. Between his time in the Naval Reserve and working for Supship, Pat was able to take trips to Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Alaska, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Bahrain, Amsterdam. He worked in the 13th Naval District, often spending months away from home. Pat enjoyed many other activities including church choir director at two local churches. He attended Bible Study classes at church and through Bible Study Fellowship.

Pat and Danna had two children, Andrea (Rick) in 1967 and Tim in 1971. He was absolutely delighted in his children. And later when he had grandchildren, Derrick (Taylor) and Ty (Dalton), he found a special way into their hearts, very often through reading and music. After working for 40 years of civil service, Pat retired. Not long after retirement he began volunteering at the Esquire Hills Elementary School reading to children in both the regular and special needs classes. He was able to relate very well to the special needs kids because he loved his children and loved and cherished his sister. Very often when out to dinner or shopping grown children who had been in one of the classes he read to would approach him with memories of when they were in the third grade and “Mr. Bailey read to them”.

Pat’s final years were made delightful by the birth of his great-grandchildren. Twin girls, Immie and Frankie and a great grandson RC (nicknamed Race Car) living here in Bremerton and one great-grandson Richter living in Bellingham.

A memorial service is planned for January 11th, 2026 at 2pm at Keyport Bible Church 15270 Washington Ave NE, Keyport WA 98345. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Coffee Oasis 837 4th St., Bremerton WA 98337. Attn Pat Bailey Memorial Fund.