George Eric "Rick" Bailey

Surrounded by his loving family, George Eric "Rick" Bailey, 83, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, in Lakewood, Colorado. Born on May 14, 1943, in Rochester, New York, to George and Helen (Zabel) Bailey, Rick was raised in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He will be fondly remembered for his quick wit, adventurous spirit, and boundless generosity. Rick’s unwavering love and devotion to his family were evident throughout his life, and he touched the hearts of everyone he met.

Rick graduated from Arlington High School, Arlington Heights, Illinois. In 1965, he graduated from Colgate University in Hamilton, NY. Afterward, he served in the Peace Corps, where he developed a deep affection for Liberia. Upon returning to Illinois, he earned a Master's in Education from Northern Illinois University. For 30 years, Rick taught at West Elementary in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Rick was passionate about elementary education—he found joy in teaching, mentoring, and inspiring others to discover the love of reading.

Music was another of Rick’s passions. He enjoyed folk music (Steve Goodman and John Prine), a cappella (FACE vocal group), as well as choral, gospel, and orchestral music. He loved live theater and plays, and supported the Lakewood Symphony Orchestra as a season ticket holder and donor.

Early family vacations involved trips to Wisconsin, each summer without fail. After retiring in their 50s, Rick and Ginny traveled the world. New Zealand, Europe, South America, and wherever their grandchildren lived. Time was spent creating memories with their family wherever they might be—such as Colorado Springs, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Vancouver, Orcas Island, and Okinawa, Japan.

In 1999, Rick and Ginny left Illinois to settle in Evergreen, CO. Eleven years later, they moved to Denver, where they joined Denver’s Trinity United Methodist Church Choir. There, they sang in multiple towns in Tuscany, as well as St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and Carnegie Hall in NYC. Rick sums it up best: “We had a great life together.”

He was predeceased by his high school sweetheart, Virginia Ellen (Bliss) Bailey. Rick is survived by his only brother, Stephen C. Bailey, his loving children, Dr. Steven Bailey (Rita), EG Bailey (Shá), and Kati Kreck (Kevin). Rick’s family was his world, and he was deeply proud of his grandchildren: Declan Kreck, Quinn Kreck, Julia Lucas (Copeland), Christian Bailey (Kelly), Sabrina Bailey, Jordan Bailey, and Jalen Bailey. His love and wisdom will continue to guide them as they navigate through life.

A Celebration of Life will take place on August 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Horan & McConaty in Lakewood, CO. All friends and family are welcome to attend and share their cherished memories of Rick. His daily curiosity about life and travel, his laughter, and his love of the arts will be celebrated and remembered. Rick’s life was a testament to the power of love, education, and perseverance. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him and will remain in our hearts forever.

Donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, in lieu of flowers, would be greatly appreciated.