Obituary of Robert Joseph Bailey

Robert Joseph Bailey was born in 1928 in Pasco, WA to Emmett Bailey and Hazel Parker Bailey. The family soon moved to his grandparents Eli and Letitia Bailey's farm, in Laclede, Missouri. Bob was always a very focused man. When he was five years old he said that he knew that he would become a doctor and build a hospital. And of course he did both. He graduated from Laclede, MO High School, went on to Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri where he graduated with a B.S. degree in Zoology and graduated from the University of Missouri Medical School with a B.S. degree in Medicine. He met his lifetime love, Harlene, while at Truman State University and they were married in 1952. They moved to Cleveland, Ohio where he attended Western Reserve Medical School and Bob received his M.D. in 1954. He interned at Missouri Methodist Hospital in St. Joseph, Missouri where their son Brian was born. After his internship Bob proudly served in the U.S. Air Force as a Captain and Flight Surgeon and was stationed in Fort Worth, Texas. Their second son Bruce was born there. Bob had not forgotten his long-term plan. The family moved to California in the early 60s and he spent some time researching locales for a future hospital. Bob picked the five-cities area (central coast of California) because the nearest hospitals were in either San Luis Obispo or Santa Maria. He ended up first establishing a General Practice in Grover Beach / Arroyo Grande where their third son Brent and daughter Cristanne were born. After partnering with local doctors the dream became a reality with a ground breaking on the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital. Bob was a founder of the hospital and senior physician and medical administrator for many years. Bob and Harlene were also successful real estate investors developing a respectable multifamily portfolio that allowed them many options later in life. The partners sold the hospital in the late 60s and the family moved to Santa Barbara. Bob worked in General Practice and became the Medical Director of Mission Medical Clinic in Santa Barbara. But there was another side to Bob. Bob discovered a passion for art and antiques. Bob and Harlene traveled extensively in Europe and toured numerous museums. France and Greece were favorites. Bob became an accomplished sculptor making bronze sculptures of ballet figures. Bob took an early retirement from the medical profession at age 55 and he and Harlene ran the Montecito Fine Arts Gallery for 10 years. Bob was also an avid gardener and each home the family lived in had spectacular gardens and landscaping. He is survived by his children - Brian Bailey, his wife Terri and their son Blaine; Bruce Bailey, his wife Mimi and their children Katie and Julie, Brent Bailey and his children Brittany and Brandon; Cristanne Leitner, her husband Stuart and their children Samantha and Rebecca. Bob is preceded by his parents, granddaughter Emily and beloved wife Harlene. A private family service is planned. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Serenity House, Santa Barbara, 805-965-5555, 222 East Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Arrangements entrusted to McDermott-Crockett Mortuary