Patrick William Bailey, 59 lifelong resident of King City passed away on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at his home.  He was born January 9, 1957, the eldest child of Patricia and Clyde (Red) Bailey of King City.

Patrick was deeply rooted in King City. He attended St. John's Elementary School through 7 ^th grade.  He served as an Alter boy and also accompanied Sister Jean Marie and David King with his guitar at the folk masses held at St. John's.

He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 1 led by scout leader, Dick King.  Dick became Patrick's mentor with regards to his love and appreciation of all things outdoors.  Pat was dedicated to passing this on to his children even taking their friends on outings so they would have an opportunity to experience the outdoors.

Patrick attended King City High School.  His first job was at the "Burger Pit" as a dishwasher and by his account he was "the Best dishwasher in town!"  After High School he went on to Hartnell College where he met his soon to be wife, Debbie Shook. He then went on to Lassen College until being awarded a full time position with the US Forest Service in 1980.

Patrick's US Forest Service career lasted 30 years.  He first worked as a G-3 Visitor Information Services Assistant at the Arroyo Seco Station. He then was assigned to the Arroyo Seco Helishot Crew for three seasons.  After several other seasonal assignments as the Carmel River Fire Prevention Technician backcountry patrol, Heli-jumper, squad leader on the Indians Helishot crew, Salmon Creek FTP backcountry patrol among other duties, he received his first permanent position as a Tank Truck Operator on the Angeles National Forest at the Chileao Station in 1980. There he also filled in on the Chileao Hotshots. He transferred to the Nacimiento Station working as a Tank Truck Operator through 1986.

He left the US Forest Service from 1987 – 1991 to work in the building trades but returned to the US Forest Service as an Engineering Technician and Forest Carpenter from 1991 – 2001.  In 2002 he accepted his appointment as the Los Padres Wilderness/Stock Program Manager working on the Monterey District.  Patrick loved his mules and pack animals.  He was quick to acknowledge the mentorship of Pozzi and several other packers he admired and respected. He conducted workshops in stock training and packing techniques, not only for volunteer wilderness rangers, but also for some of our elite military forces, including members of the US Navy SEALS.  Patrick strove to preserve the historic wilderness skills so they would not be lost. He was instrumental in coordinating and working with several volunteer groups and developing partnerships with wilderness groups such as the Ventana Wilderness Alliance.  He was immensely valuable to the Los Padres National Forest Stock Program in a manner deserving of special distinction.  He retired in the fall of 2015.

Patrick was a man of many passions, foremost, being a husband to Debbie and father to his children, Paul and Katie.  He loved his family very much.  He wanted his children to do well, be happy, use common sense, enjoy the outdoors and nature.

Patrick worked at being a good friend. He always checked in with friends on a regular basis.  Usually with a phone call, this was rarely a "quick" check-in.  Other times it might be an invitation to dinner, an impromptu visit or an articulate narrative delivered via email or a shared tidbit from the web.  He had a way of engaging you in thought or action.  Often leaving with something to contemplate and occasionally left you a bit aggravated.  Most times he told you he loved you or at the very least left you knowing he valued your friendship and you as a person.

He was passionate in his hobbies. He researched each of his chosen interests insuring his having the proper knowledge, tools and regalia to pursue perfection in whatever he did including his projects around the house.  He loved training his bird dog, making custom fishing rods, assembling model airplanes and tying fishing flies.

He was a lover of music, playing the guitar and collecting vinyl albums to compliment his digital music collection.  He went to internet auction sites and thrift stores for vintage stereo components and speakers assembling a custom system that allowed him to enjoy his collection of music.

A few weeks prior to his passing, Patrick purchased a smaller guitar to take on future camping trips.  He had been working on his campfire songs.  Katie recalls he never played a song in its entirety, except Stairway to Heaven and Landslide, always being anxious to give her a quick listen to the next song he was practicing.

The dining table was Patrick's creative work station.  From working on outboard motors to crafting his beautiful fishing rods which were works of art as were his model airplanes he built, a hobby he started as a youngster.  His attention to detail was amazing.  He once contacted a former pilot to get more detailed information about what his model should look like. The veteran wrote him and described the plane in detail which Patrick reproduced in his model.

Patrick also enjoyed cooking, drinking good wine, and perfecting his martini making, all as a way of sharing time with the people he loved and cared about.  He made great Paella, cherishing the time spent with friends around the fire while he crafted his culinary delight.  One evening Patrick begged Debbie to go down their street because he smelled a "divine" aroma emanating from a neighbor's house.  They ended up having a meal with their new neighbors.  Debbie describes life with Patrick was kind of an adventure, as with so many things she and Patrick did.  You just never knew where the adventure might take them, but that was part of the fun they shared together.

Patrick loved camping and sharing the adventure with anyone willing to go.  The family went on several different month long camping trips, spending time in Montana.  The kids were able to take friends with them.  They recall Patrick cooking rabbit for a meal.  He was patient in his teaching the kids and others the things he loved so much about being outdoors, whether it be about camping, cooking or fishing.

Patrick was very giving; always quick to lend a hand, offer encouragement, express gratitude, and give a hug.  Even after his passing he is still giving as an organ/tissue donor.

He was a member of the Soledad Trap Club and serve as a Planning Commissioner for King City several years.

Patrick is survived by his mother, Patricia; wife Debbie; children Paul and Katie; sisters, Barbara (Roger) Moitoso, Susan (Anthony) Botelho, Tracy (Mitch) Darling; brother, Brian (Norma) Bailey; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his father, Clyde (Red) Bailey.

A visitation was held from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday, November 27, 2016 at Eddington Funeral Services Chapel in King City.  A Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10am, Monday, November 28, 2016 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in King City.  Family and friends gathered to celebrate Patrick's life following the services at the DeAnza Building of San Lorenzo Park.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations in remembrance of Patrick to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation and/or the American Heart Association.