Paul Mervyn Bailey

January 14th, 1951 - February 16th, 2023

Memorial

Mementos

Paul Bailey lived life the way he played tennis — with fierce competitiveness on the court and a kind and generous spirit off of it. His final match, against cancer, ended recently in a hard-fought fifth set tiebreaker (although Paul remains convinced that his last shot was in).

Paul made his way in the world on his own terms. He was handsome, engaging, witty, athletic, stubborn, funny, and smart. He was always up to tackle any challenge or embrace any adventure. These traits allowed him to amass an eclectic and exuberant group of friends — interesting people were drawn to Paul like a moth to a flame.

Beyond tennis, family, and friends, Paul loved nothing more than making a deal. He made his livelihood by buying low and selling high, whether it was antiques, cars, boats, houses, guns, knives, musical instruments, jewelry, coins, memorabilia, or whatever. If it had a value, Paul knew it or could find it with a phone call or two.

He is survived by his loving partner, Susan, his children, his grandchildren whom he adored, and a large extended family.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, go out and hit a tennis ball or haggle at a garage sale in search of a deal in his honor.

A celebration of Paul's life is happening THIS Saturday, 8/26 at Carkeek Park from 3 to 6. Shelter #2. We hope to see you there!

Events

PAST EVENT

Paul's Celebration of Life

Aug 26th, 2023

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

(GMT-7:00) Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Carkeek Park Shelter # 2

Carkeek Park, Northwest Carkeek Park Road, Seattle, WA, USA

Tributes

Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Paul’s life with a heartfelt message.

Dahli

“Paud” as my young daughters dubbed him many years ago, was a close and very beloved family friend. He was one of very few people who could bring me to tears with his sense of humor and made me count my lucky stars to be considered one of his friends. Sitting by a camp fire and hearing him sing while playing the guitar was pretty special and still puts a smile on my face when I think about it. So does remembering all the garage sales we went to together in his little truck, throwing all the junk in the back, Paul never buckling his seatbelt and having to hear the ding! ding! ding! of the car the entire time we drove. It was pure joy spending time with him doing whatever, he was the most fun and interesting person in the room. He will be greatly missed but how fortunate we are that we all got to have him in our lives.

Published August 15th, 2023

Emily Weiner

Paul was one of my favorite people. Paul was a very respected man, he could have choose anyone to work with. He always chose me. That small action made a world of difference to me. When I got to meet Bobbie, I felt really special. I always hoped we’d run into each other again. Next life. You will be greatly missed. Thank you for the confidence I needed.

Published March 17th, 2023

Tom Wall

Among the varied colorful characters comprising the Lower Woodland “tennis club”, my friend Paul always had a wink, a nod, a hello that meant his genuine camaraderie. His ah shucks demeanor concealed an intellect and wit, and a wealth of eclectic knowledge and wisdom. The sight of his easy flowing tennis game, and the sound of his verbal barbs over line calls and scores, never too serious, will be missed.

Published March 4th, 2023

Cheyenna

Uncle Paul was one of the many wildmen of my upbringing which consisted of semi-regular cannon blasts, taxidermy in unexpected places, guitar strumming, and the dryest of dry wit. When I was young I used to watch David Letterman because he reminded me of Paul. When I was 4 my mother left me at his house alone with him, about 100 switchblades, several dozen guns, the aforementioned cannon, and my very own brand new Crayola markers. Of course she took far longer than anticipated, but imagine her surprise when upon arrival her tiny child, wearing only an undershirt, had suddenly been covered with enormous navy tattoos on each arm. Big bloody hearts with swords through them that said "MOM" and "DAD". And of course, because he was an artist he used the pastel markers so they looked old and faded and incredibly detailed. Jolie sure did get some looks in the grocery store that day in 1987. It's one of my great grievances that no one thought to take a photo. But I remember, sitting perfectly still at age 4, THRILLED that he was giving me such a gift of attention, I never even considered doing anything else. I miss Paul a lot, the last of my wild men.

Published July 6th, 2023