Don Lee Bailey, 79, died peacefully with the sun shining through the window and the birds chirping, on the morning of May 15, 2017, in Taos, N.M. He was born to Walter Bailey and Alice (Ray) Everson on Dec. 29, 1937, in Elma, Wash.

He is survived by his life partner David Boles, his three children Debbie Ritter, Tammy Creighton, and Randy Bailey. He is also survived by five grandchildren; Jennifer, Madison, Brittany, Nick, and Kara. Don was blessed with 14, soon to be 15, great-grandchildren; Brady, Aspen, Baylee, Wyatt, Ali, Porter, Willow, Easton, Mia, Emma, Emilia, Riley, Rowan, and Mason. He also is survived by his brother Jerry, half-sisters June and Mary, and many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a half-brother.

Don grew up in Porter, Wash. and moved to Olympia after college and married Caroline (Kirsch) Edwards. They later divorced, but were friends later in life, sharing the joys of the family they created. Don met his life partner, David Boles in 1982. Don and David moved to Texas where Don continued to work in accounting. When David retired, they moved to Taos, N.M. and Don worked at the Sagebrush as the night auditor. He eventually retired and enjoyed the quietness and peace that Taos offered. Don enjoyed reading, traveling, visiting his family in Washington, and learning about his grandchildren’s lives.

He will be remembered as a gentle, caring man who was very proud of his family and was loved very much.

There will be a memorial service on Sunday, June 4, at 2 p.m. at McCleary Community Center. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to The First Presbyterian Church of Taos, 575-758-3124 or The National Stroke Association, 800-787-6537.