Malcolm S. Bailey, 65 of Billings, passed away unexpectedly at his family cabin on the Stillwater, in Nye, Mont., on September 18, 2012. He was born on August 26, 1947 to Joan (Collins) Smith and James Atkinson Smith, both members of the Assiniboine Tribe. His parents passed away when he was young, and Malcolm was adopted by Earl and Blanche Bailey.
Malcolm attended Billings West High School, graduating in 1966. He was an accomplished runner in track and cross country. He was very proud that he completed the Boston Marathon, finishing in the top 100 runners. He went on to attend Eastern Montana College. During his college years, he was a member of the Ski Patrol at Red Lodge Mountain.
He was a teacher in Billings Public Schools where he shared his passion for art with his students. Malcolm was very beloved by his students. He was an activist for teachers’ rights, working closely with the Billings Education Association, MEA, and NEA. He was an accomplished artist and jewelry maker, a gun enthusiast and a member of the NRA. He loved to delight friends and family with his cooking and colorful stories. He was a fiercely loyal friend, brother, uncle, and loving father.
Malcolm is survived by his daughter MacKenzie Bailey of Missoula; siblings, Jim (Corkie) Birdsall, Harold N. Bailey, LouAnn (Randy) Baril, Steve (Cheryl) Stewart; numerous aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his birth parents and adopted parents.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Malcolm’s Life will be held at 4:00 P.M., Saturday, September 7th, at Riverfront Park, Pavilion #1.
James Nys (Nys)
From the funeral home archives
Malcolm S. Bailey
Malcom Bailey
Malcolm S. Bailey, 65 of Billings, passed away unexpectedly at his family cabin on the Stillwater, in Nye, Mont., on September 18, 2012. He was born on August 26, 1947 to Joan (Collins) Smith and James Atkinson Smith, both members of the Assiniboine Tribe. His parents passed away when he was young, and Malcolm was adopted by Earl and Blanche Bailey.
Malcolm attended Billings West High School, graduating in 1966. He was an accomplished runner in track and cross country. He was very proud that he completed the Boston Marathon, finishing in the top 100 runners. He went on to attend Eastern Montana College. During his college years, he was a member of the Ski Patrol at Red Lodge Mountain.
He was a teacher in Billings Public Schools where he shared his passion for art with his students. Malcolm was very beloved by his students. He was an activist for teachers’ rights, working closely with the Billings Education Association, MEA, and NEA. He was an accomplished artist and jewelry maker, a gun enthusiast and a member of the NRA. He loved to delight friends and family with his cooking and colorful stories. He was a fiercely loyal friend, brother, uncle, and loving father.
Malcolm is survived by his daughter MacKenzie Bailey of Missoula; siblings, Jim (Corkie) Birdsall, Harold N. Bailey, LouAnn (Randy) Baril, Steve (Cheryl) Stewart; numerous aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his birth parents and adopted parents.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Malcolm’s Life will be held at 4:00 P.M., Saturday, September 7th, at Riverfront Park, Pavilion #1.
-Submitted by Jim Nys