Lee Harvey Bayley

    Lee Harvey Bayley, 88, from Spokane, Washington passed away Sept. 20, 2023. He was born in Colville, WA Oct. 4, 1934.  He graduated from Wallace High School in 1952.  He achieved degrees in business and law from University of Montana. While attending college, he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and joined the R.O.T.C. program. He met the love of his life, Dolores Guilbault, and married her April 27, 1957.  They enjoyed 66 years of marriage while raising 5 children. He served a three-year tour of duty in the Air Force as a navigator, primarily based out of Tachikawa Japan, with the rank of Second Lieutenant.
    In 1960, the young couple moved to Spokane, WA where he worked as a department manager at JC Penney and then a salesman for Rocky Mountain Freezer.  Lee and his business partner Lyle, owned and operated a large restaurant supply company, Refrigeration Specialties Inc., for over thirty years. 
    His commitment to serving others was evident by his involvement in every aspect of the Annual St. Charles Church Christmas Dinner for the homeless and needy for many years.  As a devoted parishioner of St. Charles Church for over 55 years, Lee participated in many areas of the life of the church.  He also supported the Church through his service in the Knights of Columbus and the Serra Club. Lee was a person for others and could be seen making the rounds serving Meals on Wheels to the elderly and homebound. He also served as the first private school representative on the Washington State Board of Education for 8 years. 
    Lee’s vision of bringing together extended family to make memories and celebrate life was perhaps most clearly seen at Deer Lake. For almost half a century, Lee made the cabin a “home away from home”.  Lee was always at his “happy place” when he was working or tinkering on some project at the lake. His community service extended to serving on the Deer Lake Property Owners Board, including as its president.  His annual involvement in the 4th of July Pancake Breakfast helped establish it as one of the highlights of the lake community.
    His many interests included fishing, boating, building, gardening and huckleberry picking. He could also be heard cheering for his beloved Zags during the basketball season.  Lee was known as everybody’s “fix-it” guy as well as the “Yes” man. 
    Lee is survived by his loving wife, Dolores, his two brothers, Ray (Pat) and Dale (Patricia), his 5 children, Tim, Brent, Ann (Gene), Janet (Tony) and Nancy (Tim), 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Velma.  
    A Rosary will be held Thursday night, October 5, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Charles Parish located 4515 N Alberta St, Spokane, WA 99205. The Funeral Mass to celebrate Lee’s life will be held at St. Charles Parish on Friday, October 6th at 11:00 a.m. A burial service will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery 7200 N Wall St, Spokane, WA 99208.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Charles Church, Gonzaga Prep High School or Catholic Charities of Spokane.


 

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