Obituary of P.J. Bailey

P.J. Bailey was born at St. Mary's Hospital in Camrose on October 10, 1991. He was welcomed into the family of Bob and Valerie Bailey when Bob's adopted sister (P.J.'s biological mother), Joni Lynn Bailey, became unable to care for him. P.J. became Val and Bob's only son, and younger brother to Brittany and Halley, while still a baby. P.J. was a source of joy and pride to his family right from the start. A happy, good natured boy, he developed into a well rounded young man. He excelled in many areas, and he was the recipient of countless accolades and awards in his brief life. Recognition came in music, mechanics, dance, and academics. Of special note was his selection as winner of the Don Bailey Jazz Award, which was named for his Grandpa, who was also a trumpet player. P.J. was also especially proud of his work in the F.A.C.T. program at C.C.H.S., finishing near the front of the pack in the year end Triathlon event. P.J.'s extracurricular activities kept him extremely busy, while proving to set him apart as an exceptional individual. He was naturally athletic, and enjoyed soccer, baseball, and swimming in his early years. But it would be hockey and dance that would vie for his time later on. Although he really enjoyed hockey, P.J., the consummate artist, opted to pursue his gifts in dance through Junior High and High School. He truly shone in his dance activities, lighting up the stage with his charisma, energy and presence. P.J. always enjoyed performing, taking to the stage as early as 8 years of age, when he was cast as Winthrop in the local Churchmice production of "The Music Man". He followed this with two childhood roles in university productions at Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta. It was music, however, that became P.J.'s chosen vehicle for performance, and it would remain his main passion in the ensuing years. Strong in piano and voice, P.J. was mainly noted for his trumpet playing. He played in the concert and jazz bands at Charlie Killam, under his Dad, and at C.C.H.S. under Tom Spila. He served as president of the CCHS Concert Band, attended Music Camp Alberta, Wetaskiwin Jazz Camp with Karl Schwonik, and Grant MacEwan Jazz Camp administrated by Raymond Baril. He was selected to the Alberta Provincial Honour Band as well as the High School Honour Choir. Nowhere, however, did P.J.'s versatility shine through as it did in the annual Camrose Music Festival. Participating in piano, voice, dance, instrumental music, and speech arts, P.J. was awarded with the Multi Talent Trophy and scholarship on four different occasions. His efforts in music resulted in recommendations to provincials in musical theatre, speech arts, and trumpet. After high school, P.J. continued to follow his musical interest, enrolling in Grant MacEwan University. He was proud to have been selected to perform in "Jazz Band I" as well as the "Showcase Band". As busy as P.J. was with his schooling and extra-curricular activities, he still managed to find a way to earn money, babysitting and taking over his sister's Booster route in junior high, and later working construction with Don Skretting in Grande Prairie, bussing tables at the Norsemen Inn, and working retail at Canadian Tire. He particularly enjoyed working alongside his Uncle Jim, Auntie Janet, and cousin Mark at the Hillaby farms near Kelsey for a couple of summers. Recently he did a stint at Global Power in Edmonton, before settling into sales at Denny Andrews Ford in the west end. In accordance with his lifelong passion for cars and mechanics, he had just started in their service department at the end of August, planning to enter an auto and heavy duty mechanics apprenticeship program. He had a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit, having purchased some candy vending machines for their showroom and turning over vehicles on the side for a tidy profit. He had a business plan to finish a dual mechanics program, eventually taking some business courses so he could own his own business some day. P.J.'s Facebook wall is inundated with countless messages of love, admiration, and grief, from family, friends, and even mere acquaintances. He was a very blessed young man, effortlessly excelling in a wide range of skills while making many friends in every facet of his life. He was a gifted communicator, easily connecting with young and old alike. He had the capacity to impact the lives of others at a single meeting, with his honesty, generosity, kindness, sunny disposition, talent, old-world courtesy and manners, and through the profound respect he showed others, regardless of station. He loved to work with his hands and stay active, at work and at play. In spite of the foregoing, P.J. was a modest person, always ready to help others in need. His parents felt privileged to have him for their son and his sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins were proud to call him family. P.J.'s life ended tragically in Edmonton last Friday (September 23, 2011), at the tender age of 19 years in a devastating motor vehicle collision. Despite heroic efforts by skilled ER nurses and doctors at the University of Alberta Hospital, P.J. passed away in the early hours of the morning with members of his famlly, friends, and co-workers at his side. He is predeceased by his sister Carling Mary Bailey (infant and youngest daughter of Bob and Val Bailey), his cousin Rick Hillaby (son of Jim and Janet Hillaby) and both sets of grandparents (Don & Melva Bailey), (Gordie and Gladys Sommer). He leaves to deeply and forever mourn his passing, his parents and sisters, step grandfather, Stuart (Lorna) Bailey, and honorary grandfather (Al Tabler), many aunts, uncles, cousins, and his girlfriend Yarina Sen. "The Song is ended, but the melody lingers on" Irving Berlin. Prayer Services were held on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 7:00pm., from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church in Camrose, Alberta. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at 10:30am., from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Larry Pederson as celebrant. Interment followed in the Camrose Cemetery. If friends so desire memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to The Rick Hillaby Memorial Fund at The Camrose Battle River Foundation, or to a charity of your choice