Fritz Creek resident Royce “Raven” Allen Bailey, 59, passed away Dec. 6, 2012, at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage after a courageous battle with lung cancer. A celebration of his life will be held on May 19, 2013, at the Seafarer’s Memorial on the Homer Spit. Details will be announced at a later date.
Royce was born Nov. 6, 1953, in Beloit, Wis. He grew up in Rockton, Ill., where he attended Hononegah High School, graduating in 1971. Royce was initiated into the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers apprenticeship program with Ironworkers Local 498 in Rockford, Ill. on Dec. 1, 1974, and earned his Journeyman Card on June 1, 1977. Royce moved to Homer in March 1980. He spent the next 16 years working as a crewman on many local commercial fishing vessels and tenders, participating in crab, halibut, salmon, herring and cod fisheries from Togiak to the Bering Sea. On May 1, 2001, Royce joined Anchorage Ironworkers Local 751 and remained a member until his death. He worked on construction projects statewide, including the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitors Center, Ted Stevens International Airport expansion and South Anchorage High School. Royce was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and camping with family and friends.
Royce was preceded in death by his father Duane Bailey and his mother Norma Jean (Gander) Bailey.
Royce is survived by his wife, Susan Welp-Bailey, and their son Brennan of Daly City, Calif., and daughter Leah of Eugene, Ore.; sister Joyce Porter and her husband Robert of Pima, Ariz.; brother David Bailey and his wife Barbara of Roscoe, Ill., and their daughter Jennifer; brother Dennis Bailey and his wife Cathi of Sunset, Texas, and their daughters Alicen, Sara and Amy; brother Charles Bailey and his wife Diane of Soldiers Grove, Wis., and their sons Spencer and Corbin; brother Michael Bailey of Homer and his son Justin; and many extended family members and friends.
Arrangements were by the Cremation Society of Alaska. A full obituary is available at: www.alaskacremation.com.