Wayne Wadsworth Bailey, longtime Whidbey Island resident, passed away at age 83 on Sunday, May 7, 2006 after suffering a massive cerebral hemorrhage.

Until then, he had led a quiet but active life, preferring to spend his time reading, exploring the woods and beaches of Whidbey Island, and riding his bike.

Wayne was born in Scobey, Mont. on Sept. 10, 1922. He attended school in Montana and Texas, but graduated from Langley High School.

During World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he achieved the rank of sergeant. He served in the South Pacific, seeing action in the Philippine Islands and Japan, and earning the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Medal, along with two Bronze Stars.

After receiving an honorable discharge, Wayne returned to Whidbey Island, where he spent most of the rest of his life, choosing to lead a simple life with few possessions. He greatly appreciated his home for the past 14 years, the Camby Apartments in Coupeville.

Wayne was a voracious reader, enjoying everything from classic literature to mysteries and detective novels. He also listened to a wide variety of music and followed sports on TV. He loved the outdoors and “western” things, working as a cowboy for several summers when he was in high school in Montana. He had a special knack with plants and worked at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in their greenhouse/landscaping department for several years.

Over the years he became expert at finding the most delectable wild mushrooms and fresh mussels, clams, and other edible natural foods, at times sharing these found treasures with his family. For several years he had a contract to supply fresh wild mushrooms to Uwajimaya, a large Asian food store in Seattle. Wayne became a Christian in his teens, and despite challenging circumstances at times, he maintained his faith until the end of his life.

Wayne was loved and will be greatly missed by his sister, Genevieve Van Voorthuysen, of Seattle; his sister, Gwendolyn Swem, of Lynnwood; and his nieces and nephews and their spouses: Virginia Steiner and her husband, Hal; Lucinda Moyer and her husband, John; Daniel Van Voorthuysen and his wife, Joy; Vicki Schepman and her husband, Stuart; Heidi Tschider and her husband, Brian; and Melissa Dalton, all living in the greater Seattle area. Also surviving Wayne are his great-nieces and great-nephews: Jacob and Clinton Moyer; Lindsay and Madelyn Marquiss; Schuyler and Gabriel Schepman, and Jessica Dalton.

We look forward to the coming Great Reunion in Heaven!

Arrangements are under the direction of Visser Funeral Home, Langley.