Submitted By His Mother

Bartholomew Blake Bailey‚ Bart‚ died June 24‚ 2002‚ after a van rollover crash on the way to fight the Haymen Fire in Colorado. This was Bart’s first day on the job as as wildland forest firefighter‚ with Grayback‚ in his second summer season. Bart was also studying Civil Engineering at Oregon State University in Corvallis for his third year. Born March 5‚ 1982‚ with his twin sister‚ Brandy Ann‚ to Jerry D. and Carla J. (Schafer) Bailey‚ Bart lived on this earth 20 wonderful‚ blessed years. Bart’s high school principal summed up his life by saying‚ ‘Bart was the kind of young person you hope your kids will grow up to be.’ His dad‚ Jerry‚ said ‘Bart was the man I hope to become someday.’

No one could ever adequately explain how much Bart was loved and admired by every person that knew him. He loved Jesus with all his heart and judged no one. He was full of joy of the Lord and it just flowed out of him whether he was playing basketball (which he played for three years in high school‚ being able to palm and finally dunk a basketball in his Senior year)‚ tennis (where he won state title in the singles division in his Junior year)‚ acting (where he played numerous parts including the lead in ‘The Fantastiks’)‚ special music groups (where his high tenor voice and four octave range blessed thousands of people all through middle school‚ high school‚ and in college‚ where he sang in a special men’s group). He and Ben (one of his best friends since 3rd grade) won 2nd place in the duo division out of all the high schools in the entire state of Oregon‚ and went to international competition.

When Bart was elected Prom King in his Senior year‚ he asked me sincerely‚ ‘Mom‚ why do you think they would elect ME Prom King?’ Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that Bart never said a bad word about anyone‚ had a smile for everyone‚ loved the Lord God and every person (children‚ as well as older people)‚ was witty and incredibly funny (imitating Austin Powers‚ Dr. Evil‚ Forest Gump‚ and many other characters in plays and assemblies)‚ was very intelligent (even while taking college courses in high school‚ he earned a 3.8 GPA)‚ was honest‚ industrious (no only helping out at home‚ but working as a courtesy clerk at Albertsons all through high school)‚ kind‚ loving‚ humble‚ as well as being an exceptionally handsome young man (standing 6’4′ with size 13 feet‚ dark hair‚ and incredibly beautiful blue eyes‚ and a contagious smile).

Bart was always a joy to be around and loved his family‚ friends and acquaintances with all his heart. He wanted to help others and was overjoyed to be fighting fires and saving lives and property. He and Brandy were always best friends. I praise God that I was chosen to be Bart’s mother even for this short time. What in incredible honor‚ priviledge‚ and blessing! I am so thankful that because Jesus died on a cross and was raised from the dead‚ we will be with Bart in Heaven someday for all eternity. Glory to God in the highest for the peace and truth that reigns in our hearts‚ where Bart‚ my beloved son‚ is cherished forever.