In Memory of Bob Bailey

Greetings Agawam Community,

It is with a heavy heart that I report the death of Bob Bailey. Bob was born in 1927 and passed away on November 12 at the age of ninety-four. It is difficult for me to even know where to start in writing about Bob – he was an extremely important person to me personally beginning from my days as a camper, to my time as a staff member and eventually to my time as director. He lived a long and full life. There is only one way to put it, Bob Bailey was a legend. He exuded joy and positive energy wherever he went. He was an enormous asset to Camp Agawam because of his incredible work ethic and his ability to fix absolutely anything. Camp is still full of examples of Bob’s ingenious repair jobs. Dave Mason, Garth Nelson and I all relied heavily on Bob and likely took for granted all of his amazing contributions.

 

Bob was a huge asset to Camp Agawam for more reasons than his work. He was important to Agawam because of the presence of his personality. He, along with “Capt” Estes”, taught many a suburban 16-year-old the true meaning of hard work. Often, with a thoughtful explanation as to which end of the broom one should hold or the appropriate way to return a tool. He was joyful and hysterical, and any time spent in his presence included laughter and his classic brand of old-school Maine humor. When I reflect upon Bob Bailey mostly what I think about are the stories. Agawam counselor: “Bob, is the water here at camp soft or hard?” Bob: “Well in the summer I reckon it is soft and, in the winter, I reckon it is hard.”

Bob began working at Agawam in the early 1950s and retired after over 50 years of service at the age of 88 in 2015. His legacy at Camp Agawam will always remain because “Bob Bailey” stories continue to be told. In fact, last summer during a Council Fire I told the story of the “legend of Bob Bailey.” However, his legacy will also be marked in a more formal way. Our new barn that houses the workshop and staff recreational space was named after Bob. The entire structure is named “Bailey” and the workshop is named “Bob’s Shop” after his long- time tiny shed of a workshop of the same name.

Here is a link to his obituary. Per his obituary, a graveside service will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Bath in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA Hancock County, 141 Bar Harbor Road, Trenton, ME 04605 or Camp Agawam, Maine Idea, 54 Agawam Road, Raymond, ME 04071.

Bob Bailey truly sought the joy of being alive and made everything and everyone better in his wake. Hopefully the many people he impacted feel like I do. I value the time I was able to spend with him, I will miss him terribly, but whenever I think about Bob Bailey it will bring a smile to my face and will make me want to share a story. Did you ever hear of the time that Bob moved all of the sailboats from the boathouse to the cabin of Mason by himself……..

In Agawam Spirit……

“Chief” Erik Calhoun