Vale Ian Bailey

bails

We are all saddened by the news that our long time friend and member Ian Bailey, has passed away.

Graham Markey and Robin Devries share some memories:

Many NSBC members will remember Ian Bailey as an avid bridge player.  Pleasant and friendly at the tables, he was a partner and friend to many of us.  Placid and unflappable by nature and always good social company, he was especially pleasant company at congresses which he frequently attended.

I played with Ian over many years and we had some success at a number of tournaments, the best being winners (with Robin Devries and Richard Lock) of the Restricted Teams at a Gold Coast Congress about 10 years back.

Working in the same company in the 1970s, Ian and I found we had a common interest in bridge and began playing at clubs around the Eastern Suburbs.  We played together for some years until I left the scene to focus on family and career.  Ian played on and became a member of the Lindfield Bridge Club which was the precursor to the NSBC.  On my retirement some 15 years ago he got in touch and we resumed playing together.  He patiently coached me in the ways of modern bridge.

To me, Ian was more than a bridge partner.  As friends, we stayed in touch over the interim years and caught up on social occasions every year or so.  Ian was an engineer by profession and worked on cutting-edge communications satellite technology in the 60s and 70s in Canada and later in Sydney.  He was also an A-grade squash player and played good tennis right up until a year or so back. 

He left the telecommunications industry in the early 80s to take up bookmaking of all things!  He was successful in that craft and later owned various retail and other investments which were also successful.  On retirement he continued his love/hate relationship with the turf and had an elaborate computer set-up at his home so he could continue punting in an armchair.  This became perfect for bridge playing when the pandemic struck.  On many occasions, when we shared an apartment at the Gold Coast with Derek Maltz, those two would sit over the form guide picking winners.

Ian’s passing was mercifully swift.  My grief, and that of his many friends - in and out of bridge, will be longer.

May he rest in peace.
 

Graham Markey

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We are all saddened to hear of the passing of Ian Bailey.  I can only echo the thoughts expressed by Graham Markey in his tribute above.

I was privileged to play with Ian both as his partner from time to time and as a fellow team member winning the Restricted Teams event at the 2010 Spring Nationals and the 2011 Gold Coast Tournament

Ian was an accomplished player, quietly spoken and unfailingly polite. Never afraid to “call a spade a spade” but always in a constructive way. Calm and cool, his results speak for themselves.

Rest in peace Ian and may all your heavenly finesses work

Robin Devries