After a brief battle with cancer, David Edward Bayley has reunited with his mother and father, Agnes and Edgar Bayley, and his brother, John (Kathy). He has left behind a loving family including son Dan and his wife, Rosalba Mendoza. He will always be cherished by his oldest daughter, Jodi and her husband, Jason “J” Hanes and their children, Matthew McNulty (with Meghan), Lindsay McMurray (with Jordan and their children, Averly and Addison) and Braden Moore. Finally, his youngest daughter, Carlyanna and husband, Mike Kuntz and their children, Mikanna and Jaxon, will always remember him with tremendous love. His latest furry companion, Lyza, will miss her doting Dad, but David will be happy to walk the beach once again with Tahlya and Emma and go fishing with lifelong buddy, Al. Born in Galt, Ont., David had a happy and loving childhood where he excelled in school, enjoyed hanging out “with the guys” and was a member of various clubs. He was “Mr. Social” even back then and was affectionately known as Beetle Bayley. Somewhere along the way, David grew a green thumb and had many vegetable gardens over the years. He could even resurrect plants that seemed like they no longer had any hope of blooming. David was passionate about having fun. One of his children’s favourite memories was the hot, summer day in 1980 when it poured rain and the whole family went outside to throw the frisbee in the downpour and jump in the puddles like a bunch of lunatics. Best day ever! David had so much knowledge and a desire to share and teach others what he knew. After earning his Masters in Chemistry from the University of Guelph where he studied DNA chains, David became a passionate Chemistry teacher for over 30 years. In the classroom, he amused himself by delivering puns based on the Periodic Table to the eye rolling of his high school students. In fact, he never stopped teaching to anyone who would listen could learn about birds, theories in quantum physics and mathematics, or general trivia. David had a passion for birding and had a special talent for knowing the different bird species and calls. This was a skill he passed on to granddaughter, Mikanna. He also spent many hours sharing this passion with great-granddaughter, Averly, adding birdseed to the many feeders in the yard. The inseparable pair also enjoyed colouring together, or painting his fingernails a pretty pink. Avie and her sister, Addison, brought David immense joy over the past four years. He adored his great-granddaughters, watching them grow and learn, and was always available to share cuddles whenever possible. A snazzy dresser and good-natured flatterer of the ladies, David fancied himself as quite the stallion, or should we say “mustang.” He once mentioned that his dream car was a Ford Mustang and a day later, he pulled a new, red Mustang into the driveway. No ‘dilly dallying’ for David! He was so proud to toss the keys to oldest grandchild, Matthew on his wedding day. Grandson, Jaxon is right in saying that David always brightened the mood in any room with his sense of humour and exuberance. His vocabulary was reminiscent of Ned Flanders, with a “fiddle-dee-diddle” or a “hitch in his get along.” He greatly enjoyed his bridge games at the Golden Age Activity Centre and other games that kept his mind sharp. He especially enjoyed his cribbage games with grandson, Braden, and son-in-law, Jason. The Jack of Hearts was David’s card and he never gloated when he won a game. David also won at the slots more than once. His last casino visit was with Dan and Rosalba, another fun memory. Always game for a good time, David loved to dance to the golden oldies, sing along with opera, and going to musicals whenever possible. Music was always playing when David was around and his tastes ranged from country to rock and back to golden oldies, then over to classical and opera. His playlists were near and dear to his heart and he was so proud of his teenage grandchildren’s musical exploits with Braden on guitar, Mikanna with vocals and Jaxon on the piano and saxophone. Food was another of David’s passions and he would try and greatly enjoy any meal – pigeon or squid on a stick in Japan, and even a simple meal at home like chicken and potatoes on Mondays. He was the primary chef in his households throughout his life. For many of his career years, David helped to cook up a storm and host numerous themed dinner parties or game nights for friends. Well-traveled, David enjoyed many long driving trips as well as camping trips with his children, Dan, Jodi and Carlyanna when they were young. On a trip to Japan, he and son-in-law, Mike, ate their way through the exotic food stalls at the New Year’s festivals. But by far, David’s favourite destination was the Outer Banks of North Carolina. He and Carlene built the beach house with their own hands in 1981. His favourite Frisco pastime was fishing off the beach and the pier. In the 80’s, he was featured in the newspaper for catching a 21 pound bluefish, heralded as the opening of the Spring fishing season. Years later, he and Matt competed for the biggest red drum. Let’s say it was a tie! David loved family time by the beach and quiet time walking his dogs along the shore. For all of his family members, Flying Free will forever be synonymous with David’s bright and boisterous personality. Daughters Jodi and Carlyanna and granddaughter, Lindsay, were David’s leading ladies. He was always there cheering them on and offering support and wisdom, and they were always there for him in the best times and also in times of need. They will all greatly miss being called his “Little Girl” even as full-grown women. In his last few months, J was his wingman. Chats on the deck, trips to the store, cribbage games and general moral support, he was so grateful for J’s companionship and support. Professional services have been entrusted to the care of Zohr Family Funeral Home in Renfrew. There will be a Celebration of David’s Passionate Life on Saturday, May 23 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Barr Line Community Centre at 1766 Bar Line in Douglas, Ont. Everyone who knew David, or who would like to support his family, is invited to join us for laughter and memories. We will remember his humour, lightheartedness and most of all… his love. We loved him dearly. We will miss him greatly. And if you ever find a dime in an unusual spot, that’s likely David saying “Hello.” P.S. Only read this next pun if you have a really good sense of humour… What do you do when a passionate man and chemistry teacher passes on? You barium.
