Larry Bailey has passed

[Kevin Jones]

This is a sad day for the CKCA and the custom knife community in general.
I spoke with one of Larry Bailey's sons a little while ago and I'm sorry to report that our great friend, CKCA Vice President and one of our founders passed away last night. Larry went peaceably setting in his favorite easy chair.

Larry, LOVED custom knives and I can't think of a collector who has spent so much effort for so many years moving our community forward.

This thread pretty much addresses what custom knives meant to Larry and what Larry meant to custom knives. Larry was an ambassador for custom knives, always preferring to work behind the scenes shying aways from getting credit. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=748326

My heart and condolences go out to the family and Larry's many-many friends. I/we are going to miss this fine man so much.

Larry with Phil Lobred at last year's Blade Show:

This is just terrible news. Larry was truly one of the best and I will miss him greatly. My condolences to his family and to his many friends in the custom knife world.

Roger

[Bob Betzner]

My condolences go out to family and friends.

Bob Betzner

[Jim Cooper]

Aaaarggh. Really tough to hear and absorb.

Yeah, last year at Blade, Larry went out of his way to bring me a display case, just so I could show off my Hill Pearce knives protected. Completely his idea and willingness that made it happen.

A testimony to his undying support of Custom Knives, and his love of the people.

My warmest thoughts to him and his family.

Thank you, Kevin.

Coop

[Karl B. Andersen]

I am deeply saddened.
Nothing can prepare a family for something like this, and my wishes for solace goes to all those near and dear to Larry.

[Jon Klein]

Very sad news indeed. I only knew Larry a short period of time meeting him for the first time at Blade last year. Such a wonderful man and committed to both the CKCA along with the custom knife community as a whole.

My deepest and most sincere condolences to his family.

Jon

[Jim Treacy]

I'm very sorry to hear the sad news.

Larry was one of the nicest and most knowledgeable people that I had met in the custom knife community. I had many great conversations with him.

He contibuted much to the CKCA as well as promoting his Ohio show.

He will be missed.

My sympathies to his family and friends.

Jim Treacy

[jackking]

Very sad. Prayers for his family. I talked to Larry a couple months ago on the phone. He said he wasn't coming to the Little Rock AR show this year. We missed him.

[Murray White]

Kevin -- I have posted in BF but thought here I'd mention that CKCA should likely see if either an award or maybe an annual knife could be created (hunter of course) and maybe raffled with it being called the Larry Bailey Commemorative. Just something to toss around among the collectors and the makers that are CKCA members.

[John White]

Larry Bailey was a sweet, kind, gentleman. I will miss the light he brought to the knife community, and I'll miss Larry.

My thoughts go out to his family and friends, and he will be in my memory.

John