Larry Bailey has passed

[Bruce Bump]

I wish I would have gotten to know Larry better, he sounds like a genuine person that loves knives, makers and fellow collectors, a loss for us all. So sorry to hear of his passing away. His contribution to our community and kind presence will not be forgotten.
My condolences to his family and friends

[Kevin Jones]

Originally Posted by Russ Andrews

An annual Larry Bailey Service Award would be appropriate.

It's ironic that a while back the CKCA board discussed our organization creating and awarding a custom knife community "CKCA Lifetime Achievement Award".

I hope/think my quoting Larry here appropriate as it not only gives his thoughts on the matter, but in my opinion, let's us know that it's time for such an award and Larry's life and dedication to custom knives answers our questions as to purpose, name and criteria.

Originally Posted by Larry Bailey

I think the CKCA at some point should have some kind of award. What should it be for, or what should it be called, I don't know. This is where we need to put our thought process together, to answer these questions. And as Jerry said, to set our criteria. The award needs to carry the honor of the process that was used in it's establishment. Let's do it right. The CKCA, I think, has become known for doing things right. Let's hit a home run on this front too. Let us not hurry to make a mistake.

As most of us know, Larry always read the various knife forums but very seldom commented/posted on them. He preferred communicating, helping advising in a more personal way. However when he did post it always reflected his wise and "common sense" approach to issues and "life" in general. Thus when he posted so many stopped and took notice.

It's also ironic that such a knowledgeable, valuable, productive and dynamic member of the custom knife community who brought us so many new collectors and helped so many knifemakers over many years and promoted/managed a very successful regional knife show was not as broadly well know as some may expect.
This comes as no surprise to us who knew Larry well and are aware of his accomplishments as he preferred to work unselfishly behind the scenes.
It was not about Larry Bailey in his eyes, but about his and other's love for custom knives and those involved with them.

[Kevin Evans]

Very good guy that will be missed.
Sincere Condolences from my family to yours.
Kevin& Cheryl

[Kevin Jones]

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/zan...&pid=149078737

[Mark Segars]

Larry was as kind of a person as a stranger ever met. The first time I met him face-to-face was at the Blade Show 2010. I had just cut my finger (of course) and he ran and fetched me a bandage. I liked him immediately.

[Brian Thie]

Larry was a great man and a wonderful friend to the knife making community.

It was a pleasure to have met Larry several years ago and I enjoyed the many conversations that we have had. Larry was always willing to provide advice and ideas to me and other knifemakers to help guide us on our path with a collector's view point.

I always enjoyed the looks that Larry would give me when I asked his advise. He was always willing to help, and he had a very special look that he would give me as if he was feeling me out to see if I was ready to hear what he was going to tell me. Without exception, this look was the beginning to a very interesting and valuable conversation. I am sure that many are quite familiar with this look as well. I will miss those looks very much.

Brian

[john horrigan]

Ever man dies, it's how you live that counts. Larry lived life to the fullest. We act like we're in the land of the living, going to the land of the dying. We're really in the land of the dying, going to the land of the living. I'll see you on the flipside Larry.

JOHN 3:15

[Kyle Royer]

Larry will be missed. I did not have the pleasure of knowing him very long and I found him to be a very helpful person with a genuine spirit.

[Jim Treacy]

This is a photo of Larry and his knife display taken by Murray White at the 2008 BladeShow. There aren't many collectors who would go to the trouble and expense of displaying their knives for others to appreciate.

[Marcel Dierijck]

Originally Posted by Jim Treacy

This is a photo of Larry and his knife display taken by Murray White at the 2008 BladeShow. There aren't many collectors who would go to the trouble and expense of displaying their knives for others to appreciate.

I remember this photo vivedly, because in that year and at that table I met Larry for the first time.

Marcel