With heavy heart, I note the passing of David Bailey who died of complications of a glioblastoma (brain tumor) earlier this month. I had received a broadcast email some time ago that he was now in hospice care and I know how deadly this disease can be and how david had dodged the bullet so many times.
So I looked around and saw that he had passed Oct 2 and that a memorial had been held Oct 19. Makes me want to get in touch with some of the brain tumor people. Seems crazy to have a great time with brain damaged folk but I really did for a time.
David Bailey was an up and coming kind of young corporate guy when he was suddenly diagnosed with glioblastoma 4 in 1996. Wow, for him. After that, he decided to dedicate the rest of his life to being a singer songwriter which was his true love. Initially he was part of a duo "Not by Chance" and then on his own. He always had a strong spiritual connection, performed in churches and considered himself as a christian musician.
His songs became anthems for those suffering from brain tumors, their family and friends. For 10 years I ran a brain tumor listserve which he participated in. In 1997, he performed at University Presbyterian Church here in Seattle as part of his duo. We gathered all the local braintmr folks together and sat together at the concert. I invited the two musicians along with some braintmr people to breakfast the next day. Even took my kids out of school for the occasion. I'll dig up the pictures, I've seen them recently.
Shortly after that, I had the opportunity to go to a brain tumor conference in Los Angeles. David played. He gave a little concert and I sat with my brain tumor buddies and we all sang along because we all knew the words. George and I put together a small memorial service and he came along and played. But he couldn't dance :)
Always an inspiration. And such a talent. And a poet. One line he wrote earlier on always stayed with me
Everybody
thinks tomorrow
is a promise
that they deserve
Picture of david somewhere smiling
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