Don had many passions in life. Politics were important and he fulfilled his desire to make a difference through his terms as Rosebud County commissioner and by active involvement on numerous county boards and local organizations. While county commissioner, Don was active in the Montana Association of Counties (MACO). His dedication to natural resource preservation prompted him to diligently advocate for the reclamation of southeastern Montana lands, participate in the Northern Plains Resource Council, and support the development for new advances in sustainable energy and biomass. He was an active member of the Montana Fish and Game Commission. Don was a savvy business man. His insight and influence will be his legacy.
Don especially enjoyed socializing with neighbors and hunting and fishing with friends and family. To say that sports were a passion for Don is an understatement as he thoroughly enjoyed athletics and competition. He had an eye for a good tractor and found much pleasure in running heavy equipment for road grading to fire fighting. His most favorite past time, however, was raising his registered Red Angus herd and focusing on the genetic proliferation of the Red Angus bloodlines. He was extremely proud of his cow and bull herd and knew them each by name.
Don was a proud father and grandfather and will be missed greatly. Tractor and "pope mobile" rides were a favorite activity of the grandchildren with grandpa. We will always remember to "go the extra mile," as it was advice we heard often. His insight and influence will be missed.
Don is survived by his wife Connie Bailey, daughters Bobbi (John) Monroe, Cindy (Chad) Kuykendall, and Jennie (Randy) Allies, 6 grandsons and 1 granddaughter, a brother, Dr. James Bailey and a sister, MaryAnn Lammers.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hardin, MT on Friday December 9, 2011 at 10:00 AM with burial to follow at the Lee Cemetery on Rosebud Creek at 2:00 PM. Friends and family are welcome for a reception following the burial at St. Margaret Mary´s Church in Colstrip, Mt. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the MDAnderson Cancer Clinic in Houston, Texas at giving@mdanderson.org.
TJ & Dennis Cape says
We are so sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. You all are in our thoughts & prayers.
Heidi Beals McClain says
Dear Connie and family,
My heart aches for you at this difficult time. I know you will miss Donnie Pat so very much.
As I recall, the last time that I saw him and hugged him was when the two of you stopped by Gram’s house after she passed away and he said he had just been to the Dentist, but that Connie “always brought an angel” at times of sorrow.
Please know that I am thinking of the angel that is looking over each of you right now.
I am sending a hug to each of you and hope that you will embrace it and each other as you look to each other for strength at this difficult time, when your hearts ache.
In friendship and love,
Heidi & Edd McClain
Atlanta, GA
Debbi (Beartusk) and Tim Dove says
Donnie was a friend of the Cheyenne and will be missed by many on the Southern end of Rosebud County. Donnie did not hesitate when my mother asked him to serve as a pallbearer at my father’s, Kenneth’s, service. Donnie was an avid Colstrip Fillies and Colts supporter, especially at basketball games. Our love and prayers are with Connie and the girls and the grandchildren whom we know will all dearly miss Donnie. We will never pass by the place on the Rosebud without remembering our dear friend.
Morla Cole Rice says
My heartfelt sympathy to you all for the passing of Don. He was a good neighbor and friend and will be missed by us all. My thoughts and prayers go to you all.
Brittani Mahoney says
We are so sorry to hear about Donnie’s passing. He had a very special place in our lives (as your entire family does) and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time and please don’t hesitate to let us know how/if we can help.
Vance Trube says
To the family of Donnie “Pat”, I am very sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing, I will always remember him from my years living and growing up in Colstrip. Vance Trube
Paula Kurkowski says
Connie and girls – I was so sad to hear about your loss. I am sure that many great stories, some including my father, have passed with Donnie. He was full of life and lived life to the fullest to be sure. I’m sure Rosebud Creek won’t be the same without him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Douglas J. Jensen says
Donnie was a very special person, I got to know him and Connie when Jenny began playing carpa basketball, always had a kind word, we will miss him. Love U all, Doug
Clifford "Monte" and Laura Monasmith says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Fond memories abound which death cannot erase. Time softens the pain, but never dims the memory. God Bless you all!
Dave & Pat Gardner says
Connie & Family,
We were shocked and saddened with the death of Don. We will not be able to attend the funeral. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave & Pat Gardner
Ashland, MT
Wendy Beals Willson says
Dear Connie and girls,
What a sad time this is for you all. I will be thinking of you with sympathy and wishing you peace now and throughout the days to come. Take care.
Love,
Wendy Beals Willson
Larry Egan says
As well as being a first cousin and neighbor, Don was a loyal friend. We shared many adventures together with lots of laughter interspersed. I will miss him and I’m sure we will meet again.
Chandler Family says
We are sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Le Ann Russell (Tone) says
My mother and father Lee and Hallie Russell were friends of your family. My father died in 1957 but Mom talked about your family and brought us back almost every summer to visit her friends in Colstrip. My mother used your family and others in Montana as our benchmark for hard work, honest friendships, great food and parties, and lives worth living. Please know that Donnie’s and your family’s light will never dim in the hearts of The Russells, as long as we have memories of you all that we hold so dear.
Cathy Byron says
Connie and All –
Words are never adequate at times like this. My heart and prayers have been with all of you frequently over the past months. It is so difficult to stand beside a loved one watching them fight the good fight yet all the while feeling we can be of so little help. They pay a high price for the peace and rest when it finally comes.
Don and I served on the hospital board when we were struggling month by month to keep the doors open. He was not easily discouraged nor was his focus readily swayed. I always admired his contribution to those difficult meetings, and tried to make his example a lesson learned. I’ve often looked back on those times in the years since.
Time will not fill the void, but the many rich memories will help you move forward. Don’t be in a hurry – one day at at time is all we are given, for good reason. If there is anything under the sun I can do for any of you, please don’t hesitate to call. My heart and prayers are with each of you…
Justin Quinlan says
Sorry for your loss, He was a great man. I will miss you Don.
Tam &n Becky Bailey says
Connie and family, we are so sorry for the loss of uncle Donnie. He has a very special place in our hearts. He will be dearly missed. We are so sorry for the loss of a great man. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all. May you find peace in his pain and suffering. Love you all. Tam and Becky Bailey.
Bryan Wier says
My family and I are sorry about your loss, Don
will be missed.
Irene and Ken Nelson says
We are so sorry to hear that Don died. May the love of God, family and friends support you during this difficult time.
Darlene Marquardt says
Mary Ann and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Your friend and colleague,
Darlene Marquardt (and husband Jim)
2011-2012 President, Oregon Business Education Association.
Meghan and Andrew Cromwell says
Jennie and family,
Thinking and praying for you during this very difficult time.
Clenora Cogdill Quinlan says
Sorry for your loss, cancer can’t hurt Donnie any more. God will hold his family and grandchildren close now to help them find their way. Always with wisdom, a smile and a kind word Donnie will be missed. Noting helps this hurt except prayer and faith in Jesus. I share your pain.
Clenora
Vangie Solis says
Jennie, so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you & your family.
Myra Fisher says
Dearest Bobbi, I’m so sorry for your loss, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will see you at the services.
Sandy Pearcy says
Connie and Girls: It must be comforting to know that “Don” is no longer suffering. As you comprehend this profound loss, let yourselves cry, knowing that each tear is a note of love rising to the heavens. May God bless all of you during this difficult time.
Andrita Harris says
My deepest sympathy goes out to Connie, Jennie, Cindy and Bobbi. Donnie was a loyal out spoken friend of our family. He will be missed dearly. Our thoughts & prayers. I will miss the chats at Farmers Union in Hardin or your turn off. We always talked about family, cattle, horses, plus Colstrip colts& Fillies.
Andrita Harris Muddy Creek
Harris Ranch
Lee, Dorothy, Billy, Dylan, Tegan Harris
Muddy Creek Montana
Lynn Russell Gunther says
So sorry for your loss; I have many happy childhood memories with he and Mary Ann on the ranch. God Bless you.
Lynn
Mary Ann Bailey Lammers says
Well, big brother, who am I going to call now when I need some advice or help remembering some minute detail from the past? My heart is still on the Rosebud even though I have been gone over 40 years. Returning without you there is going to be even more difficult. Your absence will be felt by all, but I hope you knew that you were my hero–a brat sometimes, but always there for me. Rest in peace and hugs for Mom and Dad. With love from your favorite sister.
Jon and Belva Hauxwell says
We’re saddened to hear of Don’s death. We remember our years in Lame Deer and at Colstrip schools with great fondness and your family is part of those memories. I especially recall a cold, wintry night when Don helped Lori get home after she had car trouble on the road near your house. And, on the way to Lame Deer, they even stopped to help another car in trouble! I also remember the time we spent with Connie in 4-H and watching Jennie play basketball for the Fillies. Our thoughts are with your family, sharing your sorrow.
Craig A. Stiles says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Although the time I got to spend with Donny was short (a couple hunting trips at the Thompsons’) he made a lasting and positive impression on me with his quick wit and obvious kowledge about many subjects. I will always remember him and be thankful for getting to meet such a great man. May God bless him and his family.
Mike & Kristi Speelman says
We will keep the family in our prayers.
hang in there will always remember Don.
Amy Enterline Consson says
To the lovely Bailey family: My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. I give thanks for knowing you and for knowing Don throughout my life. He was a very special man and his memory will live on through the lives of all those he touched. Amy Enterline
Justin Hauxwell says
My most sincere condolences to the Bailey family. I hope you find strength in his love and legacy. Best wishes.
Gail Small says
Sincere condolences and prayers to all of you…I recall great talks w/Jennie during our physical therapy sessions…about our fathers. We are our father’s daughters. And the invaluable times our children had just growing up with them. Life’s lessons. Take good care.
Lee and Linda Howard says
Dear Connie and girls: We are so sad to read of Don’s passing. The Howard and the Bailey families go back a long way. We always loved listening to Don’s stories about the past–he remembered so many people and so many interesting happenings. We know how proud Don was of his beautiful girls and grandchildren, as he always told us about them when we happened to run into him. We feel badly we cannot make the funeral (in Hawaii), but we will have you all in our hearts and prayers. Love, Lee and Linda
Sheri and Joe Sukut says
We thought a lot of Don and enjoyed “running into” him in Billings after moving from Colstrip. He will truly be missed. May God Bless You All.
Sheri and Joe Sukut
Carole & Bob O'Neil says
Dear Connie and family,
We’re deeply saddened by your loss. Don was a very good friend and will be missed by all who knew him. We’re sorry we can’t attend the funeral, but our hearts are with you.
Lynn and Carolyn Torske says
To Don’s family:
We want to extend our thoughts and prayers to Don’s family. Don’s passing was way to early in life.
Ernie Robinson says
Donnie has been in our prayers these last months, we will pray now that he goes on with the next journey, and our prayers are now with the family. Donnie was a good friend and a top hand.
RaeAnn (Jurak) Svedberg says
You are all in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Your kindness to me as a youngster brings many memories to mind. It doesn’t surprise me that he told his kids to “go the extra mile.” He always did.
Tracy Scott says
My favorite hunting memory is Bailey, Marcoux and I driving around the ranch turkey hunting in that little Chevy Lov…. At that time, I had been the only girl ever invited to hunt there. He was so proud of me that day…. I was just telling the story yesterday in fact, I talk about Bailey a lot. He was an amazing man, who knew how to tell a story. Incredible integrity, passion and just a damn good person. My thoughts and prayers are will you. Know that your Bailey will also have a special place in my heart.
Charlie Callen says
Connie and family and Mary Ann
Was so sorry to hear that Donnie had such a serious health problem when Bailey Egan notified me some time ago. It made me sad when Larry Egan informed me that my cousin Donnie passed away.
He was a good guy, a real “straight shooter”.
I saw him the last time I visited the Rosebud in 2002 when he drove me, my son Keith and his fiancee, Heather as well as Conie up onto the high ground of his ranch to show us the propeerty and the elk. He was so gracious, very bright and a true gentlemen.
I will miss my cousin Don. But, I have good memories of him, his sister Mary Ann, and his late parents, Mary and Jim, who raised a great guy.
Sadly and very fondly,
Charlie, Helen, Keith, and Heather Callen
Jack and Carol says
Donny has been a part of our family since the beginning and a part of Jack’s since Donny was born. Jack took him to get his first deer.
They were both there for each other in times of need.
It seems surreal that Donny is gone. I keep expecting him to drop in for a cup of coffee. We will miss him.
Calvin and Roxie Wilson says
Dear Connie and family, we were so very sorry to hear about your loss. Donny was a great person with a huge heart. We always enjoyed visiting with him because he was always upbeat and supportive. Cal and I watched him with his grandchildren at the games and we told him we couldn’t wait till we had grandchildren of our own because he made it look so fun and he would always get this very proud look on his face and smile until his eyes would twinkle and say it sure is. It won’t be the same at our home games without him in the crowd cheering on the Fillies but at least we will always have our memories of the great person he was. God bless you all and please take Some comfort in knowing that we are thinking about you and praying for you in your time of sorrow.
Karl Rogge says
Connie & family – our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Jackson Craig says
Very sincere condolence and sympathy to you,Connie Bailey and the family for this precious loss of love one. His strength and strong support in decision making and sports was seen as well occurred when seeing him at a meeting or in the breachers sharing his vast inspiration to others the joys and encouragement. The memories and seeds he has planted along the way of life extends on ten to hundred fold in growth and beautiful scenic blossoms more encouragement and achievements yet ahead. Very best celebration of his continues life in the family and friends he has touch so far.
Mike & Kathy Nugent says
Connie and girls – Our condolences to your family. Wanted to be there but it wasn’t to be. It has been along time between visits but we remember them. We still have the bootlegger bottle my kids found as Don drove us around the ranch. My dad, Pat, always told us stories of the old days. Don confirmed alot of them. The last time I saw him with Dr Jim and another cousin was in Juneau Alaska. I as walking down the street going back to an audit engagement. We spent a couple hours catching up. Commercial fishing and ranching aren’t much different except for the terrain. Tried as I did I couldn’t get him any further north. I know he is now part of the legend of the Rosebud. Those young dreamers will come to grandma to ask if the stories they hear are real! The memories will be and those become part of the legend. Cousins in Kodiak, Alaska will be with you tomorrow.
Charlie Callen says
Dr. Jim Dailey
I am sorry for not including you in my previous Guest Book entry. As soon as I hit the send button I realized I failed to include you as Donnie’s brother and my cousin.
We all loved Donnie. We will all miss him.
But I have never forgotten your genorosity as well as your wife’s to me and my son Keith when we were in Great Falls some 24 years ago when he was 10 years old. You two were great hosts.
Once again, our sympathy about your loss.
Sadly,
Charlie
Christine Valentine says
I am sad to learn of Don’s death. He always greeted me with a smile when we saw each other and I know he contributed a lot to protecting the lovely place where we live. I send sincere sympathy to Connie and all his family.
Susie (Lammers) Sampson says
Uncle Donnie thank you for all the childhood memories spent in Montana at the ranch each summer. You were unlucky to get cancer but a lucky man to have lived the life you had. We will miss you greatly. To Aunt Connie he will always be your other half, your best friend and the father to your children. To Bobbi, Cindy and Jennie he will always be your father who taught you how to drive a truck, ride a horse and shoot a basketball. I am glad he got to walk each of you down the aisle on your wedding day and got to love all his grandchildren. To Uncle Jimmy and Mom (Mary Ann) he will always be your brother that you share so many childhood memories with. I know you will all miss him greatly. The whole in your heart is the big piece he took with him. I like to think Charlie Brown (his dog) came running to him on his next dirt road ahead of him followed by family and friends that have already passed. We have been thinking of you all since July and will continue to do so.
Lot of love,
Susie (Lammers) Sampson, Steve, Sawyer and Wyatt
Bill Neumiller says
When ever Don would see me he would come over and talk about killing weeds, and the land, and the wildlife in this area, and how to kill weeds, he would tell stories about his wife, kids and grandkids, and how to kill certain weeds, the reclamation projects he was working on, stories of old timers on Rosebud creek, and how he wished he could kill more weeds, sports and how my kids were doing, and finally when we were all done visiting he would say take care of this little bit of heaven that we live in and kill some of those dang weeds. I am an Environmental Engineer and I share the love of this land with Don and I truly enjoyed visiting with him.
My thoughts and prayers are with Don’s family and friends.
Bill Neumiller.
Connie Brown says
I was sorry to hear of your families loss! I will keep you in my prayers.
Lynn K Brown says
I am sorry for your loss.
Jamie Cox says
Dear Connie, Bobbi, Cindy, and Jennie, I’m so sorry to hear for your loss. Don was a great man and he will be truly missed! My prayers and thoughts are with you. Take care of yourselves, Jamie Cox
Jim Firestone says
My sympathys, thoughts and prayers for the family. May peace be with you in the coming days and time heal the passing of Don.
cathi sopher says
dearest family;
I am sad at the loss of a good friend, i will miss donny givin me a hard time, i treasure the time he was a part of my life, remember him comin up out of no where when i worked at peabody and laughin, he was a candle of joy in my life and others who knew him, i am so glad that i was able to share with him and be apart of joy ,,,,hugs to all of u,,,my treasured family at the bailey ranch and the rosebud,,donny will live on in the land he loved and the family ….
Jim Firestone says
Sorry for your loss.
Billings Farmhand, Inc says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Don was a great customer and more important a great person. He will be missed.
Don Kasten says
I enjoyed Don’s company 20 years ago while working on ranch timber projects together, and I appreciated his wise natural resource ethic. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Kathy Davidson says
To Connie and all Don’s family — I was so so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Going “up the Rosebud” just won’t be the same without him. Don was always fun to talk with as he had so many interests. My thoughts are with you. Kathy DJJavidson
Ed &Joanne (Peters) Luther says
Sending our condolences to the Bailey family. Our families go back a long ways. My Dad & Mom (Johnny & Sunny Peters) worked for Grandpa Henry Bailey after the war. My Mom baby sat Donnie & many of the Bailey offspring. Our prayers are with each of you. May the God of all comfort be your comforter.