COLLEEN BAILEY

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COLLEEN BAILEY On Sunday, May 28, 2006 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, Colleen, aged 67 years, passed away peacefully. Born on May 22, 1939 in Prince Albert, SK. She was one of three daughters born to Lyle and Viola (nee Harper) Cavanagh. Colleen and Allan Bailey were united in marriage on September 5, 1959 in Winnipeg, MB. She is survived by her loving husband Allan and sons; Boyd (Rhonda) and their children, Geralee, Joseph, Jacob and Rebekah; Burton (Dr. Kirsten Westberg) and their children, Anna and Erik of Red Deer, AB and Raymond of Yorkton. She is also survived by her sisters, Rhona Boehmer of Regina and Carol (Abe) Schellenberg of Abbotsford, BC, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. Colleen started her career as a reporter with the Prince Albert Herald at the age of 16. In 1957 she moved to Winnipeg and was a reporter and feature writer for the Winnipeg Tribune until 1963 when she settled in Yorkton with her husband Allan. While Allan was establishing a funeral home, Colleen worked at CKOS - TV as a continuity writer. She later became a partner and the Secretary - Treasurer of Bailey's Funeral Home and Yorkton Memorial Gardens. For more than 18 years Colleen worked part-time assisting her husband and full-time raising three sons. In 1981, Colleen became a founding shareholder and Vice - President and CEO of NorthEastern Cablevision in Yorkton. Her involvement in the industry included several terms as President of Saskcable and Vice - President of the Canadian Cable Television Association. She was named the Outstanding Woman of Canadian Cable in 1987. Shortly after ending her career in the Cable Industry, she was appointed Chairperson of the Saskatchewan Arts Board and maintained that position until her passing. For almost six years she travelled the province, often with her devoted husband Allan, attending numerous Art functions and exhibitions. Colleens' passion for the Arts was demonstrated by her frequent visits to Artists' studio and galleries across the province, providing encouragement and support of their work. On every occasion possible she introduced her friends, colleagues and community leaders to the work of Saskatchewan Artists and Artisans. Her interest and support of the Arts started more than 40 years ago. She joined several other committed people in the community to bring Concerts and Visual Arts to the Parkland area and they established the Yorkton Arts Council. Realizing the need for a Provincial organization she participated in formation of the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils. (OSAC). She served as the founding President 1968 to 1970. Colleen was a member of the Saskatchewan Arts Board for five years starting in 1970 and jokingly referred to being recycled when she was appointed Chair in 2000. She served her community and province in many volunteer capacities over the years including; Regional Director for Encounters with Canada The Terry Fox Foundation, President of the Arthritis Society of Saskatchewan 1983 to 1984, and for many years as a Board member on the Council for Canadian Unity. While in Winnipeg, she was active in the Jaycettes Organization and served as national president in 1966. Colleen was an active member and former president of The Yorkton Short Film and Video Festival. She was also a founding board member of the recently established Saskatchewan Foundation of the Arts. Colleen's dynamics and sincere contributions to the betterment of community and society were acknowledged on many occasions including being the recipient of The Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal in 2005. Colleens' family and friends will cherish her memory, remembering her as a model of courage, determination and grace. Gifts of remembrance may be made to the: Saskatchewan Foundation for the Arts #600 - 2500 Victoria Ave., Regina, SK S4P 3X2. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 1 at 2:00 p.m. from Westview United Church, Yorkton. Arrangements are by Bailey's Funeral Home (baileysfuneralhome@sasktel.net).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 01, 2006