Sophie Carrell

Dr. Bailey was one of three wonderful professors who led a study abroad to Oxford in summer 2009. It was a powerful experience in so many ways, not least because we were living on our own at a proper Oxford college. We had a full English breakfast provided every morning, and the professors were always there to provide conversation and advice on our research or even ideas for what to do in our free time. Dr. Bailey always had a smile and a joke at hand, even if (or maybe particularly if) the joke was self-deprecating, as in the case of being “only Canadian” and not properly English. I remember his dismay when we found the professors’ favorite pub hangout- The Turf, where Bill Clinton famously “did not inhale”.

My fondest memory of Dr. Bailey (and indeed the whole trip) occurred when I was walking to our college, when I spotted Dr. Bailey and a few other folks sitting outside the Kings’ Arms. Somehow the fact that I was from Oklahoma came up, and Dr. Bailey asked if I knew the theme song, to which I replied, “of course!” He then began singing it, and I hesitantly joined in. I’m not sure what the native Oxfordites (Oxfordians?) thought of our song, but I enjoyed singing it at top volume on a street corner in England.

Dr. Bailey was a warm, genuine, and funny man, and I know he will be missed dearly by friends, colleagues, and family. I was so saddened to hear of his passing and regret that I didn’t get a chance to wish him well before the end. I count myself so lucky to have had the opportunity to meet and interact with him, even for such a short time.