John Bailey

John Bailey passed away peacefully at his home in Haliburton, Ontario on February 7 at the age of 92. Loving companion and friend of George McElroy for 62 years. Dear uncle of Ronald Bailey. Predeceased by his parents Charles & Marguerite Bailey, and brothers Dr. Peter, Chris, George, and Dr. Paul. John joined the piano faculty of the Royal Conservatory of Music in 1960 and soon after was invited to be on their Board of Examiners. He was then appointed Principal of the North Toronto Branch of the Royal Conservatory of Music. A position he held until its closure in 1993. In 2001 he was invited to join the piano faculty of the Euromusic Centre for Music Studies in Markham under the directorship of Ms. Grace Lin, where he remained until his retirement in 2016. Throughout his long career as a teacher, examiner, and adjudicator he helped and mentored countless students and their teachers across Canada thorough his insightful, positive, and encouraging assessments.

John was a patron of the arts. Serving on the Board of the Off Centre Music Salon for several seasons. An avid and generous supporter of the Canadian Opera Company, the Highlands Opera Studio, and the theaters in Stratford and Niagara on the Lake.

He loved fine dining and became a gourmet chef himself, treating his friends to some memorable feasts over the years. He and his brother George being lovers of all things French, resulted in them having one of the finest collections of 18th and 19th century French furniture, paintings, and objet d’art in Toronto. Their home provided an ideal setting for so many special musical events.

Although raised and educated in Toronto, his love for the cottage country of the Haliburton Highlands grew immensely after his first visit in the early 70’s. It continued to grow throughout the subsequent years as he spent so much of his leisure time there. John was a kind and highly respected gentleman whose generosity touched many lives. His sharp wit, wisdom, and sense of humor will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by many friends, colleagues, and students.

Celebration of Life

There was no funeral at John’s request. A celebration of his life will take place in the summer. Arrangements have been entrusted to HALIBURTON COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME 13525 Hwy #118 Haliburton, Ontario 705-457-9209. In lieu of flowers, at John's request donations to the Highlands Opera studio would be appreciated.  Donations may be sent to Highlands Opera Studio  Box# 1440     Haliburton Ont. K0M1S0