Richard Charles Bailey

June 25, 1954 - June 26, 2021

Richard Charles Bailey passed away on June 26, 2021 at his home in Fair Oaks, CA with his wife and daughters by his side. He was 67 years old. He’s preceded in death by his father John Bailey, and sister Kathleen Snodgrass, and is survived by his immediate family members: wife, Elizabeth Patterson Bailey; his daughters, Brianna Bailey (and Mario Carbone) and Arielle Allen; and his granddaughters, Charlotte and Caroline.

Born on June 25, 1954 in Vallejo, CA, Rick grew up in Napa with three sisters. His immense physical strength coupled with innate extroversion and compassion for others marked a life renowned for an ability to overcome challenges and excel as a multi-sport athlete. In 1998, he was inducted into Napa High School’s Hall of Fame for his athletic accolades. Rick turned down a Dodger’s baseball contract and baseball scholarships to eventually join U.C. Berkeley’s football and rugby teams. Throughout Rick’s athletic career, his parents were some of his biggest fans documenting his “hometown hero” success.

Humble beginnings fostered in Rick a tireless, industrious energy that helped him land a spot on the Old Blues rugby club, leading them to seven National Championships. Working as a San Francisco bartender, Rick met the love of his life, Elizabeth

Patterson. From 1979 to 1987, he was a member of the first U.S. World Cup rugby team and a mainstay on the U.S. National Team prompting his induction into the U.S. Rugby Hall of Fame. As a U.S. National Team member, he was also awarded the highly acclaimed Sweeny Award for his exemplary character. Toward the end of his rugby career, Rick told a reporter that his life goal was to “have a happy family life someday.” His greatest legacy is being a family man and the happiness of “my girls” was his top priority. He was sentimental and enthusiastic about family tradition such as celebratory parties, Christmas pageant home décor and speed shopping in San Francisco, collegiate sporting events, summertime town fairs, and fireworks.

In the early 90’s, he owned the Golden Bear Saloon, a sports bar in Oakland, and returned to his alma mater to serve as an assistant coach on the varsity rugby team with his best friend, Jack Clark, leading them to three consecutive National Collegiate Championships. Subsequently, Rick had a long career as a freight executive. Highly successful and respected within the industry, his customers and partners became life-long friends. Kathy, his eldest sister and backbone and touchstone of the family, introduced Rick to golf. His Dad taught him to duck hunt which eventually evolved into a favorite pastime. He was skillful and passionate about ethical hunting, fishing, conservation, and was loyal to his community of fellow outdoorsmen and conservationists. Rick made new friends and fostered existing friendships, throughout his entire life.

Rick left this world for his next adventure wrapped in an elk skin with the sun shining on his face. His larger-than-life, gregarious personality, talent as an expert-level athlete and outdoorsman, and generosity were a magnetic force. His legacy endures through the countless people he touched. The family will celebrate his life in the early fall in the Bay Area. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Cal Rugby in his name: https://give.berkeley.edu/ and search Cal rugby; call (510) 642-2427; or mail a check to Cal Athletics Fund 195 Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA 94720.