Larry Bailly is more than just my Dad, he is the reason why Im here, on this earth, and in this community, the car community. No matter the story, cars, trucks, or tanks were always a part of the narrative. I grew up listening to the stories of my Dads youth. Stories of him, his brother, and friends terrorizing the Bothell-Everett Highway in his High-School 57 Chevy 4-Door Hardtop. Stories like when he blew up that cars PowerGlide showing off in the parking lot of Dicks Drive-In. That story though, I didnt originally hear from the man himself, but when one of my high-school teachers was sharing an anecdote in class that just sounded too familiar. As it turns out, that the same little hot rodder, in his shaggy, purple Rat-Fink jacket, that she was cracking about, was my dad. When his draft notice showed up in the mailbox, one day in 1968, rather than fall in line, he rushed down to the enlistment office to sign-up before his board report-date came due. He enlisted as a wheeled vehicle mechanic, naturally. After graduating from AIT, and a short stint as an assistant instructor in Maryland, he was given just enough time for a whirlwind road-trip back to Seattle before shipping off to Vietnam. That trip too, involved shenanigans, including a brake-down, in a Rocky Mountain blizzard at the wheel of his Studebaker Lark Daytona. Larry got to sit in, but never drive his specially-ordered AMX the day before he shipped out. The bank pulled his financing when he mentioned, in passing, that he had orders for Vietnam. Spec-5, and then Sergeant Bailly served as a wheeled vehicle mechanic, a motor-pool sergeant in a small shop in Long Binh during 1969 and 70. He also volunteered to attend artillery-observers school because it meant he could go on Rat-Patrols, bombing around in a Jeep, an activity he always had a passion for back home. After returning home and discharging from the Army out of the 2nd Armored Division in Ft. Hood, Texas, he returned home, this time in a piece of crap Valiant to start his 40-year professional-mechanic career. He joined the post-office as a letter-carrier with the hope of eventually working in the motor-pool, which he did, before taking a job as a mechanic in an independent shop in Bellevue, WA in 1979. Foreign cars paid the bills, while an endless string of American cars, rods, and customs filled the driveway. 1957 Chevies, a 58 Studebaker Scotsman Pickup, Baja Bugs, a CJ-7, and two 52 Studebakers that were sold to make ends meet just before yours truly was born. I clearly remember my first ride in a hot-rod Model-A, my dad and his childhood best-friend in the front seat of the 5-Window Coupe, me and my friend in the rumble seat. I was four-years old. That was my childhood, provided by the best dad I could have asked for. Weekends were spent wrenching on the 60 Parkwood, 58 Apache, or whatever was in the driveway that day. A few memorable weekends were spent at S.I.R. (now Pacific Raceways) or P.I.R. where my Dad, my brother, and I were my uncles pit-crew while he raced his 65 Vette road-race car. A few years ago, my dad took a job as the shop-manager of a small engineering company, because it offered him more time for a new passion, teaching and helping anyone he could. Larry turned to missions, and traveled to Cuba, Mexico, and even returned to Vietnam to build houses, and distribute wheelchairs to those who needed them most. But he found his real niche in Haiti. For the better part of the last decade, my dad has traveled to a collection of small missions armed with tools and whatever parts he thought he would need. His personal mission; teach Haitians young and old how to work on their cars and trucks. He is personally responsible for resurrecting a small fleet of vehicles used by Missions in the hills of Haiti. He fell in love with teaching and touching the people of Haiti so much, that while his own projects piled up in the garage, and driveway, and yard, there was an ever increasing amount of parts, tools, and even a little Toyota truck to gift to his friends on his two-or-three trips a year to Haiti. It was on his last trip to Haiti, that a small pain in his leg on the flight home turned into a crisis. A supposed blood-clot, turned into a malignant-tumor, which turned into lungs full of cancer. That was nine months ago. My dad, the teacher, was helping me trouble shoot a brake problem on my own 52 Studebaker, a clone of the one he sold 28 years ago, Monday evening. The next day, October 30th, my dad, my mentor, was gone. He may not have a name like Barris, Winfield, Moon, or Westergard, but by dad was famously a car-guy to everyone that knew him. All I have left now are his tools, a bunch of unfinished projects, and most importantly his stories and memory. And I think that will be enough, even if it doesnt feel like it right now. I implore you, if you know an old rodder, or just an old car-guy, ask them to tell you a story. You never know if you will get another chance. Goodbye Dad, I love you, and dammit, Ill get those brakes fixed
Damn man, nothing I can say can make you feel better, but I have read few tributes to dads and mentors that have moved me quite as much as this one. I feel for you and wish you the best as you work your way through this loss...
Your Dad sounds like someone I would have liked to have as a friend. I thoroughly enjoyed reading his story as told through his son. And one of his greatest accomplishments by far, from what I just read, is you. You were blessed to have a dad like Larry; he, in turn, was blessed to have a son like you. I pray the Lord comfort you and your family in your loss.
sincere sympathy goes out to you and your Family, and to all of his friends. what a cool guy. you were really lucky to have had him in your life. as for taking time to talk to old car guys that is why it is so cool that there are chances to meet some of the greats like at the special get-together this Saturday in Fresno, CA for Blackie Gejeian.
Hats off to your Dad, he sounds like an unsung hero of humanity. Sounds like he lived by the "give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, teach him to fish and he will eat for a lifetime." Godspeed.
Very touching and very true...my Dad was my Hero too. You have my thoughts & prayers...and, you will carry the memories & lessons he gave you forever. Jonnie
Thank you everyone for your thought prayers and condolences. My dad left behind two sons, two daughters, two sisters, two brothers and a wife of 22 years. In his last hours at the hospital he was accompanied by upwards of 50 friends and family members. It was enough to have a nurse come and tell us to quiet down. Me and my Dad... ...there's no family resemblence at all.
Wow, I just ran across this by clicking on the "Dad" link on one of your posts... It truly moved me. Hoping the time that has elapsed since his passing has eased the pain of the loss somewhat... what a wonderful legacy he left behind! Take care
It's obvious your father lived his life very well. Your testimonial to him proves that. Even though we all will face the end some day, it's how we are remembered that will determine how well we did while on this earth. Again, your dad did very well. Sorry for your loss.
I feel your pain, joy and memories brother. I lost my mentor, best friend and Dad back in 2009 and it doesn't get any easier but remember he will always be there for you when you need him, riding shotgun with open ears. I am truly sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Sounds like a great guy and kudos on your write up Scot
I'm sorry I missed the first time it was posted. I lost my dad in 2009 to cancer so I do know the pain you are going through. I treasure my memories of my dad, and there are a lot of stories about him much like you have of your dad. Your dad was a good man. That is evident by your testimony and the testimony of his life - helping those who were less fortunate than he was. The very best that a man can hope for is to leave a good name and live a life of integrity which it appears that your father did. I will lift some prayers to our heavenly father for you and your family as well as your dad. May God's peace comfort you and your family. If you ever need to talk to someone, or if you just want to yell at someone, send me a PM and we can connect. Hang in there brother. The pain of loss never goes away but it does lessen and your good memories of your dad will be like a salve to your soul. God bless, Thor
My Dad, my hero also. We lost him in 02 to prostate cancer. I loved my Dad as much as you loved your Dad. The pain is real and never goes away He is alive whithin you...liston and you will hear him everyday You cant see him but inside you, he is still alive and well Hang on to that brother, hang on real tight and never forget If you ever want to call, my # is 734 637 6036 Your post relly struck home....................................John
I'm sorry for your fathers loss. He sounded like a grate father, friend, teacher that any car guys would like to meet and have in there life. ( I wish I could meet him.) I am the new owner of Red 1975 VW camper and THIS campers previous owner was your father, Larry A. Bailly. I have been told from the shop owner when i bout the camper from that your father was a car nut and a VW specialist and he told me your father took the little camper to a trip with it. I was wondering if you have any story's about your father's VW Camper and a possible pic's too.
WOW Ranier what a small world, I am happy to say I knew your father and helped him round up parts and pieces for each of the missions he went on over the last several years. He truly loved to go help those who needed help. He was a great man. He always had a smile on his face, even up to the end when it was difficult for him to get out and have his Saturday am breakfast with his boss when he felt strong enough. I miss seeing him in the mornings and joking with him. I am sorry for your loss.
Just reading this thread, more than 10 years after you posted it. It's a wonderful tribute to your Dad. I'm sorry for your loss. It sounds like you have many fond memories, and projects, to remember him by.