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Oberlin, Ohio – The Oberlin College Department of Athletics and Physical Education along with the entire campus community would like to express its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Dick Bailey, who passed away on May 7.

Bailey, 83, graduated from Oberlin in 1951 and was a longtime member and former treasurer of the John W. Heisman Club. His philanthropic contributions to the College throughout the years have made lasting impacts on the lives of entire generations of Oberlin students and alums. He funded the climbing wall inside Philips Gymnasium and the technology to support video streaming of athletic events. Additionally, he supported the Fred Shults Field project. His most recent commitment was to support the health and wellness initiative of the Oberlin Illuminate campaign.

"Dick was one of our greatest ambassadors, a true friend to everything Oberlin College,” Delta Lodge Director of Athletics of Athletics and Physical Education Natalie Winkelfoos said. “Some people hope they can make a difference in life; Dick showed us all how to do it through kindness and generosity. His contributions have been transformational in our quest to enhance the student-athlete experience. We are all better for knowing Dick Bailey. He will be missed greatly by all of us in the athletics department."

Bailey, who grew up in nearby Cleveland Heights, Ohio, was living in Houston at the time of his passing. Those who knew him, remember him for his true sincerity and caring nature. When informed in 2008 that he had been selected to receive the Alumni Medal, the association's highest honor, he declined the award saying that he did not want personal recognition for his service.

"Dick will be remembered as one of the great citizens of Oberlin College,” School President Marvin Krislov said. “In his life, his work, and his belief in helping others through education, Dick embodied Oberlin's values."

Bailey and his brothers, David and Doug, established the Walter King Bailey '19 Scholarship Fund in honor of their father, a former Oberlin College trustee.

After graduating from Oberlin, Bailey attended the Harvard Business School, graduating in 1953 before enrolling in the United States Navy. Never one to take a day off, Bailey was still working just days before his passing. He was a marketing systems specialist for the Mitsubishi Caterpillar Company for 57 years.

“Dick was always a kind and gracious, but also very meticulous,” former Heisman Club President and 1979 graduate Carla White Freyvogel said. “He was finically generous and never expected anything in return. He was a gentleman who accepted everyone and never made any judgments. I just adored him.”

His family and friends will remember and honor him with a celebration of his remarkable life - at The Buckingham (8580 Woodway Drive, Houston, Texas) from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 2nd.