ROCKLAND — Robert W. Bailey, 90, died peacefully July 7, 2015, following a brief illness, at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta.

Born in Lewiston on May 7, 1925, he was the son of William and Noreen Brown Bailey. Growing up in South Paris and Augusta, he was educated locally, graduating from Paris High School.

Following graduation, Robert attended Gorham State Teachers College. While there he met the love of his life, Theresa Morrissette. The two were married Nov. 24, 1950. After receiving his bachelor's degree in education, Robert moved with his wife to Winthrop and later Madison, where he taught industrial arts. The couple settled in 1953 in Rockland, where he began his career with Rockland High School. For more than 34 years, Robert held the position of industrial arts teacher at the high school, retiring in 1987. For many summers, Robert and his wife also ran the Sunset View Campground in South China. Throughout his career, he also served as a baseball, basketball and football coach for many of the community’s youth.

After his retirement, Robert kept busy, working first at Harry French's garage, and later indulging his passion for golf while working at Goose River Golf Course in Rockport. He was also a 50-year member of the Rockland Masonic Lodge.

Later in life Mr. Bailey was proud to have been a partner with his son-in-law in the ownership of a racehorse, Miss Annalise. He loved to go to races, and watch her win many harness races.

His number one priority was his family. His daughter said his greatest joy in life was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were a big part of his life. He will be sadly missed by all who loved him.

Predeceased by his wife, Theresa Bailey in 2001; his son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Sherry Bailey; a brother, Donald Bailey; and two granddaughters, Amber Bailey and Tanya Farrington; Robert is survived by his daughter, Sue Bailey and her husband, Bruce Inch, of Mt. Vernon; his grandchildren, Lori Bickford and her husband, Paul, of Rockport, Thomas Farrington and his partner, Christy Preston, of Thomaston, Erin Bailey-Robinson and Wayne Bailey; his great-grandchildren, Terron, Casha, Damien, Samantha, Trevor, Nicholas, Ashley, Lauren and Amber; as well as a special friend, Martha Hammill of Virginia.

The Bailey family will hold a graveside celebration of his life on Sunday, July 12 at 2 p.m. at Rockville Cemetery on Route 17 in Rockport.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 436, Augusta, ME 04332 (include 'In Memory of Robert Bailey' on the memo line.)

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.