Edward ‘Big Ed’ Baley
Edward
J. “Big Ed” Baley passed away on Dec. 27, 2008, at
his home in Tulelake, Calif. He was 76
years old. A celebration of life service will be held at Tulelake High School on Saturday, Jan. 3 at 11 a.m. A reception following the service will be held at the Tulelake-Butte Valley Fairgrounds.
Ed was born on May 12, 1932, in Tulelake to Rose and John Baley in a small house on Zlabek Road. He grew up in the same small town, helping his folks on the farm.
After graduating from high school in 1950, he joined the Air Force in 1951 and served for four years. Ed served time during the Korean Conf lict and was later discharged from Stead Air Force Base.
On Nov. 3, 1951, Ed married his high school sweetheart, Patricia “Pat” McFall, also of Tulelake. Together, they had three sons and one daughter between the years of 1956 and 1964.
Eddie had a passion for farming and right out of the service built a life around it, growing potatoes, onions, grain, and hay. His enthusiasm was contagious, as all three of his sons became successful farmers. His encouragement and generosity were known by many fellow farmers in the Basin. Ed was a member and president of the Tulelake Irrigation District board and an involved member/ owner of Cal-Ore Produce.
Eddie had a passion for the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, and golfing were some of his favorite pastimes. He went on a number of fishing excursions from Alaska to Mexico and played in numerous golf tournaments in Reno. Special hunts with family and friends were a thrill for Ed. Pheasants Forever was one of the many avenues through which his love for the community was shown.
W hile at Stead, he received his pilot’s license in 1955. As a member of the Newell Flying Club, Eddie loved to fly and was an active pilot for years, giving anyone a ride who asked for one in his “Little Yellow Canary.”
“ G r a ndpa E d ” wa s a terrific granddad and welcomed 11 grandkids into h is fa m ily since 1983. Hours were spent shooting guns with his grandchildren and rigging poles on Medicine Lake. He traveled all over the country to watch his grandchildren’s sporting events, and at every game he would say “it just tickles me to watch them play.”
Ed is survived by his wife Pat Baley; his brother Ronald Baley; sons a nd daught er -i n-laws Lon and Nancy Baley of Merrill, Jim and Lori Baley of Malin, Bob and Lynn Baley of Tulelake; daughter and son-in-law Trisha and Jay Young of Reno; grandchildren Hollis and Scott Baley, Ami and Marc Staunton, Jake, Lela, and Lucy Baley, Kylee, Allie, and Bradlyn Baley, and Nolan and Kurt Young; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers John and Bill Baley.
Those wishing to do so may send contributions in memory of Edward Baley to Tulelake Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 306, Tulelake, CA 96134, or to Basin Ambulance, P.O. Box 284, Malin, OR 97632.