Bailey - Colleen Bailey, beloved wife of  Allan of Yorkton passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2006 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre.  She was 67 years of age.  Colleen May Bailey was born on May 22, 1939 in Prince Albert Saskatchewan. She was one of three daughters born to Lyall and Viola (nee Harper) Cavanagh.

            Colleen and Allan were united in marriage on September 5, 1959 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is survived by her loving husband Allan, and sons; Boyd (Rhonda) and their children Geralee, Joseph, Jacob and Rebekah of Yorkton, SK; Burton (Dr. Kirsten Westberg) and their children Anna and Erik of Red Deer, AB and Raymond of Yorkton, SK.  She is also survived by her sisters Rhona Boehmer of Regina and Carol (Abe) Schellenberg of Abbotsford BC as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. Colleen started her career as a reporter with the Prince Albert Herald at the age of sixteen. In 1957 she moved to Winnipeg and was a reporter and feature writer for the Winnipeg Tribune until 1963 when she settled in Yorkton with her husband. While Allan was establishing a funeral home, Colleen worked at CKOS - TV as a continuity writer. She later became a partner and the Secretary -Treasurer of Bailey's Funeral Home and Yorkton Memorial Gardens. For more than 18 years Colleen worked part-time assisting her husband and full-time raising three sons. In 1981, Colleen became a founding shareholder and Vice -  President and CEO of NorthEastern Cablevision  in Yorkton.  Her involvement in the industry included several terms as President of Sascable and Vice - President of the Canadian Cable Television Association. She was named the "Outstanding Woman of Canadian Cable" in 1987.  Colleen was particularly proud of serving on the Board of Directors of SaskPower for ten years. During that time she served on several committees and specifically enjoyed the challenge  of the Audit and Finance Committee.  Shortly after retiring from a fulfilling career in the Cable Industry, she was appointed Chairperson of the Saskatchewan Arts Board and maintained that position until her passing.  For almost six years she travelled the province, often with her devoted husband Allan, attending numerous Art functions and exhibitions.   Colleens' passion for the Arts was demonstrated by her frequent visits to Artists' studio and galleries across the province, providing encouragement and support of their work. On every occasion possible she introduced her friends, colleagues and community leaders to the work of Saskatchewan Artists and Artisans.  Her interest and support of the Arts started more than 40 years ago. She joined several other committed people in the community to bring Concerts and Visual Arts to the Parkland area and they established the Yorkton Arts Council. Realizing the need for a Provincial organization she participated in the formation of the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils. (OSAC) She served as the founding President 1968-70. 

Colleen was a member of the Saskatchewan Arts Board for five years starting in 1970 and jokingly referred to being "recycled" when she was appointed Chair in 2000. While in Winnipeg, she was active in the Jaycettes Organization and served as national president in 1966. She served her community and province in many volunteer capacities over the years including; Regional Director for Encounters with Canada - The Terry Fox Foundation, President of the Arthritis Society of Saskatchewan 1983-84, and for many years as a Board member on the Council for Canadian Unity. Locally, Colleen was an active member and past president of The Yorkton Short Film and Video Festival. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi - Lambda Chapter and was later a social sponsor with all of the Yorkton Chapters. She was a founding board member of the recently established Saskatchewan Foundation of the Arts and a member of the Canadian Society of Decorative Arts.  Colleen's dynamics and sincere contributions to the betterment of community and society were acknowledged on many occasions including being the recipient of The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal 1961 for encouraging Arts in Saskatchewan; The Queens Golden Jubilee Medal 2002; and the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal and Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal in 2005. Colleen was well known as a gracious and generous hostess. Her skills in the kitchen were unparalleled, freely sharing her recipes of delight with guests. She was as adept in planning social occasions as she was in chairing Board meetings. Her attention to detail was always evident. Of Irish descent, she was feisty, independent and resilient, demonstrating a wellspring of inner strength until the day of her passing. She enjoyed planting and growing flowers. Her flower garden was very special to her.

Colleens' family and friends will cherish her memory, remembering her as a model of courage, determination and grace.  

A Funeral Service in celbration of her life was held on Thursday, June 1, 2006 from Westview United Church in Yorkton with Faye Greer officiating. Prelude music was by harpist, Analynn Riley. Tributes were given by family friends, Her Honour The Honourable Dr. Lynda Haverstock Lieutenant Govenor of Saskatchewan and Mel Bolen of Humboldt. Soloist, Jeff Sawatzky sang 'Precious Lord, Take My Hand, and 'You'll Never Walk Alone', accompanied by Carolyn Speirs on the piano. Church organist, Sharon Litvanyi led members of the choir and the congregation in the singing of the hymn 'We Shall Go Out With Hope of Resurrection.'  Various groups were in attendance, including members of  the Saskatchewan Arts Board, OSAC and Beta Sigma Phi, Saskatchewan Foundation for the Arts, Hon. Clay Serby Deputy Premier, Hon. Glen Hagel, Minister of Culture, youth and Recreation, as well as many close family and friends.  A reception followed at the Ukrainian Orthodox Auditorium.

 Arrangements were in care of fellow staff members at Bailey's Funeral Home.

Gifts of remembrance may be made to: Saskatchewan Foundation for the Arts #600 - 2500 Victoria Avenue Regina, Saskatchewan  S4P 3X2

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back;

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

May the rain fall soft upon your fields;

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.