Robert L. Bayless III passed away August 18, 2015. Bob was born in Phoenix on September 2, 1942 to Pauline Hickcox Bayless and Robert L. Bayless, Jr. He attended St. Francis Grade School, Brophy, and the University of Arizona. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. After college, Bob began work in the insurance business and created Bayless and Associates General Insurance Agency in 1970. Bob was a first rate-pilot and flew his own plane for business and recreation. Bob was an avid hunter and master camper. He was a loyal member of the Phoenix Thunderbirds. Although he was a so-so golfer, he enjoyed many games of golf at the Phoenix Country Club and White Mountain Country Club. We admired Bob for handling his health challenges with a positive attitude, remarkable grace and even humor. We hope he will be remembered as the guy who loved his family, working, flying, traveling (especially to Mexico), social gatherings, anything outdoors and hot dogs. He was a generous loving husband, an excellent father and a proud grandfather. Bob was preceded in death by his son Robert L. Bayless IV and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, sons Bill (Lizzie) Bayless and Jim (Katie) Bayless, his grandchildren Kolbe Bayless, Katie Bayless, Henry Bayless and Woody Bayless and his sisters Betsey Bayless, Kaki Rowland, Polly (Mike) Fitz-Gerald and their families. Our heartfelt thanks to FirstLight HomeCare, Kim Keckhut and Nancy Gustavson. Funeral Mass will be held at 4:00 PM, Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Brophy College Prep, 4701 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012 or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014.
Peggy Bayless Hawkins
I hold good memories my cousin Bob from when we were kids playing together . He is an example to me now of grace and courage. My love to all of you. peggy
John Clark
Have a safe journey and Rest in Peace my friend.
Neil, Mandy, Abigail & Mia
Our Love and Prayers are with the Bayless Family!
Conrad Jarvis
I remember Bob, very well during our Brophy Prep High School days, our class of 1960. I didn’t see him too much afterwards…a little at the U of A…but I recall that he had a great spirit…and always a great deal of fun, he was a very positive person…Smart and very capable. All who knew him I’m sure will miss him. RIP Bob.
Geri Custer
I worked for Bob for 25 years at Bayless & Associates… Those were great years! Those years of learning and observing Bob enabled me to start my own agency almost 17 years ago now after he sold the agency. We had a great deal of fun which made it easy to come to the office every day! Throughout those years there were many exciting achievements, playing jokes on each other and even tragedy…but that held everyone together! Bob will be missed by his family and friends but we take comfort knowing he had a wonderfully full life surrounded by those who he loved so dearly.
Sue and Ron Folk
Dear Nancy and Family,
It is with great sadness and sympathy that we send this message. We have never known another couple who have truly lived the vows of for better or worse, in sickness and health with such dedication and positivity. Bob fought such a valiant battle and now can rest in his heavenly home.
You are in our thoughts and prayers,
Sue and Ron Folk
Alex & Mary Hawkins
Dear Nancy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this sad time. I have so many great memories of time spent in Arizona with the Bayless family but one of my favorite was when you, Bob and Bobby flew your Cessna up to the Orme School to visit me. After making an impressively low pass over the school to announce your arrival, Bob landed on the schools short and and, as it turns out, very soft dirt strip. I recall his concern over the fact that his tires had sunk pretty far into the soft soil of the airstrip, but he checked his charts, ran some calculations, and determined that we would have plenty of performance to get airborne. That was good enough for me so we climbed in and took off. This was my first flight in a light airplane and my first attempt at piloting an airplane. I’m fairly certain I didn’t impress Bob with my flying ability that day, I do remember his endless patience with my dumb questions, his methodical and professional approach to flying, and the exhilaration I felt when, under his watchful eye, I took the controls of an airplane for the first time. I credit that moment, 38 years ago, with setting the wheels in motion for my own career in aviation. It’s been a great ride so far. Thanks for that Bob!
We only flew one other time before I graduated from college. By that time I had my private pilots license and our common love of flying had become our bond. Due to geographical separation, we didn’t spend a lot of time together over the years, but the time we did spend had an inordinately large impact on my life. I will miss Bob’s friendship and will always be deeply appreciative of the time we did have together.
God bless you and your family. “Fair winds and Following Seas” on the next leg of your journey Bob.
Love to all of you,
Alex & Mary Hawkins
Carmen ant Tony mendivil
With a sadness in our hearts we said good bye to a wonderful person Bob , we will miss you, . Nancy we are with you and your family in this time of sadness our toughts and prayers with all our heart Love Carmen &Tony R I P Bob.
William Miller
Dear Nancy and Cousins Betsey, Kaki and Polly,
I was sad to hear of Bobby’s passing. I was very glad that we had the opportunity to see him one last time on our recent trip to Arizona. I enjoyed our conversation. I have fond memories of cruising with Bobby in his Chevy. It was a hotrod 55 Chevy Coupe and I’ve always loved cars. I know Bobby struggled after his illness so I’m relieved that he is over his struggle. I wish I could be in Arizona today to be with my family but I had orders here in Severance that I had to fill and DiAnne couldn’t get more time off work. I’ll be thinking about you today and wishing you a great send off to a wonderful man. Love Bill and DiAnne
Chris & Dick Meszaros
Chris and I had great memories of being with you and Bob . We are sure Bob is in a safe and peaceful place .
Lanny Hair
Bob will always be remembered as a someone who was willing to help the Independent Insurance Agents Association. He understood that the industry has been great for him and he was willing to return to the industry by being of assistance. His smile was always contagious and his sincerity was a certainty.
I will truly miss him and my thoughts and prayers for Nancy. Lanny
Sally anderson
Dear Nancy,
We’ll catch up with each other later.
I like the Folk message and endorse it.
You and Bobby exemplified the meaning of marriage vows.
Be proud of the care and love you gave Bob.
Now, take care of yourself.
Fondly,
Sally Anderson