Stephen Bailey

Stephen K. Bailey was born on June 9, 1946, in Jackson, Mississippi to Jean T. Bailey and Clarence G. (Larry) Bailey. He passed away on July 12, 2025, in Westminster, Colorado from complications due to pancreatic cancer. His early years were spent in several towns across the Western US until the family settled in Littleton in 1954. He graduated from Littleton High School (1964) and from Colorado State College in Greeley (1968) with a BA in Education and as the captain of the swim team. He spent the next 40 years as a teacher and coach, first in Wyoming and California and then moving back to Colorado in 1975 where he was a member of the initial Heritage High School faculty. He coached swimming in each of those places, coaching his swimmers to numerous State team and individual championships over the years. He left public education in 1986 to work as a corporate trainer for Autotrol Corporation and then moved to the Art Institute of Colorado in Denver, where he taught until his retirement in 2010.

Steve led a very active outdoor life for decades, including Masters Swimming, rock climbing, bike racing, and multiday bicycle tours in the Rockies. He even joined the early days of the triathlon craze. He was the kind of skier who would cause people to pull over and just stare at the smoothness of his run as he went by. He loved golf and was a former member of the Englewood Men’s Golf Club. He was a lifelong guitar aficionado who loved playing in a group or alone. He was the Colorado State Champion in Fireball small boat sailing and competed nationally. He was also a dedicated amateur astronomer. Woodworking was a constant outlet for his creative skills.

Did Steve’s life change the world? Maybe not in a major way (not many people do). But without Steve the world is a little less humble, a little less quick to smile and laugh, a little less patient, a little less creative, and a little less inclined to stand up for what he saw as right. He was truly a kind person and will be sorely missed.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew Kevin Bailey. He is survived by his brothers David Bailey (Cheryl) and Mark Bailey (Catherine) and nephews and nieces Brian Bailey (and his son), Sarah Felsen (Gidon and their sons), Lawrence Bailey (Margo), and Andrea Bailey.

There will be a brief graveside ceremony on August 14th. Email baileymarkr@hotmail.com for details.

In honor of Steve’s memory, donations may be made to the charity of your choice or to the Littleton Public Schools Foundation, with all contributions benefiting the Heritage High School Swim Team—a program close to his heart. To make a gift, please visit https://lpsfoundation.com/how-to-help/donate-today.html. Be sure to check the box on the donation form labeled “Dedicate this gift” and type in “Steve Bailey” so your donation is directed appropriately Thank you for celebrating Steve’s life by supporting public education and the students he cared so deeply about