A great man passed away recently (“Snohomish farmer and civic leader Cliff Bailey dies at 94,” The Herald, June 7).
Herald reporter Isabella Breda wrote a wonderful review of the depth and breadth of Cliff Bailey’s commitment to his family, the community and — most importantly — the land.
I served with Cliff from 1980 to 1986 in the new Council/Elected Executive government that voters approved to replace the three commissioners form. As I was inexperienced and under 30, Cliff served as my mentor helping me navigate the politics of a fast-growing county while teaching me to honor the traditions of conservation and stewardship of our precious corner of the earth.
His wife, Rosemary and family members, Don and Barb welcomed me to that famous living room overlooking the valley as Cliff taught me the intricacies of drainage/diking districts and the economics of dairy farming
In a simpler, quieter political world, Cliff possessed a clear moral compass and leveraged it with quick laughter and grace to engage Republican and Democratic colleagues in common cause for education and mental health.
As Bob Drewel noted, Cliff was the ultimate gentleman and we will forever miss his optimism and hope.
Bruce Agnew
Beaux Arts Village
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