Robert Whitney Bailiff

Robert Whitney Bailiff, 85 years old, died peacefully on October 21, 2023. He was born on June 15, 1938, in San Pedro, California to Vernon and Roberta Bailiff. Robert is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Bailiff; Children: Cheri Bailiff and Ronald Bailiff (Frances); Grandchildren: Anthony Acosta (Briana), Brandon Bailiff (Allie), and Cassie Bailiff. Great-Grandchildren: Milyna, Ezekial and Isaiah Acosta, and Maverick and Lucy Bailiff; Brothers: John Bailiff and Vernon Bailiff; and numerous nieces and nephews. Robert, also known as Bunkie to friends and family, attended San Pedro High School and completed his associate degree at Los Angeles Harbor College. Robert met Shirley in 1961. Their first date was New Year’s Eve at Disneyland where they kissed at midnight on the bridge to Fantasyland. After marrying in 1966 at San Pedro United Methodist Church, they moved to Millbrae, California, where they quickly became the lead youth counselors at the local Methodist church. Robert and Shirley continued being youth group counselors for 25 years. Shortly afterwards, they moved to Carmichael, California where their daughter Cheri was born. But 18 months later they returned to San Pedro, where their son, Ronald was born. Robert joined 3M Company in 1966 and retired after 30 years. Robert was known for not only being a wonderful coworker but for having the best Halloween costumes. Each year, as employees entered the facility. Robert was there to give them candy and a wonderful Halloween greeting. Robert also enjoyed singing. He sang professionally during his earlier years performing in musicals and dramas. Robert participated in church choirs and sang at family and friends’ events. When Robert retired from 3M, he began volunteering at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. His favorite groups were children/adults with special needs and veterans. He served on the volunteer board and helped organize the Annual Volunteers Dinner.

A memorial will be held on December 10, 2023, at Rolling Hills United Methodist Church at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to:
Rolling Hills United Methodist Church
26438 Crenshaw Boulevard
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
310-377-6771
https://rhumc.org/#home
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
3720 Stephen M White Drive
San Pedro, CA 90731
310-548-7562
https://www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org/
Inner City Youth Orchestra Los Angeles
6820 S La Tijera Boulevard, Suite 201
Los Angeles, CA 90045
213-788-4260
https://icyola.org/

Beacon House Association of San Pedro
1003 S Beacon Street
San Pedro, CA 90731
310-514-4940
https://www.thebeaconhouse.org/
American Heart Association
https://www.heart.org/