This is a story Bruce wrote as a 'cautionary tale' which he related both to teach others and to remind himself not to get too full of himself. Enjoy:

Don’t Mess with “In Sha Allah” !

On assignment in Tajikistan, an Islamic practicing country in April of 2022

I was consulting for an USAID contracted organization, DAI, for a month, regarding fruit tree cultural practices and to recommend new varieties for introduction into the Bakhtar region of the country.

Two and a half solid weeks in the field touring almost 70 blocks of trees, then the remaining time spent working with the agronomists of the project to select which new varieties to introduce to build upon the market advantage that had been created by an initial import of new varieties from California in 2017.

There were a dozen DAI staff at the meeting, and I brought my trusted associate, Muzaffar along to not only translate, but to provide/contribute his field expertise and knowledge with the group. The introduction was cordial, then I brought the point up that decisions were to be made at the meeting as timing for ordering trees was very short. There was no time to be wasted in extended conversations/vacillation – a bit of a hesitation from the group. Discussion of the needs and specific ways to fill those needs started, and lingered, and lingered, and lingered more.

A common expression within the group was ““In Sha Allah” ”, which in Arabic translates to “as God wills,” or in English – let’s think about it for a while and maybe something will happen, maybe not – which wasn’t what was needed for a decisive decision at all. I stayed with it for as long as possible, then made the announcement: “In Sha Allah” wasn’t working well, and God wasn’t going to be making decisions at that meeting, the group was, and, that without decisions no one was heading to dinner until all was complete. Funny thing, all went smoothly from then on and all needed decisions on the agenda were made. I felt good with the outcome anyway, even though I vented a bit.

A few days went by and Muzzafar asked a personal favor of me – to accompany him in giving gifts of food to needy families during the last days just before the celebration of Ramadan. I was honored to accompany him. Along with another friend who worked with an NGO that provided needed assistance to the families of physically handicapped children, deliveries of food that Muzaffar had purchased, were made.

A humbling experience, and after completion of the day’s activities the three of us sat in front of our hotel to chat. I went to my room for a minute and came back with some money to be donated to the charitable effort. I presented it to the representative of the NGO for the children. I was thanked and both Muzaffar and the representative thanked me with the expression ‘“In Sha Allah” ” used many times. I wanted to clarify myself, and noted that the money was from my wife, Lauri, and myself, from our hears and not from Allah.

Low and behold, in less than a minute my chair that I was sitting in totally collapsed and I found myself flat on the ground. Totally shocked, but not hurt, all picked me up and I found a solid chair to sit in again.

That’s when Muzaffar started to laugh, and it was picked up upon by all of us after I was firmly sitting in the replacement chair. He shook his head and explained to me with a Cheshire smile that he forgot to warn me at the meeting a few days ago, and he was going to do so just after it came out of mouth earlier – “Don’t take lightly the term “In Sha Allah” , as he hears all.” We all laughed again, and then he added – “It’s good that the contribution was a good one, or you could have broken an arm or even your hip!” We laughed some more – I agreed with him.

Long story a bit shorter – I’m not going to play down the expression ‘“In Sha Allah” ’ ever again! Lesson learned. I’m glad the guy upstairs liked the contribution too.

“In Sha Allah”, I won’t forget again!

Bruce, my farmer neighbor and fellow "wordly" consultant.My story starts in 1962 because your father was both my JV basketball coach and my drivers education instructor at Woodland HS. As a farm kid, your dad had to explain to me why there was no clutch pedal....as we drove out to see his Shetland ponies.The house that you and Lauri built right across HWY 16 from the Rumsey farm elevated the architectural image of Willow Oak for sure. I remember you and Lauri explaining to me how the floor plan had been inspired by your world work and travels.And of course being farmerly neighbors we shared equipment and farming tips. My equipment was old but your farming tips were more timely.We did some consulting gigs together and worked well together as we both had the same philosophy of hands-on, practical extension of wisdom and knowledge. I must say that you went to some places that I was unwilling to go to when you invited me to come along. I admired you for doing such needed work in places that were daunting. After your move to Seattle, I enjoyed receiving your  phone calls as you were driving down I-5 saying...."Jimmy, meet me for a cup of coffee. I'm heading your way to check on some clients".With dirty hands and boots, Bruce made the world a better place one person at a time from the bottom up.My deepest condolences to Lauri and family.P.S. Aubrey - keep a bottle of root beer (also my favorite drink) for me when I walk in the door at Cadet Wine and Beer.

Bruce was my life saver in the garden when some of the annual tasks became too much. One day this spring I called him in a fluff because the lilac behind the house seemed to be losing its' hold on the soil. I met him at the door of the sun porch and said: "right there beside you" just as it quietly fell all over him. That worked. We laughed for five minutes. 

 It was always fun having Bruce breeze through pruning that should have taken hours and piled up for the Green recycle for weeks but somehow it was done and cut up so small that what should have been 3 containers was all in one--just requiring a little stomping on by my friend. 

 One week I mentioned the Red Bud tree in my neighbor's yard had invaded my Vine Maple with an errant branch that had formed a hefty "U" shaped branch leaning on the fence. He frowned over that one and came back after a week with a friend and his special saw. I kept dithering: "Um, Um , Bruce, Are you sure about this?" It's big, it's heavy, we'll have to haul it in a truck. Don't worry Joan, we've got this. He cut it off right at the collar and dragged it into the driveway where we cut off the side branches leaving a ten foot long, 5 inches around arch which Bruce and friend proceeded haul over the car front to tail more or less in the middle so the driver could see the road in front of him except for a few ropes. Off they went; I was not the only one pale with fear. They called to say they were safe and the tree was going to be a garden arch.

Joan K.

I had the pleasure of getting to know Bruce during his weekly drop-offs of fresh produce at Elizabeth Gregory Home. Every Tuesday was a delight as we got to chat about what was going on, what upcoming special meals we were preparing for our clients, and what recent bounty his garden had produced. Those visits were a weekly highlight for us and we will treasure those memories forever. He kindness, generosity and cheerful spirit has touched our hearts and given a sense of renewed purpose.

The last time Bruce and I talked, he was letting me know about his surplus of green tomatoes and musing about what he should do with them. I recommended a recipe from Judy at The Southern Lady Cooks for her green tomato cheddar muffins. He was so excited about it, that he rushed right off so that he wouldn't forget the make of them. In honor of Bruce, I'd like to share that recipe with you.

Thank you for everything.

https://thesouthernladycooks.…

2 cups green tomatoes chopped3 tablespoons honey3/4 cup buttermilk1 egg1/2 cup Canola oil 3/4 cup shredded or grated cheddar cheese1/2 teaspoon salt2 cups all-purpose flour1 tablespoon baking powder

Dear Lauri, Karyl, Gillian, Aubrey and Evan,  So sorry to hear about Bruce.  He was a good man.

So many memories such as get-together's, gourmet dinner parties and outings.  I remember riding down to Stockton for a dog show with Bruce and Karyl.  She had entered her dog, Daisy, in the competition.  We all had a fun day.

As I reflect on Bruce, I am reminded of what is most important in life; that is, our essential everyday humanity. Bruce was this in spades.

I treasure the fun and warm conversations I had with Bruce. But as always is the case with someone close to us who has passed, we wish for those conversations we didn’t have. I will wish for more stories of Bruce’s work across the globe with AID, and with other organizations. I wish for more of the constancy of Bruce’s warm handshake, smiles and even hugs. I wish for the ease and acceptance I knew in his presence.

Although I know little of the technical aspects of Bruce’s work, I will posit that it is easy to know of what character traits led to his success. It was his confidence in engaging with anyone, no matter that person’s station in life. We often refer to one’s station as high or low. But I’ll venture that to Bruce we were all of the same station—that we all had so much to learn from each other. That’s why Bruce felt entirely comfortable presenting himself to and engaging with anyone. This trait led him to be a model partner to a board member.

Bruce so embraced supporting and assisting Lauri in her role as a NatureBridge-Olympic board member. Indeed, I can’t remember any function we had, open to folks outside of the board, where he didn’t show up. And it was way more than showing up. Bruce was willing to get down on his hands and knees and help us scrub away the detritus in the boathouse, to help repaint worn out signs, or to go on a quick run back to town to ensure our staff received their specially ordered desserts as part of the staff-appreciation lunch.

Bruce, thank you for the wisdom you passed along, by simply being your truest self. I shall carry it with me in the years ahead. I shall miss you, but I will treasure the times I had with you.

Walter Sive  

Bruce and the Cadet team loved Bruce. Seeing him and being called ‘kiddo’ always made the teams day. During the holidays the Baileys would always invade Napa and Bruce would be the first one to volunteer to decorate the bar for Christmas with burritos from Woodland in hand. 

Personally, I am truly blessed to have known Bruce. Aubrey has been my friend and business partner for 10 years and of course we get to know each others families. Bruce is special, kind, outgoing and brilliant. I now understand where Aubrey gets her work ethic and kindness for others from. We will all miss you Bruce and will continue to make you proud! 

Today, we bid farewell to Bruce Bailey, an extraordinary man whose heart was open to the people and land he cherished so deeply. As a volunteer with the Farmer-to-Farmer program, Bruce visited Tajikistan over ten times, bringing knowledge, experience, and unyielding energy to help local farmers. He became a true friend and mentor to those dedicated to cultivating their orchards. Thanks to Bruce, thousands of trees now bear fruit, and countless farming families have gained confidence and new opportunities.

Bruce stood at the forefront of intensive horticulture in Tajikistan, introducing 36 new varieties of fruit trees from California, planting over 50 orchards, and helping to establish 12 demonstration plots in the Khatlon region. His work was not only one of physical labor but also a testament to his resilience and devotion. Through scorching summers and freezing winters, Bruce stood by the farmers, teaching them pruning, grafting, irrigation, and pest control. He proudly called himself "Amerijik"—half American, half Tajik—and became a true friend to everyone he met.

Humble, hardworking, diplomatic, and friendly, Bruce inspired optimism and instilled hope for the future in those around him. His attachment to Tajikistan was not just a job but a mission. He felt deeply for each farmer and each tree, celebrating the rich harvests and mourning losses caused by frost, all while encouraging others to press on.

Bruce left behind more than the fruits of his labor—he left a legacy that will continue to grow. He often said he wished to be buried under a tree that bears fruit, to stay close to the people he served even after his passing. His life exemplifies how love and care for others can leave an indelible mark.

As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them." Bruce fulfilled all of these in his life. The orchards he planted will continue to provide shade and fruit; the knowledge he passed on will live on in generations; and his family and friends will remember him as a kind and generous soul who gave so much to the world.

May Bruce find peace, and may his soul be illuminated by the countless acts of goodness he left behind on this earth.