WILLIAM BAYLEY

William Kevin Bayley “Kevin” made his final tormenting act and sick joke by leaving this earth unexpectedly and prematurely at the age of 42 from previously undiagnosed cardiac issues, on June 24. Kevin was born on April 14, 1979 in Rochester, Michigan to the late Kathleen Patricia Bayley and late William Kelly Bayley, as well as two highly unimpressed older sisters, Betsy and Cate. Kevin quickly established his place in the family as a true Irish prince and was doted upon by his Mother, who some in the family would say was a little too obsessed with her precious prince.

After moving to Wisconsin at the age of 7, Kevin quickly developed a love for hockey that would last a lifetime. Kevin spent most of his childhood avoiding chores and developing his unlimited knowledge of all things; interesting and not interesting facts from airplanes to the brain chemistry of frogs which, in his mind, made him the most intelligent person in any room. The charm he fine-tuned on his adoring mother, his gift of gab, and his encyclopedic knowledge of useful and useless facts led to a successful career in sales at Frank Beverage. If you were lucky enough to ever cross paths with him, Kevin had an impact on your life and undoubtedly left you with a “Bayley” story. 

Kevin is survived by his incredible son Liam, who was truly his greatest source of pride and joy. Kevin was a stay at home Dad for the first several years of Liam's life and during that time they developed a bond and a friendship that few fathers and sons are lucky enough to have. Kevin was never happier than when he and Liam were together, playing video games, watching Star Wars movies, shooting hoops, and cheering for all manner of Wisconsin sports teams. 

Kevin is also survived by the Love of His Life, Amy Williamson; his favorite person, his love, his Everything; his foodie friend, his music buddy, his running partner, his cycling pal, his beer buddy, and the mother of his beloved cat. 

Finally, Kevin is survived by his two heartbroken sisters, Betsy (Michael) Van Etten, and Cate (Todd) Sullivan and 8 nieces and nephews (Henry, Kelly, Charlie, Timmy, Jack and Annabelle Van Etten; Elden and Ada Sullivan); and many, many friends, among whom are the Tucker Boys, Ryan, Chad, Jeff, and especially Chad, his best friend, who considered Kevin an honorary 5th brother. 

In the words of his favorite band:

“Spread my ashes all about

Dump the sucker out

Toast me for a while

I'm going out in style” 

Kevin will be remembered with stories, songs and toasts at The Waters, 1393 Washington Avenue, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on Thursday, July 1st, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to The Kevin Bayley Memorial Fund benefitting his son Liam: https://everloved.com/life-of/kevin-bayley/