William Niven Bayless passed away at home, with family, on Wednesday, May 8th, 2024.
Bill, born January 28th, 1941, was the son of William “Neville” Bayless and Margaret Bayless and the brother of Ronald, Robert, Thomas, and David Bayless.
The family spent their upbringing in Rocky River, OH, where Bill and his brothers attended St. Christopher Elementary and St. Ignatius High School. Bill attended Loyola University Chicago (BA), majoring in philosophy. He continued his passion for philosophy and learning at The University of Chicago (MA) and for his doctorate at Brown University (PhD).
He initially pursued academia and served as a professor at Rutgers University, before a shift to governmental work. He proceeded to work at the Cleveland branch for the Department of Housing and Urban Development and served as a federal employee for 44 years before retirement. He spoke highly of federal work and expressed utmost gratitude for a career that provided well for his family. He followed in his father’s footsteps as an active member of The Cheshire Cheese Club, where Neville previously served as the president.
Bill met Elna Layese, a native of the Philippines, and they wed in Cebu on May 17th, 1993. They settled in Rocky River, OH, and welcomed their oldest daughter, Sharlo Bayless, on October 16th, 1994. Their youngest daughter, Catherine “Kate” Bayless, followed on April 5th, 1997.
Family was a great joy for Bill, and he dedicated himself to Elna, Sharlo and Kate. He never missed an orchestra performance or dance recital, and his immense generosity, kindness, and gentleness was never unnoticed. He was delighted to watch his children follow his love of education. A proud highlight for him was Sharlo’s medical school graduation, and Kate’s admission into her doctoral program at the University of Toronto.
As a devout Catholic, Bill always encouraged his family to “be of good cheer,” and in the midst of his passing, his family finds comfort in his emphasis that the separation is only temporary.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, daughters, son-in-law, brothers, and many nieces and nephews.