Obituary

Long-time Bellingham physician, Guy Walter Bayless, M.D., died peacefully June 24, 2025, in Kirkland, Washington, with his loving family at his side. He was born on December 2, 1941, in Waskom, Texas, to Edward Stephens and Lucile (Duff) Bayless. He spent his younger years in Denison and Dallas, Texas, and graduated from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. It was there, on the steps of the music building, that he met his future wife, Judy Kay Wiser. They were married June 19, 1965, in Lubbock, Texas, and shared a marriage filled with love, music and adventure for the next 60 years.
After completing his medical training at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and internship in Dallas, he served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps for the next eight years: first in Germany; then El Paso, Texas, where he completed his residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology, and finally in Fairbanks, Alaska. It was on the way to Alaska that Walter and Judy discovered the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. In 1977, they settled in Bellingham, Washington, where they raised their daughters, Allison and Laura, and Walter began his OB-GYN practice. For the next 30 years, he found joy in caring for his patients and bringing new life into the world. He was loved for his warm heart and compassionate approach to medicine and admired and respected by his colleagues.

Walter loved music, the beauty of nature, and creating special memories with his grandsons. He was a kind, gentle, patient, and generous man who was devoted to his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Judy, daughters Allison (Corey) Hughes of Bothell, Washington, Laura Harder (Brad Flemmons) of Livermore, California, and grandsons Cameron and Danny Hughes, and Cade and Logan Harder; brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Marna Bayless, of Dallas, Texas; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Merle and Les White of Lubbock, Texas, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a family reunion in Colorado.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to Dementia Support Northwest (www.dementiasupportnw.org). You are invited to share memories and messages of condolence with the family at the online guest book at the Moles Farewell Tributes website (www.molesfarewelltributes.com/obituaries).