SPRI, the trade association representing sheet membrane and component suppliers to the commercial roofing industry, was saddened by the loss of David Bailie, who served two terms as SPRI president in 1998-1999 and 2011-2012. After a year-long battle with cancer Bailie died of a sudden illness on May 24^th. Bailie was 73.

“Dave Bailie was one of SPRI’s most dedicated volunteers,” says SPRI Managing Director Linda King. “(Dave) was always looking to expand the value of association membership. He was also instrumental in building ties with other segments of the construction industry. He loved the opportunity that volunteering provided to meet new people and give back to his community.”

For more than seven years, Bailie served in a variety of sales and marketing roles for U.S. Gypsum (USG) Specialty Products Division, primarily in the commercial roofing industry where he was well known. He retired from USG as Specifications Sales Manager for the Southeast Region on January 1, 2014.

“(Dave) loved his time with USG,” says Sid Teachey, USG’s National Sales Manager Commercial Roofing. “He always enjoyed saying, ‘Selling Securock Roof Board was the best thing since sliced bread and a wonderful opportunity few people ever get to experience in a career.’ I am proud to have been his friend.”

Prior to his employment at USG, Bailie held several senior sales and marketing positions at Firestone Building Products Co., Carmel, IN; GAF in Parsippany, NJ; and Stevens Roofing Systems, Holyoke, MA. Before entering the roofing industry, Bailie was employed by Proctor & Gamble, headquartered in Cincinnati, OH and the Formica Group, a global provider of surfacing materials. Bailie also held a Degree in Law from the Salmon P. Chase School of Law Northern Kentucky University.

“Later in 2014, Bailie created an independent representative company called Encore Substrates, where he represented USG and sold the Securock Brand of roof coverboards in the state of Indiana until the end of 2015,” says Teachey.

Bailie is survived by his wife Colleen, his daughters Sarah Butler and Suzanne Thys and five grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Eiteljorg Museum, White River State Park, 500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204.

For more information about SPRI and its activities, visit SPRI’s Web site at www.spri.org or contact the association at info@spri.org.