Heartfelt tributes have been paid to Kevin ‘Iceman’ Bailey, a beloved father and Somerset icon, who recently passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Known for his adventurous and vibrant ‘hippy’ lifestyle, Kev’s journey spanned continents and decades, leaving an indelible impression on everyone he met.
Kev’s daughter, Esmee Bailey, has organized a “hippy send-off” to honor her father’s extraordinary life and legacy. The funeral was held on Wednesday, May 6, at The Old Chapel in Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent — a poignant day marking what would have been Kev’s 72nd birthday. Esmee and Kev shared a close bond, with Esmee by his side until the very end.
Born in 1954 and raised in Alma Street, Cross Heath, Kev attended Knutton School before embarking on a globe-trotting life. His travels took him from Spain to America—where a rebellious streak led to his self-deportation—and later back across the UK, living in culturally rich places such as Glastonbury, Dorset, and ultimately settling back in North Staffordshire.
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Esmee reflects on her dad’s unique spirit: “Dad was a true free spirit — wild, unpredictable, and full of soul. Proud of his Romany Gypsy heritage, he carried that vibrant energy wherever he went. Whether in Swanage or Bournemouth, you’d find him on the seafront wrapping hair and striking up conversations. People still remember him fondly—when I visit Somerset, they ask, ‘How’s Kev?’ even 20 years later.”
Kev’s personal life was as colorful as his spirit. He met Esmee’s mother, Vicky, on a bench in Glastonbury, gifting her a crystal that sparked their lasting connection. Together, they shared a life marked by spiritual exploration; Kev’s passions included attending the Glastonbury Festival and Stonehenge, serving as a Tibetan monk in Glastonbury, and immersing himself in meditation, tarot, aromatherapy, yoga, and herbal remedies.
“He was deeply connected to nature,” Esmee recounts. “Living simply and close to the earth, he had green fingers and a plant by his side wherever he went. His artistic flair shone through, whether in painting, drystone walling, or refurbishing a double-decker bus into a unique home—until it eventually sank into the mud.”
Later in life, Kev returned to North Staffordshire to be close to Esmee, selling flowers, fruit, and Christmas trees in the local Ironmarket. His wit and charm left a lasting impression on the staff at Bradwell Hall Nursing Home, where he spent his final days, always ready with a joke and infectious laughter.
Esmee fondly remembers her father’s magnetic personality: “Dad was bonkers in the best way—unpredictable, funny, and full of life. Kind and courageous, he was unapologetically himself. Like Peter Pan, he had a magic about him that could light up a room.”
To celebrate Kev’s vibrant life, guests at his funeral were encouraged to wear colorful attire, embracing the joyful and spirited legacy of a man who lived life on his own radiant terms.