Walter H. "Red" Bainbridge Jr.

Walter H. “Red” Bainbridge, Jr.

Red Bainbridge, 94, was called to eternal life on September 22, 2024, after a courageous seven-month battle with declining health. The only child of Walter H. and Willie Bainbridge, Red was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on May 3, 1930, and began ice skating in California at age six. A competitive figure skater in the singles, pairs, and dance categories, Red was two-time North American Dance Champion, three-time US National Dance Champion, National Silver Dance Champion, National Junior Pair Champion, National Junior Men's Silver Medalist, and auxiliary member of the 1948 USA Olympic Team.

Red’s career in professional skating began in 1949 and continued until his retirement in 2006. In addition to teaching, he also served as manager of the Michigan State University ice arena for eight years. It was during the period at MSU when Red met Patricia Pitkus Radcliffe, and they married on April 11, 1970, in East Lansing, Michigan.

Red had been raised by loving, moral parents — but outside of any particular faith — until he dedicated his life to Christ on May 20, 1976. This began a journey that culminated on September 22, 2001, when he and Patricia were received into the Catholic Church. His passing into eternal reward occurred on the 23rd anniversary of his entering into full communion in the Church.

A man of faith with a servant’s heart, Red always put the needs of others ahead of his own. He was a longtime volunteer for his church and for various charities. For 10 years he served on the Board of Directors and as the volunteer executive director for Christian Tapes for the Blind and Disabled in Buffalo, NY. He served on the governing boards of the Christian Action Council of Western New York and Life Decisions International, among other organizations devoted to protecting preborn children. He volunteered for the Respect Life Office of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford for 10 years, for Catholic Charities as a Volunteer Ombudsman for Long Term Care, and at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. He remained a volunteer at OSF until January, 2024.

Red had a very quick wit and was fun to be around. He often said that teaching skating was a privilege, not a job, and that he had been truly blessed to look forward to going to work each day. A long-time member of the national and international Washington DC Figure Skating Club Hall of Fame, Red was inducted into the Professional Skaters Association Hall of Fame in 2009, and Sports-Faith International Hall of Fame in 2014.

Red also loved flying and maintained his private instrument pilot license for single and multi-engine planes, including sea planes. He was a member of EAA Chapters 22 and 1414 and served on the Board of Directors of UFO (United Flying Octogenerians).

In 2008 he received the Frank Murray Memorial Award (in recognition for “Devoted Service and Unselfish Efforts in Behalf of the EAA Chapter 22) and he received Special National Recognition for EAA pilots who flew more than 100 Young Eagles Flights.

In retirement, he also learned to play the piano. He sang in the Rockford Barbershop Chorus, built model railroad displays, participated in the Senior Follies, and worked as an Election Judge.

Red is survived by Patricia, his wife of 54 years; children M. Lynn Bainbridge; Michael (Deena) Bainbridge, Debbie (James) Wenck; Grandchildren Jenny (Andy) Livermore; David (Meagan) Bainbridge; Spencer (Sarah) Bainbridge; Great-Grandchildren Caroline and Natalie Livermore and Emery and Eloise Bainbridge; nieces Andrea Pitkus and Jill (Adam) Keck. He was pre-deceased by brother-in-law, Terry Pitkus.

Visitation will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home (1860 S. Mulford Rd.) on Friday, October 4, from 5:00-7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 5, at Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Human Life International, The Poor Clares, or The Haven Network.

The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel. To share memories or extend condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.