HOLDEN – Ralph Edwin Day Jr., passed away peacefully Feb. 2, 2009, in Brewer. He was born March 28, 1923, in Bangor, the son of Ralph E. and Celia M. (Chute) Day Sr. Ralph was a 1942 graduate of Brewer High School and attended the University of Maine until health problems prevented him from continuing. He went to work with his father in the lumber business during World War II. They covered Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, acquiring large oak logs for coastal Maine shipyards where they used them for PT boat keels. Ralph’s desire to help with the war effort drew requests to “bring us all the oak you can.” He worked for WD Matthews Machinery Co., Auburn, for 31 years as a sales representative. He was a pioneer in forklift sales during the 50s and 60s. He was well respected in the industry for his integrity and many of his customers were also his friends. Ralph was an avid antique car collector for more than 45 years. He always included his family when he attended many car meets and tours and drove his cars to numerous long distance tours throughout Canada. He was a long-standing member of the MOALS and ATOMS antique auto clubs. He especially enjoyed discovering car buys throughout Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont with his family. Ralph was also a longtime member of Holden Congregational Church. He was a very caring and loving husband, father and grandfather. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Viva L. (Blake) Day of Holden; two children, Devon D. Day and his wife, Lori, and Dale M. Parent and her husband, Doug, all of Holden; two grandchildren, Daniel W. Day of Bangor and Jennifer R. Day of Old Town; three stepgrandchildren, Nate, Amanda and Kristen Ellis, all of Holden; and one cousin, Frances Lord of Brewer. He was predeceased by his son, Daniel Day. A service honoring Ralph’s life will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at Holden Congregational Church, Church Road, Holden, with the Rev. Dana Douglass, pastor, presiding. A time of fellowship and refreshments will be immediately afterward in the church hall. Spring burial will be at Harts Corner Cemetery, Holden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Holden Congregational Church, P.O. Box 3451, Brewer, ME 04412. Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State St., Brewer. Condolences to his family may be offered at www.kileyandfoley.com.
RALPH E. DAY JR.
