THOMASTON – Basil F. Day, 89, a former and longtime resident of Thomaston, and master boat builder, passed away Tuesday, March 29, 2011, at a Bangor hospital. Basil was born Nov. 27, 1921, in Thomaston, the son of Ann and Ferdinand Day.
He attended schools in the Thomaston area, and at an early age he spent much of his time in and around the ocean learning many carpentry skills from his father, Ferdinand and others, including boat building. After school he worked in various trades honing his skills. He met and married Barbara Bryant Aug. 31, 1942, just prior to his joining the Navy and serving in World War II. After the end of the war they made their home in Thomaston. Basil started building boats and owned and operated Georges River Boat Shop until the late 1990s, never really retiring from the craft he loved. Basil enjoyed his many visits to Mohegan Island, was an avid deer hunter, spent as much time – but not enough time according to his wife, Barbara – at their cottage on Washington Pond and attending the fairs.
He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara; brothers, Ferdinand “Dint” L. Day, Alamon L. Day and Donald H. Day; nephew, James Day; and a very special sister-in-law, Beryle Bryant. Survivors include his brother, Cecil A. Day and his wife, Martha, of Ellsworth; five nieces and nephews, Rebecca Foster and husband, Rick, Martha Edwards, Kathy Ashton and husband, Ted, Susan Abbot and husband, Gary, Julian Kilton, Debbie Springer and husband, Bob, J. Verrill and wife, Sally, James Verrill, Timothy Verrill and wife, Wendy, Larry Bryant and wife, Brenda, Joyce Goodine and husband, Tom, and Carolyn Swadley and husband, Steve; as well as great-nephew, Rick Frye of Bangor, who stayed close by Basil during his stay in Bangor. Basil will be fondly remembered by many more nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Special thanks are expressed on behalf of the family to the wonderful staff at Westgate Manor, Bangor, for the excellent care that was provided while he was a resident.
Visiting hours will be held 1-2 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at Hall & Bibber Funeral Home, 78 Main St., Thomaston, with a funeral service 2 p.m. Interment will be at Village Cemetery. Donations in Basil’s memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 163 Lancaster St., Suite1606, Portland, ME 04101. You are invited to share your condolences, photos and tributes with the Day family by visiting their Book of Memories at
www.hallfuneralhomes.com.