PORTER- It is with great sadness and heavy hearts, the family of William Day Sr shares his passing on August 17, 2023, at his home on Trafton Pond surrounded by his loving family.
William was born on August 8, 1932, to Eugene and Emma Day. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 59 years Avis, and his granddaughter, Angie.
As both his parents passed at a young age, William took over the responsibility of caring for his siblings. At a very young age he went to work in the woods with his horses and cattle. He eventually bought a skidder and logged for over 40 years. In his later years he enjoyed seeing how all the mechanized logging equipment used today works. When he semi-retired, he worked for William A. Day, Jr. & Sons sharpening saw blades and hauling firewood. He enjoyed still being part of the logging business.
Upon his retirement, he turned to raising a garden and loved sharing his harvest with friends and neighbors. Dad was an outdoor person and loved being in the woods. He loved hunting and fishing. Many a summer day would find Dad and his red boat on Sebago Lake trying to catch the big one. In June of 1996, he succeeded. He holds the record for the largest lake trout caught out of Sebago Lake, weighing 27 lbs, 5 oz. Every August for many years he had his annual fish fry with 40-50 people which he loved doing. Late August it was blueberry picking time, which he loved. As summer began to fade it was time to bring out the orange and camo. Deer hunting would be here soon, his favorite time of year. From turkey hunting, bear hunting, deer hunting and rabbits in another season, Dad loved it all. Every October, a family tradition would be to go up on “Dad’s Mountain” for a family picnic surrounded by beautiful fall colors and many pictures. Last November at the age of 90, Dad was on his mountain and shot another trophy Buck weighing 232 lbs, 10 points. His hunting and fishing skills will forever be remembered by his family, friends and community. Dad always had a plan. After hunting season ended it was time for ice fishing. He trapped and sold bait from his home for many years. He loved talking to all the fisherman while he sold them bait. He loved his hunting and fishing trips to Canada, Pennsylvania and out West. He also travelled to Las Vegas, San Francisco, Branson and Alaska. He always said, “It was nice but I love Trafton Pond”. At the age of 89 he got to hunt wild boar in Florida and of course, he got one. He amazed the southern “rednecks” with his shooting ability. In his younger years you would find mom & dad on the dance floor every Saturday night and playing horseshoes at Trafton Pond on Sundays. He loved pulling his cattle at the local fairs and has many ribbons.
Dad loved to cook and every Wednesday night his family would get together and enjoy his chowder, roasts or whatever he cooked up.
Dad was a member of the Sacopee Valley Snowmobile Club, Big Buck Club and Sebago Lake Anglers.
He is survived by his five children Laura Lovejoy, Jackie Grover and husband Terry, William Day and his partner Debbie, Debbie Reed and husband Jim and Cindy Deshaies and husband Ron. Granddaughters Melissa Zulick, Amanda Cooper and Jennifer Park. Grandsons Scott Day, Brent Day, Brian Day, Cory Dale, Andrew Moore and Jason Deshaies. 19 Great Grandchildren, 3 Great Great Grandchildren, Isabelle Eldridge, Audrie Eldridge, Paige Rines, Brother Russell Day and Sister Leola Frost. He will be forever missed.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday Aug. 25th from 5 - 8 PM at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St. in Cornish. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday Aug. 26th at 1 PM. Burial will follow at Stanley Cemetery in South Hiram. Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com.