Harry Samuel Day Obituary

Harry Samuel Day passed away peacefully on Sunday January 26, 2025, at the age of 86 after a long and fulfilling life. Harry was resting comfortably at his home in Salem Oregon in the presence of family members and his dedicated loving wife of nearly 67 years, Sandra Faye (Wheeler) Day-also known as Sandy or "Dood".
Harry was born on May 26, 1938, in Albany, OR. He was the first of two sons born to Harry Franklin Day and Sarah Margaret (Ransdell) Day. Harry's brother, Paul Edward Day, lives in Eugene, OR with his wife Vivian Lee (Falk) Day. Harry and Paul grew up in Albany and spent time with their parents in the Dole Valley area of Washington where Harry met Sandy. He graduated Albany Union High School in 1956.
Harry worked at several jobs in the Albany, OR area growing up. One of his favorite and most influential jobs was driving delivery truck at the McDonald Candy Company. Harry spoke often of that job and the life lessons he learned during his time there. After graduating high school, he spent two years of active-duty service in the U.S. Army as a helicopter mechanic. He then transferred to full time in the Oregon Army National Guard (ORANG) until he eventually transitioned to part time when he went to work at Portland Community College (PCC). Harry was an Instructor for the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) Department. He worked at PCC for 30+ years. While there, he was instrumental in revamping the course curriculum design as well as aircraft acquisition for the college over the years. He was AMT Department Chairman for his last 12 years until he retired. While still at PCC, Harry retired from the ORANG after 22+ years of U.S. Army Active Duty and Reserve service. Harry achieved the rank of Staff Sargeant as a Helicopter Mechanic.
Some of Harry's hobbies included hunting, family wilderness camping trips and snow skiing (he served on the National Ski Patrol at Hoodoo Ski Area near Sister's Oregon). He spent a lifetime enjoying automotive maintenance and restoration as well as aircraft restoration and flying. His career was his hobby-Aviation! Harry Day is VERY well known and has been a permanent presence around Salem Airport for decades. He and Sandy also spent many years driving around this great country in their two RV's-an FMC and a Country Coach that they absolutely loved. They traveled extensively with friends and to visit their children and grandchildren throughout the US.

Harry is survived by his loving wife Sandy, their three children Harry, Cindy (husband Dave), and James (wife Paula), their eight grandchildren Angela, Ryan, Levi, Matthew,
Jeremiah, Jessica, Emerald and James. Also, two great-granddaughters Emily and Briella. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law-Paul and Vivian, and their three children Jennifer, Andrew, and Katrina-as well as many cousins, in-laws, and friends.
Harry will be laid to rest at Willamette Memorial Park Cemetery, 2640 Old Salem Rd NE, Albany, OR 97321 on
Tuesday February 4, 2025 at 10:00 am.
The Memorial service (with Military Honors) will follow at 2:00 pm in City View Funeral Home at 390 Hoyt Street South, Salem, OR 97302 (https://www.cityviewfh.com/obituaries.asp)
The family is requesting that donations be made to any dementia and/or Alzheimer`s research or support charity or organization of your choice.