Kenneth Day

Kenneth Rayolyn Day, was born on October 7th, 1946 in Seattle, WA to Jay Hendrick Day and Dorothy Eileen Denton Day. Ken sister, Cheryl (Terry) and brother Kevin (Linda) rounded out the family. He grew up in Salem, attending South Salem high school and later Oregon State University where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in business.

After graduating from OSU in 1969, Ken enlisted in the US Air Force, married Susan, and became a pilot, flying among other airplanes, C 141s and B 52s and traveling the world. He also obtained his Masters of Public Administration degree from Texas Christian University while in the Air Force. Daughter Heather (Nathan) and son Michael (Morgan) were born, and Oregon was later beckoning. Ken was in the AF and the AF reserve for a total of 13 years and was promoted to Major before being honorably discharged from service.

Ken went to work for Omark industries (later known as Blount, Int'l and now Oregon Tool) In 1980 and worked for the company for 28 years, where he again traveled the world. In 1995 Ken married LaVeta and in 1998 they were transferred to the Midwest where Ken became president of two Blount's entities: Frederick Manufacturing in Kansas City, MO and in 2004 Dixon Lawn Equipment in Coffeyville, KS. In 2006 Ken was appointed Director of Strategic Operations at Blount's corporate headquarters in Oregon. Ken retired in 2008, and he and LaVeta pursued adventures and hobbies from then on (travel among them).

Ken Love to fish, trap shoot, Jeep the Arizona desert, build things (small pram boats, kayaks, and an airplane, among other things) Restore cars, scuba dive, and fly their airplane. He walked away from flying in 2019 after many 1000 hours "slipping the surly bonds of earth and touching the face of God."

Ken Developed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lived with the disease for five years as it took its toll on his lungs. He was surrounded by family in his last days and many words of love were spoken between Ken and LaVeta, Heather, Nate, granddaughters Lilyana and Kyla, Mike, Morgan, and via them to youngest granddaughters Allie and Millie. LaVeta was holding his hand and telling him she loved him when he passed.

A private Honor Guard committal service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery.

If so inclined, donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in Ken's name are appreciated.