Jerry Orson Day Sr. (Dad, Daddy, Pa, Grandpa, PaPa, Poppy, Sasquatch Face) went to fish in the lakes of heaven at the age of 80 on April 9, 2017. His daughter, Roxie, “special daughter” Laurie and companion of 37 years Yvonne “Frenchy” Roark were by his side at Moab Regional Hospital at the time of his passing. Family gathered in the days prior to express their love, which was very special.
He was born in Moab, Utah, to Wayne and Rowene “Stewart” Day on October 20, 1936. He was the youngest child of three. His sister Joyce Basso, who preceded him in death, and his brother Jack Day remained close throughout his life, keeping memories and family traditions alive for the younger generations that followed. He worked in the coal and uranium mines, did construction work, managed the Silver Dollar Bar that his parents owned and then became the owner of his own bar, The Alibi.
He was a great outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing with his friends and family, teaching them all his secrets, until his health would not let him continue to enjoy this. He had a wild streak in him and left 1,000 stories for his loved ones to remember, laugh about, be embarrassed about and cherish.
He and his first love, Peggy Ruth Harper, were both 16 when they married. They had two children: Roxie Ann Arthur and Jerry Day Jr. Grandchildren Kristina “Krissy” Lohrer (Beau), J.J. Day, Jesse Mallon, Dustin Day and Emma Page. Great-grandchildren: Chandra Christensen (Morgan Weisbecker), Richard “Tanner” Christensen, Jacee Day, Britany Day, Gunnar Betts and Harper Lohrer. Step-grandchildren: Kaitlyn Donaldson (Brett), Rylie Lohrer and Paige Lohrer. One great-great-grandson: Lincoln Weisbecker.
He also had a great love for all his nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.
He had many loves and several marriages that are hard for us to remember them all, but some special ones that we want to mention are Carma, Maxine and Donna. Yes, he loved the ladies and they loved him!
Yvonne “Frenchy” Roark was his last love. She was his companion for 37-plus years and they had many adventures together, traveling, fishing, etc. They taught us all that family didn’t need to be blood. It was the ones whom you loved and cared for. Blending families together, Jerry welcomed Frenchy’s children with open arms: Laurie Murphy; Betty Freeman; Clifford Roark, Nancy Roark, Genieva Roark, Susan Smith, Barbara Glime, Linda Struble, Debra Franks and all of their children.
Jerry is survived by a very large extended family and was preceded in death by his parents, sister and one granddaughter (Molly). Family was everything and friends were always treated like family. It was not uncommon to have an empty chair filled at the dinner table with a friend needing a meal or family. He was a man of great stature until his health started declining, but his heart and love remained strong.
Jerry’s last wishes were to be cremated and remembered at his favorite fishing spot, Hidden Lake, to be held in May 2017. In lieu of flowers, enjoy a drink with a friend, hug your child, grandchild or friend. Go and cast into a lake, stream or river for a moment, an hour, or afternoon and remember your loved ones.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
