H. Willis Day, Jr. ’47 died on July 25, 2025, in Kennebunk, Maine.

H. Willis Day, Jr. ’47

(The following was provided by Tribute Archive July 25, 2025: )

Henry Willis Day, Jr. “Bill” (b. 6/7/1925) passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and the compassionate staff and caregivers at Huntington Common in Kennebunk, Maine.

Born in Portland, Maine, and raised in Kennebunk, Bill attended Kennebunk High School before graduating from New York Military Academy as a Navy ensign. His musical talent earned him a full scholarship to NYMA, where he was known for his drumming skill. After graduating from NYMA, Bill attended the V-12 program at the University of Rochester. He went on to attend Columbia University’s U.S. Naval Reserve Midshipmen’s School, ultimately serving in the Navy and achieving the rank of lieutenant junior grade.

During his naval service, Bill survived a harrowing ordeal when a typhoon destroyed his wood-hulled minesweeper. Swept overboard into the Pacific, he was rescued by a raft carrying three other sailors. The group eventually washed ashore on a small island, where they took shelter in a cave and waited a week before being rescued—a story of resilience that defined much of Bill’s life.

Following his service, Bill earned his bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College, where he continued his affiliation by serving on the Alumni Council and in other volunteer roles. He went on to receive his JD from Boston University and practiced law in Kennebunk, later serving as a York County judge.

Bill met his beloved wife, Sally Patterson, during her visit to Kennebunk with a friend. They were married in 1951 and shared a devoted, lifelong love. No matter where life took them, they returned to Maine each summer, preserving their strong ties to family and community.

With a keen interest in trust banking, Bill began a new chapter at Maine National Bank, eventually becoming head of the trust department. He later earned a master’s degree in trust banking from the Stonier School of Banking at Rutgers University and went on to lead trust departments in Michigan, Massachusetts, Denver, and Miami. He retired from Southeast Bank in Miami in 1989.

A man of many interests, Bill found great pleasure in travel, especially jazz cruises. He also became an avid golfer later in life. He was a longtime member of the Webhannet Golf Club, proudly scoring two holes-in-one and competing in senior tournaments into his 90s.

Bill had recently celebrated his 100th birthday on June 7! This joyful milestone was marked by a festive gathering filled with laughter, love, and music. He was able to see and connect with many dear friends and family members one last time. True to form, he joined in with the pianist, keeping a solid beat on his beloved drums—a nod to a lifelong passion that never faded. Music, especially big-band jazz, was a constant thread throughout Bill’s life. In retirement, he continued to perform as a percussionist with the Alumni Band of Biddeford and Saco, bringing his trademark energy and joy to every performance.

Honor, duty, justice, and devotion were the guiding principles of Bill’s life. An Eagle Scout, he was a steadfast friend, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a man of unwavering integrity. In his later years, nothing brought him more joy than riding along the coast with family, drumming on his lap to Stan Kenton or another of his jazz heroes, or sitting on the lawn of his beloved Kennebunk Beach property.

Bill is survived by his three children: Deborah Treece (Randy), Kiki Day-Knaggs (George), and Andrew Day (Lisa); seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard W. Day, his foster siblings, John and Patricia Cannon, and his wife of seventy-one years, Sally Patterson Day.