Born to Royal and Floris Day on October 12, 1930, Robert Lee Day (Bob Day) was born in Pasadena, Ca. Bob was the oldest of two boys, Bob’s younger brother Rich was also born in Pasadena. Losing their father early in life they banded together with their mother Floris and her sister Ina.
After finishing high school Bob headed off to Cal Berkley and the study of Architecture. After two years of Cal, Bob decided to leave Architecture and move into what would be his life’s work of Civil Engineering. While at Berkley, Bob met the love of his life, Grace Swift while attending a church youth fellowship together. Then the Korean War came and pulled him away from school, Grace, and the comfort of home. Upon his return in 1954, Bob proposed to Grace and on August 28, 1954 they were married. Bob returned to Cal Berkley and finished his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering. It was at this time that he began his career with Southern California Edison in Hydro-electric. After being introduced to the hydro-electric projects in the High Sierras by his Uncle Oscar Kulberg, Bob fell in love with the area known as Shaver Lake, Big Creek, Huntington Lake, Mono Hot Springs, Florence Lake and Edison Lake. One of his first projects was on a survey crew laying out the road to Edison Lake.
Soon came the children, two boys and two girls, Rick, Margy, Lori and Mike and along with his family came the playhouse, camping trips, family pets and family gatherings. After moving from their first home in La Mirada, Bob and Grace purchased their new Fullerton home in 1963 for $37,000. After taking an early retirement from Edison, Bob found himself taking on a brand new career in Transportation – Light Rail in Los Angeles. He developed a love for the computer and technology and became an avid e-mailer. Bob finished his career in Transportation 7 years later and after 33 years in Fullerton Bob and Grace moved to their home in Arroyo Grande. All during their life together Bob and Grace travelled the world together, first as a growing family making trips to all the camping sites they could find throughout the U.S. and then later the two of them going to all parts of the world.
Bob went to be with the Lord on 11/13/11 at 1:00 AM on his mother’s birthday. Bob is survived by his wife, Grace, four children and nine grandchildren along with his brother Rich.
FROM THE HEART
Lori:
I loved to hear Dad play the piano. I remember going to sleep every night hearing him play the music he loved so much. He did everything for us. He built doll houses and a full size playhouse for us. Dad was so involved in all that we did. He is the kindest person I’ve ever known….
Margy:
Dad is so kind and caring. I remember he would feel so bad when he’d kick the cat by accident. His family was everything to him and he showed me by all the special projects he built for me and all the homework he’d help me with. When I was older he helped me fix the things that were broken in my home and he was such an awesome granddad to my kids with Rocky the squirrel, and Big Bear and camping and everything else. He was so unselfish…
Mike:
Dad is so great. He taught me how to swim before I was two years old, a skill that paid for my college education. We went on incredible family vacations and taught me about the mountains, lakes, rivers and fishing which gave me a love for geography my BA in college. He never brought his work home with him and was always helping in the kitchen or helping me with homework. I remember his incredible devotion to Mom, always getting up early to make breakfast for us, taking me to water polo practice and then off to work. Dad never complained about anything. He was very content to help others. He was a leader by example of his hard work and loving his family and friends. I’m so proud to be his son and I will often think of what Dad would do because he would always do the right thing. Miss you forever – Dad – can’t wait to see you again.
Rick:
I can’t ever remember a time when I heard Dad say a rough or harsh word to or about anyone. He is the kindest person I’ve ever known. His life was all about serving others, his country, his bride, his kids and grandkids and his friends. He did not walk on this earth to be served but to serve others. I thank God for giving me such an awesome and loving father. From the music he loved and the animals he cherished to the camping he lived for and the family he was willing to die for, Dad you will always be my hero. Jesus, thank you for such a gift as Dad – I miss you so much Dad – and in terms of eternity I’ll see you very soon.
