We Remember

DAY, George Ernest “Ernie”
February 18, 1932 — May 8, 2025
Born on February 18, 1932, Ernie Day passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 8, 2025, at the age of 93.
Ernie will be missed by his children: Karen, Kevin(Tracy), and Brent; his grandchildren Jennifer, Kati (Josh), Sam, Erin (Riley), and Lily; great-grandchildren Hailey, Ethan, Kolten, Jackson, Beau, Grace, and Maeve. He will also be remembered by his brother Colin (Moira); sisters-in-law Anne Day and Moira Day; and many extended family members and friends. Sadly, Ernie was predeceased by his beloved wife, Betty Mae Day; as well as by his parents George and Kathleen Day; and by Art (Louise), Max (Donna), Ken, and Kathleen (Elwyn).
Ernie was born and raised on his parent’s orchard on McKenzie Road in upper Rutland. Ernie was an extremely hard worker and steady hand throughout his life. After one year at UBC in Vancouver studying agriculture – with ideas of working for the Ministry of Agriculture – he realized that he could make far more money in camp as a faller on a logging crew.
In 1954, after several years in the bush, he used his savings as a down payment on the original Day farm on Burtch Road in Kelowna. It was first purchased by his grandfather, Ephriam Arthur Day, in 1894 after farming in Summerland for the preceding 11 years. It was here that he raised his family while being a major part in the agricultural community of Kelowna. He lived and worked on his farm until his death.
Ernie was very involved with the Woodlots BC Association, and the members all knew and respected him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woodlots BC Bursary Fund: Please use admin@woodlotsbc.ca for e-transfers (or to reach out for an address to mail a cheque to), please note ‘Ernie Day’ or ‘Woodlots BC Bursary’ in any e-transfers, so the funds can go to their intended use.
A Celebration of Life, with Celebrant Clair Jantzen, will be held on THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025, at 4:00 PM (PDT), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (a recording will be made available to view in 3-5 days). A reception will be held following the service.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025, at 4:00 PM (PDT)
Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME
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Service Information
Service Details
The service for DAY, George Ernest “Ernie” is scheduled for THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025, at 4:00 PM (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Condolences to your family for the loss of Ernie.. My husband, Georg Eichhorst, who recently passed away, knew Ernie. We had 17 acres of apples then later cows, on Latta Road.
I will treasure the memories of seeing Ernie on the farm whenever I was there working. Always with a smile on his face and enjoying feeding his cows. Thoughts are with you all.
SO SAD ANOTHER PART OF KELOWNAS HISTORY HAS LEFT US. THE DAYS FAMILY WHERE A GREAT BUNCH, SO SORRY TO SEE ERNIE PASS AWAY.
My deepest condolences to all the family. Uncle Ernie was a gem of a human. I have found memories of him when I was young. . Always smiling and so sweet.
May you rest peacefully Uncle Ernie 🌹 🕊️ 🕯️
Our sincere condolences to the Day family, I have a special admiration and respect for the family as our we grew up and worked alongside Ernie on the farm for many years. I have many fond and happy memories of our various adventures with Ernie taking the lead. He was a very special person in our lives, He will be sorely missed by us all. Doug and Marge
My brothers and sisters grew up and neighbours of the Day family, I babysat often for the family, sorry unable to attend the service. Condolences to the family
Kevin, Karen and Erin. Sincere condolences for the loss of your father/grandfather.