Jon E. Day

Jon E. Day was born September 17, 1944 in Seattle, WA into the family of Cecil and Virginia Day. He was the second of three boys – eldest brother Mike & younger brother Pat. His early childhood was spent in the Seahurst area of Seattle until the family moved to Moses Lake in 1955 and back to Seattle in 1962. A proud Husky, Jon attended the University of Washington (BS -1966). Jon was a man of faith and chose to serve on deputation in Alaska for University Presbyterian Church. He got to know the love of his life, Loanna R. Friesen on this Alaskan mission trip & they married a few years later in1968. They have two children Nathan and Amanda, son-in-law Marcus and two grandsons Hunter & Austin.

Jon’s 40-year teaching career began in the Shelton School District, Guam for 3 years where he also earned his Master’s of Science studying clams at the University of Guam. Jon went on to teach at Central Kitsap High School and Olympic High School. He earned the acclaimed Christa McAuliffe Teacher of the Year Award. 

 Travel was a big part of Jon’s life—hiking around Europe during University, going on Safari and volunteering on projects in Kenya. He climbed Mt. Rainier, sailed in the San Juans, traveled to England for family and soccer. He discovered the wonders in Australia and swam in the Artic Ocean among breaking ice bergs (all of 3 seconds). He had fond memories of his many adventures with his wife, family and friends. 

Jon was a good steward of the earth, starting with recycling (before recycling was a thing) and planting trees at Seabeck (about 400 trees and plants) to offset some of his travel. He began his curiosity and love of birds during a university class, watching and listening for them wherever he went. His last birding adventure was in San Pancho, Mexico with Luis our birding guide of many years.

Jon will be remembered for his kind, giving & generous heart, loving family man, service to others and his fascination with the natural world. This ranged from his career in teaching, developing a trail at Shelton High School, work on the Clear Creek Trail, participated in feeding the homeless at Benedict House and planting trees in Kenya. 

 Jon was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, shared the news with family and told others of his journey with the disease. He participated in a trial drug and research for the cause. Unfortunately, science & medicine were not advanced enough to help him. He died June 12th, age 79, at Madrona House Memory Care on Bainbridge Island, WA surrounded by his family. He was a kind, loving gentleman until he took his last breath. He is survived by his wife of 57 years - Loanna, brother Mike’s family (Florida), brother Pat & family (British Columbia, Canada), son Nathan (Seattle), daughter Amanda, son-in-law Marcus (Cle Elum), Grandson Hunter (Berlin, Germany) and Grandson Austin (Moses Lake). 

A service will be held July 3, 2024 at 11:00 am at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church, Bainbridge Island, WA

 Donations:

1. 1. Clear Creek Trail: Donate | Silverdale WA | Clear Creek Trail https://www.clearcreektrail.org/donate

Check to P O Box1188, Silverdale, WA 98383, please comment, “In Memory of Jon Day”

2.  2. Alzheimer’s Association – A Tribute Page was created for Jon E. Day

Alzheimer's Association : Jon Day Alzheimers Tribute Page

Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA.