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Howard Day
May 19, 1927 - Aug. 22, 2013
Resident of Hayward
Long-time school teacher and administrator Howard Day passed away peacefully Aug. 22 at the age of 86 at his home in Hayward, Calif., surrounded by his loving family and devoted caregivers.
Howard was born May 19, 1927, in Yuma, Colo., but he spent most of his early years in Fort Collins and Denver, where he graduated from South High School in 1945. Upon graduation he joined the United States Navy and was in basic training when the War in the Pacific ended. He served from 1945-47 and used the G.I. Bill to assist with his education.
He married the former Marylyn Ruth Fowler on Aug. 12, 1949, and they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary 10 days before his death.
He graduated from the University of Denver in 1951 and later did graduate work at Portland State College, Reed College and San Francisco State College.
He began his teaching career in the Portland, Ore., schools in 1951 and moved Hayward in 1953, where he was an elementary school teacher and administrator at Baywood and Southgate schools in the Hayward Unified School District until his retirement in 1982. He was an officer in the Hayward Elementary Teachers Association and served as the group's president in the 1957-58 school year. During the early years of his teaching career he worked summers at the Hunt's Cannery in Hayward. Ruth served as the news librarian at The Daily Review from 1968-95.
Howard and Ruth raised four children: Jody, James, Steven and Susan. Howard coached the boys' Mt. Eden National Little League baseball teams.
He enjoyed working crossword puzzles and sometimes completed as many as four per day. Gardening also was a hobby, and he became a certified Master Gardener through the University of California Extension Service, and he and Ruth went on a number of garden-oriented trips in the Southeastern United States. Howard's keen interest in weather led him to fill notebooks with daily high and low temperatures and rainfall information for Hayward, starting in 1976. He had a genuine curiosity about people, always wanting to know their names, what their families were like and where they were from. He was known for his storytelling, often recalling the tiniest details from events that were 50 or 60 years in the past.
Howard and Ruth traveled widely in their post-retirement years, including trips to Hawaii, Norway, England, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany as well as an adventurous Caribbean cruise on a sailing ship that accommodated just 12 passengers. They also spent summers and weekends at their cabin in Twain Harte in the Sierra Nevada foothills and were dedicated fans of the Duke University men's basketball team.
Howard is survived by his wife Ruth, brother Don of Aurora, Colo., daughters Jody Morris (and son-in-law Bill Morris of Discovery Bay) and Susan Bragagnolo (and son-in-law Leo Bragagnolo of San Francisco), sons James Day (and daughter-in-law Paula Mabry of Silverton, Ore.) and Steven Day (and daughter-in-law Susan Day of Carlsbad) as well as seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. In his final years Howard, as well as Ruth, received tireless assistance and support from son-in-law Bill Morris and neighbor Edna Mills.
The family also would like to express their thanks to caregivers Fameeka King, Vianey Calderon and Candace Hicks.
A remembrance event will be held in October. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Friends of the Hayward Public Library, 835 C Street, Hayward, CA 94541 or https://library.hayward-ca.gov/donate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mr Day was my teacher at Baywood elementary. He was a very kind and caring teacher. I know now after reading his legacy he was truly a very amazing man.
Donna Dodelin
School
March 5, 2022
My family sends our condolences to your family. Mr. Day was my first teacher at Baywood when we moved to Castro Valley. He was always a lot of fun and found the strengths in each student. I remember that every Friday he made our whole class sing! When you have the memorial I hope you publicize it so we can attend.
Linda Sandsmark
September 22, 2013
Howard Day was my first male teacher in sixth grade at Baywood School in 1959-60. Our class was a bright bunch, and he challenged us and taught us well. I loved his class. In 2004 I tracked him down and pulled together a mini-reunion with five of us from that class, and we visited Howard and Ruth. What a delightful day for all of us! I enjoyed getting to know him as an adult. He was obviously a very wonderful and interesting man. My condolences to his family.
Lani Lewis Smiley
September 16, 2013
My sincere sympathy to the family of Mr Howard Day. My siblings and classmates have nothing but fond memories to recall from Mr Day. He was my first male teacher at Baywood in 1954 sixth grade! My mother was active in the PTA and he knew my family well. He may be gone but never will be forgotten for all the lives he has touched over the years. He was a real role model for many of us.....
Barbara (Pavao) Smith
September 15, 2013
Thanks for the kind thoughts about my dad. The family sincerely appreciates them.
James Day
September 9, 2013
Uncle Howard was a great role model for me and I only wish we could have been closer. Aunt Ruth, I know how tough this is for you. Hang in there and know our love is with you! Jodi, James, Steve, and Susan, I hope your memories of your dad are comforting and help you through these difficult times. My thoughts and positive wishes are being sent your way. Aunt Ruth, losing my soul mate of 32 years was a tremendous hardship. I cannot imagine how difficult it is to lose a mate of twice that length of time, but know that time heals! Much love, Fred
Fred Longhart
September 8, 2013
A favored uncle and fine role model for us all, Howard and his good sense of humor will be missed. We valued our visits with him and Ruth over the decades, and particularly enjoyed our fish restaurant outings across the Bay. Much love to Aunt Ruth and the family.
Bill & Donna Holder
September 8, 2013
Mr. Day was my 5th grade teacher at Baywood in 1957. I will always remember how he handled a 5th/6th grade comination class in addition to Vice Principal duties and coaching. Modern teachers should take note. Baywood School is gone now and so is Mr. Day. Rest in Peace
David Shideler
September 8, 2013
Mr. Day was a wonderful person to care for, he never had a bad day and was always cheeful with a smile on his face. He made us love him in the little time we had with him. Working for him and his sweet wife was a pleasure. He will always be remembered here at Devine Home Care.
Candice Hicks...
Candice Hicks
September 6, 2013
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