David Day

David Day, 81, of Epping, New Hampshire, passed away on March 22nd in Australia. A true adventurer at heart, David climbed every peak in New Hampshire's Presidential Range, finding peace, solitude, and strength in nature. He spent his final hours swimming near the Great Barrier Reef with his beloved daughter, Julia-one more memory on a journey they both cherished.

Those who knew Dave will remember his deep love for the outdoors. We imagine him now in the woods he loved-listening to the wind in the trees, the cry of a hawk, a distant moose call, or a buck scratching its antlers on bark.

Born in Manchester, CT, Dave was the eldest of eight children. He is survived by his daughter Julia (Julie) Day in South Dakota and siblings Linda (Lindy) Day, Holly Francis, Christopher (Chris) and Andrew (Andy) Day in Connecticut and Josephine (Josie) Robinson in Utah and T.J Day in Tennessee. He also had a special relationship with his brother-in-law, Robert Francis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucia and David Day, and his brother Matthew Day.

Dave lived each day with a sense of purpose and curiosity. He was a natural problem solver, known for his ability to fix anything-electrical, mechanical, plumbing, carpentry and anything related to computers-and for offering his time and talents generously. He was credited with helping create the first laptop computer for Microsoft and retained the prototype (soon to be in a museum). Whether at work in systems integration, volunteering, or helping family, he showed up with tools in hand, motivated only by kindness and his need to get the job done the best way.

He formed a deep bond with his daughter Julia later in life after her mother's passing, and together they traveled the world-Africa, New Zealand, and finally Australia. Dave once said, "If I were to live any other place on earth, it would be New Zealand." A few days later, he was gone-returning, perhaps, to the earth and wildness he so loved.

Dave was a man of many passions. In his leisure time, he was an airplane pilot (instrument rated), an EMT with a volunteer ambulance service, a steward of the environment, a ham radio operator, and a mentor to high school robotics teams who won multiple awards under his guidance. He tracked aircraft in the skies above and delighted in the finer things: smooth cabernets, fine cheeses, dark chocolate mousse torts, exotic coffees, and foreign cars. He also loved science-especially explaining complex ideas in ways everyone could understand.

He will be missed deeply by his family, his loyal customers, and his friends. There will now be fewer hands to fix what's broken-but many hearts inspired by the way he lived.

Dave, if you ever come back to visit, you'll be welcomed with open arm. We know you'll arrive with tools in hand, vast knowledge of all things complex and your appetite for good homemade food. We love you. We hope you've found peace in whatever new trail you now walk.

His Memorial Service will be held on June 7, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. North Madison Congregational Church, 1271 Durham Road, Madison, CT. Reception to follow.