Obituary of Ronald "Kerry" Day

Of St. Thomas, ON, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the age of 92.

Beloved husband of the late Elizabeth Anne (née Preston) Day (2025), with whom he shared 65 wonderful years of marriage. Dearly loved father of Kelly Carr, Tracy Day (Bryan Steele), Bryan Day (Laura Byers Day), and the late Karen Day (1988).

Cherished Grandpa and Papa of Taylor Carr (Emily Deane), Preston Carr (Emily Carr), Hannah Day-Steele (Cam Ingram), Sophia Day-Steele, Jaimie Day, Connor Day, and Graydon Day, and proud great-grandfather of Angus Ingram, Harrison Ingram and Wesley Carr.  Dear brother of June Day-Briand and uncle to Tiffany Briand. Lovingly remembered by his cousins, dear friends, and all whose lives he touched.

Kerry was born in Toronto on June 28, 1934, the son of the late Clarence Henry "Hap" Day and Margaret (née Shaw) Day. He was raised in a household deeply connected to hockey history through his father, the legendary Toronto Maple Leafs captain, coach, and general manager. As a young boy, Kerry served as a stick boy, standing behind the players' bench alongside many of the NHL's greatest legends and witnessing the Maple Leafs' Stanley Cup victories of their golden era. One of his favourite memories was travelling to and from Maple Leaf Gardens with Hap and Leafs’ owner Harold Ballard, listening as his father explained the strategy and subtleties of the game in a way that both a curious young boy and a hockey executive could appreciate. Those experiences sparked a lifelong passion for the Maple Leafs, a love of hockey history, and a remarkable collection of stories that family and friends never tired of hearing.

Kerry began his career at Elgin Handles Ltd. under Hap's leadership before assuming ownership and the role of President in the 1980s. He took immense pride in transforming raw timber and steel into practical tools that helped Canadians build, repair, and create at work and at home. He truly "drank his own champagne"—his garage was the ultimate Elgin Handles showroom, filled with the tools he believed in and used himself. The business also opened the door for Kerry and Anne's shared passion for travel, as supplier and customer relationships led them on memorable journeys around the world.

Golf was a constant thread throughout Kerry's life. As a boy, his family home backed onto the fairways of the Islington Golf Club, where the game first became part of his everyday life. In later years, he and Anne enjoyed countless rounds and enduring friendships at the St. Thomas Golf & Country Club and during their winters in Naples, Florida, where golf remained a favourite pastime.

Alongside Anne, Kerry was an active member of Knox Presbyterian Church, the St. Thomas Golf & Country Club, the St. Thomas Curling Club, and Kiwanis. After selling Elgin Handles Ltd. and subsequently retiring at 52 years of age, he redirected the same determination and leadership that had defined his career toward fundraising for the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation. He devoted countless volunteer hours to helping the hospital achieve ambitious fundraising goals, contributing to the expansion of essential healthcare services that continue to benefit the community today.

Above all else, Kerry was devoted to his family. An earnest, dependable, and hardworking father of four, Kerry believed that showing up, keeping your word, and providing for your family were the measures of a life well lived. His greatest happiness came from being surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Whether roughhousing on the living room floor, delighting in his famous—and feared—tickle torture, or sharing stories from another era, he created memories that will be treasured forever.

His grandchildren knew him affectionately as Grandpa and Papa. His playful warning, "Play with the bull, you get the horns," was often delivered with a grin, just as his legendary handshakes were offered with unmistakable enthusiasm. For Kerry, every handshake was a friendly challenge, becoming a spirited battle of wills whenever someone dared to return an equally firm grip. It was quintessential Kerry—competitive, warm, and always fully engaged with the people around him.

Kerry appreciated the simple routines that gave rhythm to each day. Mornings began with The Globe and Mail, followed by his familiar rounds of errands about town—small rituals that reflected his orderly nature and brought him quiet satisfaction. He led by example, demonstrating that a life built on integrity, generosity, hard work, and unwavering devotion to family and community leaves a legacy that endures for generations.

The lessons he taught, the example he set, and the love he showed through a lifetime of steadfast devotion to family and community will continue to guide those who knew and loved him. Kerry is now reunited with his beloved Anne and their daughter Karen—a family bond defined by love, devotion, laughter, and a lifetime of cherished memories.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place with private interment of ashes in Elmdale Memorial Park beside his beloved Anne and daughter, Karen. Kerry’s family will celebrate his life privately. If so desired, please consider a memorial donation to the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160).