Vance M. Day, 74
Oct. 6, 1937 – April 14, 2012
Vance Monroe Day enjoyed his life to the fullest. Although diagnosed with prostate cancer over 17 years ago, Vance lived with the cancer on his own terms until the end of his life.
Born the eldest of five children to Robert and Mabel Oct. 6, 1937, in Glasgow, Mont., Vance moved with his parents to Oregon when he was three. They lived in a tent while dad did ironwork on the John Day Dam. Vance moved with his family around the Puget Sound area, graduating from Port Orchard High School in 1955. He entered the Air Force and served as a flight line mechanic for four years.
Vance found his vocational calling as a firefighter and paramedic when he joined the Milpitas Fire Department in the San Francisco Bay area. Before long, he was promoted through the ranks to captain, one of the youngest ever.
Tiring of the growing population and bustle of the city Vance moved to Klamath Falls, Ore., where the vocation called again, and he was back on the tailboard of a fire engine. It wasn’t long before history repeated, and he again was ascending the fire fighting ranks including captain, battalion chief, and when he retired in 1998 from the Klamath County Fire District #1, Vance was the Division Chief/Training. His last position was a favorite because it reflected his life-long passion for learning and sharing his knowledge with others.
Happiness with his surroundings and his vocation wasn’t all that Vance found in Klamath Falls. He met and married Joan, the love of his life. Vance and Joan spent over thirty years loving life together. Both before and after moving to Coeur d’Alene in 2003, they enjoyed traveling, family, movies and date-night.
Vance is survived by his wife Joan in Coeur d’Alene; son Todd Day, daughter Debbie Wilson and granddaughter Rose Reisch, all of Texas; stepdaughter Kevin Anselm (husband Scott) of Alaska; stepson Daryl Hamaker (wife Eva, children Alexa and Brooks) of Oregon; sister Claudia Day of Minnesota; brother Claude Day (wife Cathy) of Washington; and brother Franc Day (wife Gail) of Montana. Vance’s parents and brother Mike Day predeceased him.
Vance was remembered at a private memorial in Coeur d’Alene.
In keeping with Vance’s wishes, contributions may be made to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835, or N.I. Hospice House at Hummingbird Fields, 2290 W. Prairie Avenue, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.
Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel, was entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Vance’s online memorial and sign his guest book at yatesfuneralhomes.com.