Gregory Darrell Day

Gregory, affectionately known as “Da Buddo,” passed away on July 25, 2026, in Bellingham at the age of 64. He was born on May 13, 1962, in Kennewick, Washington, to Leo and Doris Day.

Greg was a true Southsider, growing up in Bellingham and attending Larrabee, Fairhaven, and Sehome schools, where he met lifelong friends. Growing up, he enjoyed spending time with friends and family, walking the railroad tracks, hiking, camping on Chuckanut, fishing and crabbing in Chuckanut Bay, riding his bike to Larrabee State Park, and walking the creek at Fairhaven Park. He was also a “roller skater,” never missing a Friday night at the Armory open skate. He loved growing up at “1708 Harris St.,” where he could sneak out of his bedroom window at night and sneak back in without getting caught, until Dad shut and locked his window, and he had to knock on the front door to get back in the house.

Greg considered himself a “jack of all trades and master of none,” but he was at his happiest when he was commercial fishing, whether it was in Bellingham Bay, California, or Alaskan waters. He was a great deckhand and enjoyed cooking for his crewmates when he could. In recent years, he studied and became certified to be a part of the plumbing industry. Growing up, he participated in sports, including wrestling, hockey, football, water skiing, and snow skiing, and was an avid Husky fan.

Greg had an incredible sense of humor and could make anyone laugh, often making fun of himself, and, as we all know, he had a lot of material. He was the ultimate “Funcle” - the fun uncle who was dearly loved by all of his nieces and nephews. They called him Uncle Bud, and it was his greatest badge of honor to have that title. He rarely called them by their names; it was always “Skeeterbug, Sugs, Pard, Chops, BD, Cear, Jack, and Seanie.” He got to meet little Jason and knew about his newest nephew, Bodie. He was a proud uncle.

Greg was also a talented writer, artist, and cook who was always pushing food on others. His favorite meal to cook was breakfast; his specialty was fried eggs over easy and bacon, with fried “murphies” on the side, chased by a huge glass of milk. He enjoyed spending time on or near the water, in what he called his “church,” as often as he could. He was not a religious man; he was a spiritual man who believed in the moon, stars, water, and the power of Mother Nature. His hobby was collecting, junking, and jerry-rigging all the things he found while junking, and he was known to drag things home from the side of the road. If it said “free,” it was his. He had a love for animals and loved his boy, “Cooper,” and his girl, “Dre Dog.” They were like the Three Amigos, and he always took them wherever he went. Like a true dog parent, he made sure they took turns riding shotgun in the car.

He was patriotic and proudly flew the American flag. Greg loved music and enjoyed playing the harmonica and drums (though, by his own admission, not especially well). He may have looked like “Popeye the Sailor Man” on the outside, but on the inside, he was very compassionate, tenderhearted, and wore his emotions on his sleeve.

Above all, he was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend, and was also a devoted caregiver to his parents during their final years. He was loved and will be dearly missed. Que sera, sera, little brother!

Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Doris Day.

He is survived by his brother, Leo Day (Jennifer); his sister, Lorrie Day Grim (Matt); his niece, Stevi Day Crane (Chris), and their daughter, Cearley; his nephew, Jackson Day (Keana), and their sons, Jason and Bodie; his niece, Stephane Simmons (Scott), and their children, Matthew Harris, Brooklyn Clark (Kohlton), Jack, and Sean Simmons; his beloved aunt, Barb Chertock; numerous cousins; and his longtime companion, Carol Richards. A very special thank-you to cousins Tim and Darren and friends Kelly, Dani, and Jason, who were always a big part of his life and were there for him unconditionally.

A celebration of Greg’s life will be held at the Squalicum Yacht Club, 2633 S. Harbor Loop, Bellingham, on Friday, August 28, at 1:00 p.m., with a reception to follow.