Ben Hill Day

Ben Hill Day SOUTH OGDEN - Energetic, robust, outgoing, decisive executive, husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully Saturday, October 17, 2009, due to complications related to liver failure. He was born July 13, 1930 in Douglas, Georgia to Gladys Jo Sailors and Hoyt J. Day. He graduated from Douglas High School, and attended Emory University and the University of Georgia. Once a Bulldog always a Bulldog! Ben served as a communication specialist in the United States Army. In 1954, at the age of 24, Ben came to Ogden from Douglas, Georgia, to join family members who owned and operated the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ogden. His 46 year career with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ogden, began as a pre-mix sampler and route salesman; in 1964 became Vice President. In 1986, Ben became President and CEO until April 10, 2000, when he retired. Ben was always a giving philanthropist, and civically minded. He enthusiastically and unselfishly supported many community programs, such as Stewart Rehabilitation “A Fine Line”, Stewart Rehab’s wheelchair basketball team, Enable Industries, Freedom Riders, American Red Cross, and many more. The local school children held a special place in Ben’s heart, and have been recipients of his generosity. During his tenure with Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ogden, you could rarely attend a sporting event in Northern Davis, Weber, and Box Elder county schools, without seeing, and experiencing his generosity. He sponsored programs for “special kids”, for academic achievement, for safety, for athletics, and other extracurricular activities. Ben developed the “Ramblin’ Route Bear” safety program for elementary schools. This safety program became a standard in safety for the kids. In 1996, Ben organized and funded an excursion for 4,000 Northern Utah fourth graders to the Golden Spike Commemoration at Promontory Summit. This was in keeping with his philosophy, “Children learn more when they are having fun than when they are force-fed.” He was a longtime proud supporter of Weber State University. He gave his enthusiastic support to Weber State University’s women’s athletic programs particularly basketball, volleyball and rodeo. Ben received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Weber State University, as well as Alumni Distinguished Service Award, Alumni Association Lewis W. Shurtliff Award, and Booster of the week. He is recipient of the Carnation Community Service Award, Utah High School Activities Association Distinguished Service Award, Weber School District Golden Apple Award, Ogden School District Golden Apple Award, is an Honorary Colonel in the Utah Peace Officers Association, and the Big Hat Award. Ben served in many community organizations such as Bonneville Chapter American Red Cross, South Ogden City Council, President of the Ogden Rotary Club, HAFB Museum Board of Directors, Vice-President of Business Leaders Against Organized Crime, Director of Enable Industries, Buggy Towne, Wagonland Adventures, Miss Rodeo Ogden and Miss Rodeo Utah Queen pagents, and others. Ben enjoyed life to the fullest and helped numerous people and organizations in the community do the same. Even with his busy schedule Ben always had time for his family serving as sponsor and “favorite” coach of many girls’ softball teams. He especially loved his grandchildren. Regardless if it were a surprise visit to his office at the Coke plant, or a special event in their lives, he was always there. His passion for life was contagious. He could help you laugh at the most difficult times in life, as he encouraged you to forge ahead. His example of honesty, selfless service, courage and zest for life will always be remembered. Ben was preceded in death by one grandson, Jordan Scott Lloyd. Surviving are his wife Lula Winkler Day, of South Ogden; son Ben Monroe (Linda) Day, of Oxford, GA; daughters Darla (Scott) Lloyd, of South Ogden; and Shauna Day, of Farr West; grandson Shayne Day, and granddaughters Brittnie Lloyd and Stephanie Lloyd, his favorite horses Smoke, and Bootsie. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 1 p.m. at the Pleasant Valley Stake Center, 5640 South 850 East, South Ogden. Friends may call at the Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd., Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday at the Pleasant Valley Stake Center from 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Interment at Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Ogden Chapter of American Red Cross. Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com