Story and photo by Richard Maki
Six weeks after the United States declared war in 1917, Ken Day began a 100-year journey that led him from his native Vermont to semi-permanent residency in Sterling.
Along the way, Day says he’s “had an interesting life.” On May 18, he was surrounded by four generations of his extended family and over 70 friends for his 100th birthday celebration at the Sterling Senior Center.
“I’ve been very lucky,” he says, but admits to hedging his bets “by attending church nine out of 10 Sundays.” Musing over what advice he would give others to live a long life, Day recommends doing “everything in moderation.”
Forty years of duck farming reinforced Ken’s keen sense of humor and comfortable manner in dealing with customers, employees and friends. Dennis Day, his son, acknowledges his father’s influence, saying, that he “learned a good work ethic” from his dad.
Dennis recounted his father’s visit to the Registry of Motor Vehicles to renew his driver’s license last year. When the examination clerk suggested he put on his glasses before taking the vision test, Day quipped, “I don’t wear eyeglasses, but maybe I’ll wear them when I get old.” Day drives himself to the senior center every day from his Sterling home.