Philip A Day Jr

January 15, 1937 - November 20, 2021

Dear Friends: Our beloved friend, family member and Maestro left us last night. He was a complete human. He contributed to the life and the souls of thousands of young people and families. Phil began playing the organ for churches when he was fourteen years old. He was an inspirational musician and human. Phil was shrewd and would say about himself that he was “tough but fair.” He sought excellence in worship, music, and in all walks of his life. Our lives were made richer and more wonderful because of Phil’s faithfulness to his tradition, his early roots, and his education. We relied on him for counsel and strength and knew we would always gain wisdom from him. Phil was generous with his time and selfless with his energy. There are simply no adequate words or musical notes to express all that he meant to more people than can be counted. He was born in Iowa but he brought artistry and beauty to all he encountered throughout the many places he served across the country. Following his work as a student at Drake University, he served in the army and conducted military bands in and around Washington, D.C. His music was never far from his commitment to his faith and love for the world and life itself. Phil felt proud that he had accompanied worship for all the major religious denominations and religious traditions. His operas, children’s theatre camps, orchestras, ensembles and choirs are innumerable nor can the number of students he taught be measured. I love what our daughter Jesye said “Phil always made OTHERS shine. He never once tried to out do anyone with his incredible talent. It was always just about bringing out the soul through music for him. That was always my favorite part about Phil. He put others first always.” Our daughter Magdalen liked to say, “Phil is our third parent.” Our son Boone also noted Phil’s influence in our home and family. He was Guye’s accompanist. And for 35 years they made music like I could not imagine. Phil held a position in our church alongside Director of Ministry and Fine Arts as Youth Minister to which he marshaled his faith and administrative abilities to enable young people to find hope and community in our congregation. As I move throughout these days and hours following his death, my memories are flooded with profound respect and an ocean depth of appreciation and love for our friend. The amount of joy Phil brought into the world is immeasurable. Phil will be laid to rest next to his parents in Creston, Iowa. We are glad he is free.