Gilroy
– Great leaders are often measured by their ability to influence
others, and by that definition, Tim Day could be considered a great
community leader.
Gilroy – Great leaders are often measured by their ability to influence others, and by that definition, Tim Day could be considered a great community leader.
Recognized by the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce for extraordinary civic engagement, Day was named the 2006 Man Of The Year, an award that is given to individuals who have demonstrated a history of unselfish volunteer service to the community.
The prospects of working on a 10-acre cherry orchard lulled the family to Gilroy from San Jose three decades ago when Gilroy was half the size it is now. With his five children, Day moved into a mobile home, and worked on the orchard with his “work force” – his family.
“He just led by example. He never really had to tell us what to do,” said Day’s eldest son, Tracy Day.
Tracy Day recalled how involved his father was in his life. Now 37, Tim Day was an athlete who played football as a young man. When Day’s children became involved in sports, he supported them and never missed a game, Tracy Day said.
“A lot of times he would drive me four or five hours to get to soccer games. He would just get up early in the morning and drive the entire time to get there with me. I would sleep while he drove,” Tracy Day said.
His eldest daughter, Christine Gifford, also recalls how Day supported her in track and field.
“I remember him driving all the way down to Salinas, and standing on the back stretch to cheer me on,” said Gifford, who is now the tour director for her children’s marching band.
Gifford has been a volunteer soccer coach for 16 years, she served on the recreation commission for her town in Utah, and she was the president of her local library board.
Day’s engagement with the community began with his church. In 1995, he was the bishop for a singles’ group for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For five years he was a mentor to young adults, but it wasn’t until after his time of service that he felt a void.
“When I was released from that calling in 2000, I realized that I had some time on my hands,” Day said.
But others believe that it was more than spare time that drew him to the community. It was a matter of heart.
“He’s a tremendous leader and a man of integrity, and he definitely is principled,” said Rob Oneto, chairman of the board for the Chamber of Commerce.
Among some of his accomplishments, Day served with the Boy Scouts of America for 40 years and received the Silver Beaver, the highest national award presented by the Boy Scout Council.
“The thing that gives me the most pride is when I watch some of the young people that I’ve worked with throughout the years become very productive people,” said Tim. “I see other young people that I worked with who are now giving to their communities,” he added.
