Eric Day passed away on January 12, 2026, at St. James Hospital in Butte, Montana. His death was sudden and unexpected, caused by a pulmonary embolism.
Eric was born April 5, 1968, in Silverton, Idaho. Later that year, his family moved to Coeur d’Alene, and in 1969 they relocated to Bozeman, Montana. In 1974, Eric began his education at Cottonwood School, a two-room schoolhouse serving grades K–8 at the center of the Cottonwood community south of Bozeman. He, his brother, Toby, and his classmates spent many years exploring the surrounding countryside. Eric later transferred to the Bozeman school district and graduated from Bozeman High School in 1987.
After high school, Eric worked for a time in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, before moving to the Coeur d’Alene area, where he met and married Candace Lien in 1989. The couple later moved to Seaside, California, where Eric worked for Costco and where their daughter, Audra, was born in 1990. Eric later transferred to Costco in Sequim, Washington, and the family made their home in the neighboring town of Port Angeles where their son, Austin, was born in 1997.
Eric eventually transferred to Costco in Missoula, Montana, in 2001 and the family settled down in Lolo, right outside of Missoula. In 2017 Eric moved to Smelterville, Idaho, where he and his wife ran a small construction business.
In 2023, Eric moved to Butte, Montana, where his parents also reside. While there, he worked at Safeway and was very active in AA, where he formed many meaningful friendships. He found a strong sense of community there while in both Butte and Missoula.
Eric enjoyed skiing at Discovery, golfing, hunting, fishing, camping, and spending as much time as possible outdoors. He was an avid MSU Bobcat fan and closely followed the Seattle Mariners and Seattle Seahawks.
Eric is survived by his parents, Rich and Brenda Day of Butte; his brother, Toby Day and his wife Jen Dunn of Bozeman; his daughter, Audra Day and her partner Gerald Paule of Seattle; his son, Austin Day and his wife Saige Day of Fort Carson, Colorado; and his granddaughters, Mavis and Claire, whom he greatly looked forward to spending more time with in the coming years.
Eric will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who will remember him for his humor, generosity, and genuinely kind heart. He cared deeply for his community, wherever he lived, and never hesitated to help when he saw someone in need.
A memorial will be held later this year for Eric’s friends and family to celebrate the positive impact he had on all of their lives.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send a donation to the address below in Eric’s memory: Alano Club, 721 Utah Ave, Butte MT 59701.
Please visit below to offer condolences to the family or to share a memory of Eric.
Steven G Sheldon says
My deepest condolences to Eric ‘s family and friends. Though I only knew him for a year, I am grateful for that as he showed me kindness and respect always.
Randy Rodoni says
My condolence to the Family
Brandi Weldon says
My deepest condolences to Eric’s family. I enjoyed spending time with Eric is was so much fun.
Robin Morris says
My deepest condolences to Eric’s family. I worked with Eric for many years. We had quite a bakery family at the Missoula Costco. Lots of laughs, good tears, sad tears, heart to heart talks and times where I wanted to lock him in the freezer. Lol! I told him that he was the brother I never wanted. Lol! Truth is, I always knew that he would be there if I needed him. He truly had a heart of gold. He will be deeply missed. Sending all my love and hugs to all of you <3
Karen Courtney says
I am so very sorry to hear the news. Er8c was born 5 days before me and our families were good friends so we spent a lot of time together as children. Rich and Brenda were like my other parents. Eric never let me forget he was older by 5 days. My prayers are with his family.
David Keightley says
Eric was one of my best friends since grade school. Always funny — made me laugh, and very generous with his time and talents. He taught me how to play Poker and we had a lot of fun together growing up — hiking, camping, riding motorcycles and playing games. We used to stay overnight at each others’ houses as kids and he got to know my family and I his. He used to call me an old man because I was born like a week before him …. ha haa.
Recently he helped me replace the rain gutter on the house I am living in, haul old washing machines to the dump as well as the oven that wasn’t working and get a new oven. I am glad that he came to know God and trusted Christ to be his savior. I am confident he is in heaven now and we will see each other again.