A legend of the southeast Saskatchewan oilfield, Tony Day of Carnduff, died on Thursday at the Galloway Health Centre in Oxbow. He was 85.
Founder of Fast Trucking Service Ltd. and numerous other companies, Day was also well known for his philanthropy.
He is survived by his wife Vi, their four children and numerous grandchildren.
A funeral service for Day will be held at Carnduff's Fast Centennial Arena on May 29 at 2 p.m. Reverend Kathy Kyle will officiate. Burial will follow at the Carnduff Cemetery.
He was awarded the Southeast Saskatchewan Oilman of the Year Award in 1999, and inducted into the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Hall of Fame in 2009. In 2017 he was presented with the Canada 150 Senate Medal.
His death was recognized in the House of Commons on Thursday by Souris-Moose Mountain MP Robert Kitchen, who made a statement in Parliament.
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my constituent and friend, Tony Day, who passed away this morning surrounded by his children and grandchildren," Kitchen said.
“Tony was the definition of an upstanding citizen. In 1957, he purchased a truck to haul fresh water to the oil drilling rigs. This was the start of Fast Trucking Service, which grew to 85 trucks and to become a major contributor to the Saskatchewan oil industry.
“Tony was a legend in the oil field, employing hundreds of people from Carnduff and southeast Saskatchewan over the years. He was a man who truly cared about his community, giving back more than he was given and supporting the citizens of Carnduff in good times and in bad. I have always said he reminded me of my grandfather. Tony was awarded the Southeast Oilman of the Year Award in 1999 and inducted into the Saskatchewan Oil Patch Hall of Fame in 2009. I also presented Tony with a Senate of Canada 150 medal for all of his work and dedication.
“Tony leaves a legacy and spirit that will live on forever. To his wife Vi, and his children, Linda, Teresa, Dennis, and Larry, I send my deepest condolences.”
With files from Pipeline News.
