Chase Riley Day

We love you so much! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please know we are always here for you.

Chase was a friend from the ward where he served as a great part of our bishopric. He always had something to say to make people laugh and he was really good at helping us feel welcome. I will also miss him and I know this pain hurts for you all. I hope that we can all find peace in the plan of salvation. I'm praying for you all

Chase was such a stud. From growing up together in Dynamite Circle, always playing dunk ball and Chase complaining he couldn’t get up like Parker haha, to playing 2k inside together, there was never a dull moment. I still remember when I was like 8 and Chase was 6 he hit a full court shot in 2k with Kwame Brown (he has to be one of the worst basketball players of all time) on the Lakers and he just went crazy running all over the house.

I was also blessed to work with him at Fidelity for two years where we grew our friendship after becoming adults, and I will forever be grateful for my last conversation I had with him just a few weeks ago at Mark’s wedding. We talked for 15-20 minutes outside just catching up about life and about how excited he was to finally be in a career that he knew would bring him true fulfillment. He said multiple times that he couldn’t wait to get married one day and have kiddos running around like me and Ryan. I loved Chase, he was an awesome example and it was a privilege getting the time I did have with him.

Jarrett got two messages from guys at the school. Maybe just pass them on. It is obvious Chase was so kind.

Richard Bennett here. Just thought I’d add a little to the memory gathering for Chase. I really liked being around Chase and attended several instrument classes with him. He was always positive and it struck me how sharp he was and how quickly he learned things. He was like a sponge. He was friendly, quick to laugh and I enjoyed being around him. I am grateful for the short time I had with him.

This is from a student, Xavier.

This for Chase:
He spent all of Monday and Tuesday studying with me for a couple of hours, even though he was already an instrument student. He helped me learn more about the four forces of flight. I still remember that the only chair available was the one in front of me, and he asked if he could sit there and, in exchange, help me with any questions I had. He had a special spirit and was sincere. I gave him a hug goodbye and thanked him for his help. I truly keep thinking all weekend about that hug. I remember smiling and making our days better.
Friday was my birthday, and he remembered and he hyped me up saying: “You are so ready to be a great pilot.” He earned his wings. He is the greatest example of kindness and sincerity.
I saw him walking towards the signature doors to the ramp building. I have that in my mind all this weekend.

One memory I have with Chase was when we were able to fly up to Boise together. Chase had just finished his private pilot checkride. I had tried to fly with him numerous times, but due to priority flights I was able to complete a later one with him. This flight was a chill one, so it was fun to catch up with Chase. Since we knew a lot of the same people from growing up, we were able to talk about everything that had been going on since high school. We talked about Chases family since they are a super fun bunch.

Overall, each experience I had with Chase directly or within a group setting was uplifting. Each second I spent with him I could feel of his love for others and the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a very Christlike person.

Ive known Chase since high school. And since then, with our friends, we did so many fun (sometimes crazy) adventures. But for the last few years, I got to live with Chase which led me to develop a deeper connection and understanding with him. I can think of many times staying up late into the night having some deep conversation or even just being dumb and telling jokes. But one thing that I'll never forget about Chase during those moments is he always listened, and I could tell he always cared. The best part was he didn't just treat me like that, everyone I saw him interact with got that side of Chase I had come to love.
Though this has been a sad and heartbreaking experience, it's led me to want to be a little more like Chase, because he truly showed me how to love as the Savior would.

Some of my fondest memories growing up were made in the Day family backyard. Chase was always there, joining our basketball games and tournaments, competing, making us laugh, and bringing an energy that could fill the whole yard. He was funny, strong, kind, and determined. It was clear even then that he would become someone special.

One of my favorite memories of Chase as an adult was the California trip he took with Parker and me after buying his dream car. We spent those days testing out the Tesla, exploring Southern California, laughing, and getting to know Chase in a new way after his mission. We had a few moments when it was just he and I on the beach, talking about the future. I remember him speaking so highly of the life he was pursuing, how excited he was to become a husband and father, how many children he hoped to have, and the lifelong goals he carried. I remember being struck by his intelligence, his ambition, and the way he thought about the future. He had an unusual ability to see possibilities that others might miss, and he pursued his goals with remarkable faith and determination.

Reading about Chase’s decision to pursue aviation, and seeing how completely he committed himself to that dream, felt so true to the person I knew. He lived with purpose. He served faithfully, loved the gospel of Jesus Christ, cared deeply for his family and friends, and gave himself fully to whatever was in front of him. His life was far too short, but it was not small. He made an impression that will remain with everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

I cannot pretend to understand why this happened, and I know that faith does not erase the shock or the ache of losing someone so suddenly. But I do know that Jesus Christ is stronger than death. Because of Him, Chase’s life is not over, his goodness is not lost, and the love shared by your family has not been broken. The promises of the Restoration and the Resurrection give us a bright and certain hope that this separation is not forever.

I pray that, in the days ahead, the Lord will surround your family with the peace and strength that only He can give. I hope you feel Chase close in the memories you share, in the qualities he left in each of you, and in the quiet assurances that come through the veil. I believe with all my heart that you will see him again, whole and joyful, and that the reunion will be more beautiful than we can now comprehend.

I love the Day family. The bond in brotherhood your boys have is something to admire deeply. It is a bond built through a lifetime, and one that I believe will continue beyond death and into eternity. My heart is with all of you. Chase was a remarkable son, brother, friend, and servant of the Lord. I will always be grateful that his life crossed mine, and I will always remember him with love.

I was in the same YSA ward as Chase for a couple of years. We served as clerks together for a time and he was a delight to work with. I could always rely on him and he was a pleasure to talk with. I always walked away feeling uplifted after interacting with Chase.

One of my last memories with Chase was at stake conference a few months ago. I attended a stake meeting alone but he let me sit with him. Afterwards, we talked and caught up. That's when I learned he was working towards becoming a commercial pilot. I have always admired his diligence and ambition. I'm grateful for that last conversation with him because Chase inspired me to keep trying and to make the most of one's life. Chase was a great guy and I will miss him.

He inspired me in so many ways! His new found love of flying has been my love for 30 years. I loved seeing the passion of a young aviator. It reminded me of when I was in his shoes. But...my favorite memory of Chase happened just a year ago when we were on a scooter tour around Paris. He and I were next to each other riding on a street near the Louvre and a huge rat ran out in front of me and I ran it over right in front of Chase. He almost fell off his scooter laughing so hard! His laugh, smile and love of life will last with me forever!!

Chase was so awesome. He was so happy all the time! He brought light into the room he walked in. Chase was in my YSA ward, and he was the best ministering brother I’ve ever had! There seemed to always be something left at my door or a text that he sent. He was always thinking of others before himself, and that’s something that will always stick with me and something that I will always look up to. My YSA ward loves Chase, and he will forever be in our memory.

We were glad to have spent some days earlier with Chase, Max, Mike and Sonia. The memories we have of this trip are fresh in our minds now. We watched Chase take time and energy during the trip to support and help Max. It was an example of the love shared in this wonderful family. We send our love, prayers, and hope for the Saviors healing balm to ease some of the pain. We share the belief that the eternal family is where God's greatest love is shown.

Mike, Sonia and family,
My heart aches for each of you as you go forward through this difficult experience. I am just thinking of you and praying for each of you. May God bless you in your grief and pain to hold you up and wrap you in the arms of His love.

On Sunday, Lori and I each wrote a message on her phone. At that time I wrote in behalf of the amazing and great Washington Vancouver Mission which we all love.
But tonight, as I sit here in the parking lot of the temple after my shift, I just feel the need to share a few personal thoughts.
I love Elder Chase Day. He is good, and humble, and kind, and so caring and thoughtful, and bright and happy, and full of life, and love, and Faith. As I said before, we think he is perfect, and a perfect example of a disciple of Jesus Christ.
We have not been able to stop thinking about our dear friend, Elder Day, since we heard the news. His tragic passing is heartbreaking.

When I don’t have answers, I always try to remember what I know. And this is what I know because the spirit has confirmed these things to me: Chase Day is a grand and Noble soul, he is full of faith and testimony, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is real and true, there is life after death, we have a loving, Heavenly Father who was there to welcome home a faithful son, this is not the end, the friendship we share will last through the eternities, our friend, Chase, lives on.
Sometimes people will say and feel that the Lord needed him more than we do. I don’t know about that, but I certainly know that he was loved and needed here. It’s hard to imagine that he was needed more there, but very easy for me to imagine that now that he is there, God will use him to make the kind of difference that he did in our lives. He doesn’t know how to be anything but good and he will do the same there that he has done here. I believe there are accidents, but I believe the Lord, who makes beauty for ashes, will make beauty from accidents. I don’t know why this had to happen, but I have no doubt of the eventual outcome.

God bless our dear friend, and our love and prayers and hope for peace and comfort to his family. Thank you for sharing him with us. You made of your son and brother something very special that will forever be remembered.
God be thanked for the matchless gift of his divine son, Jesus Christ, who ultimately makes everything all right, even days like these.
We love you all.
One final stanza that Elder Day knows well.
“ did you know you were brave? did you know you were strong? Did you know we were all leaning hard. Did you know that we listened and waited and prayed, and we cheered by your simplest word? Do you know that we long for the smile on your face and the sound of your voice ringing True? Do you know that we’re stronger and better because, we merely touched shoulders with you.”

We love Chase so much! Always was kind, funny, and loved his nephews and niece. He will be missed! We love you all so much. May God lift you up through this hard time. We will always be here for your family.

One time during a family event years ago I went upstairs into grandma's room and Chase was playing this beautiful song on the guitar. I hadn't heard it before so I asked him, what is this song? In true Chase fashion he looked at me like I was such an idiot, and rightfully so, because the song was "Blackbird" by the Beatles. I also grew up with grandma and grandpa, so you would think I had heard that song before but it was Chase who introduced me to it. Well, I loved it and added it to my Playlist of course and listen to it every now and again ever since.
Well, I told this story to Mike and Braden during the family gathering after his passing. Truthfully, I had forgotten about it until Mike requested someone play the song "I see fire". Thats what reminded me of it.
During the gathering, Soni mentioned how interesting it is that we all felt compelled to go to the lake. The day after the accident when everyone was trying to get a visual on the wreckage, I didnt have a chance to go with everyone else, and it had been on my mind/to do list. When Soni said that I thought to myself that I needed to make it a priority. Everyone talked about how peaceful it was.
That night I mentioned to Starrie I wanted to go the next day, and this is important because she is my witness. Starrie said she wanted to take me over there and I said that would be great since I didnt know where to go. The next morning she reached out asking if I was ready to go trying to finalize the plan. I woke up feeling like absolute garbage and honestly didnt want to go anymore. I told her no, let's wait till next week but then after sending that text, for some reason I immediately knew I did need to go that day. I called her and she said she would pick me up and we would head over. While I waited for her, I listened to the song, Blackbird and reflected on the lyrics. "Take these broken wings and learn to fly" felt so eerie to me. Starrie picked me up and I talked to her about Chase introducing me to the song, and the lyrics and how id been reflecting. We arrived at the lake and I needed to use the restroom so I got out of the car first to go find a spot to do that. While I was walking I looked at the lake, and there were dozens of jet black birds right near the shore. I wasnt too far from the car so I started yelling at Starrie and pointing for her to look! What the heck?! I know there are birds at lakes, but I had never seen these long skinny jet black birds, let alone SO many of them. Utah lake has an entry point near my house and I go there from time to time. Ive seen eagles there, but never flock of black birds. I went and used the restroom, then we walked towards the lake shore and by that time the whole flock left, but a few stragglers were still flying near us. It was so peaceful. I feel crazy when I say this but It almost felt like I was meant to be there at that exact moment so I could see all those birds. Now, whenever I see a black bird, I will think of Chase.

Sending prayer’s and love! From the moment we heard of Chases passing your family has been in our heart’s and prayer’s. We lived down the street from you in Copper Creek and I remember all of your adorable little boys. We both moved soon after but I loved following Mike on his come follow me podcast. You have a beautiful family and Chase sounds like such an incredible and faithful young man. God bless each of you during this difficult time. I was listening to Mike’s podcast today about Job and so many of his insights were so timely and heartfelt. Praying you will feel Chase close and know many are thinking about all of your sweet family.

Mike and family,

You have been in my thoughts and prayers since I heard the news. While I don’t know you personally, I feel that I do through Mike’s work on podcasts and YouTube. May the Lord bless you, comfort you and lift you up at this difficult time. May He make his face to shine upon you, bring you peace and be merciful to your family at this difficult time.

My interactions with Chase were few but impactful. He had a light and joy about him. He and his whole family welcomed me into their homes and lives at birthday celebrations for his brother Braden to watching the premier of the "Rings of Power". He will be missed greatly by those who knew him. God speed and till we all meet again.

We have been so touched to learn about Chase by reading your beautiful tribute to him. Though we are so saddened by his loss, our prayers are very much with all of you. May you find all the comfort, peace, and love you so very much deserve from the many of us which suround you, and especially from your Father in Heaven. We know through Him all your losses will be made up to you and so much more.

Brother and Sister Day,
I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know your son, but as a mother of a flight student that just attained his hours, and now will work for SkyWest, we moms need to stick together.

I know the fear you must have felt when he solo certified for the first time, and his check rides. The studies he completed.

He completed his studies here on earth, and now he will be flying for the Lord in teaching those that need to know the gospel. As I write this, I am praying you find peace in your loss knowing he completed everything he was sent here to do.

May our Father bless you and your family at this time.

We love Chase, and we feel so blessed to have known him.
I remember one morning when Sonia brought Chase over to ride to kindergarten with us. He was perfectly dressed and ready for school. Sonia had a doctor’s appointment for baby Max. She had packed Chase his favorite breakfast, a sausage-wrapped pancake on a stick. I will never forget the way that little boy’s eyes lit up when he saw it or the huge smile that came across his face. It was such a simple moment, but it has stayed with me all these years. Chase knew his mom loved him. She knew his favorite breakfast and she had made sure he had it that morning. It was the best.
It was an honor to watch that little boy grow into such a kind, loving, and gentle young man.
After Chase returned from his mission, our families were together on a trip. Our son Owen was being a little annoying and Chase started to tell him to stop, but then he paused and chose not to.
Owen noticed.
Later, Chase pulled Owen aside and said, “Owen, I’m sorry I almost lost my temper with you.”
Owen told him, “Chase, you don’t need to be sorry. I was being annoying and besides, you didn’t lose your temper.”
But Chase said, “No, I am sorry. And you’re a good kid, Owen.”
Chase probably had no idea what that small interaction would mean to our son.
Owen told us this week that it was a turning point for him. He remembers looking at Chase and thinking, If serving a mission changes you into that kind of person, then I want to serve a mission someday.
I want to be like Chase.
Our son Owen is serving his mission now.
Thank you, Chase.
Thank you for showing our son what a disciple of Jesus Christ could look like, not through some grand gesture, but through humility, kindness, love, and the way you treated him when no one was asking you to.
Chase made an impact on this world.
As I have listened to people share their memories of him this week, I have noticed a beautiful common theme: when you were around Chase, somehow you ended up talking about God.
What an extraordinary legacy for such a young man to leave behind, that people felt closer to God because they knew Chase.
I don't imagine this world will ever feel completely right to the Day family until they are reunited with Chase. I am grateful that Chase believed they would be reunited. I am grateful he knew that death is not the end and that families can be together again.
Until that day comes, I pray the veil will be thin. I pray they will feel Chase near them in the moments when they need him most, and I pray they will always know how deeply he was loved and how much good he shared with this world.
We love you, Chase. We will never forget you. Blue skies until we meet again.

Lots of fun memories with Chase from cruising in the Caribbean, dancing on catamarans, hiking and canyoneering. On one grueling 14 mile hike through the sand, Chase and I hiked together the entire time, it was a joy to have that time together.

Dear Mike and Sonia, Sue and I were privileged to make your acquaintance on the recent Church history tour. We were shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. May the Lord bless and comfort you today and in the days to come.