Herbert “Skip” Day, retired architect and former WBRC Principal, passed away on March 3, 2024. Born in November of 1938, he first joined what was then Bangor-based architectural and engineering firm Crowell and Lancaster in 1957 while he was still in high school. Starting as a “print boy,” he became a full-fledged draftsman in 1962, a registered architect in 1971, and joined the firm as a partner eight years later.
“Herb Day is part of WBRC’s legacy and his passing represents the close of an era,” says CEO Ray Bolduc. “Back when Skip started, you did not need a four-year degree to become a licensed architect. But you had to have the talent and drive to learn all aspects of building design and to pass all the licensure exams.”
Over the years, Skip mastered every part of the architectural process, from the planning and design through construction administration and close-out. “All of us who worked with Skip remember him as a gifted, fun-loving, and knowledgeable architect,” Ray says.
WBRC Board Chair Rob Frank notes that when Skip Day joined the firm in the late 50s, WBRC company founder C. Parker Crowell had just retired and would still stop by the office. Another WBRC legend, Eddie Webster, the W in WBRC, a licensed architect and engineer, was leading the firm.
“Skip was an eyewitness to a lot of WBRC history,” Rob says. “I joined the firm in 1988 when our name was W/B/R/D/C and worked alongside him on several projects. He knew what he was doing and always had great stories to tell.”
During his 30+ years at WBRC, Skip Day was part of many of Maine’s signature projects. This includes Georgia Pacific’s Corporate Office Building in Woodland, the ASWOC building at Brunswick Naval Air Station, Houlton Border Crossing, along with schools, public safety buildings, housing projects, and more.
Following his time at WBRC, Skip Day continued to design residential and light commercial projects from his home office. You can read more about his life and career here: