day and his wife cindy had one son, frank. "l. b." was his full given name. he served four years in the u.s. navy. despite his reputation as a ruthless politician, day had a softer side — and a sense of humor. each christmas in the early 1980s, day, oregon governor victor atiyeh, and salem "statesman-journal" political columnist ron blankenbaker delivered christmas presents to the needy using proceeds from "pompous twit" awards bestowed annually by blankenbaker upon elected officials, journalists, and others. the "twit of the year" was asked to donate time and money to help the needy.