Here are two links to possible solid state solutions to the problem. One is the datasheet to the LS7210 digital delay timer. The other is to an application note the describes delays from a day to over a year. These will mainly be of interest to techies among us.
Joe http://www.lsicsi.com/pdfs/App_Notes/AN1002.pdf
http://www.lsicsi.com/pdfs/Data_Sheets/LS7210.pdf