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TACAMO Fallen Veteran - John "Toby" Rask, VQ-3
October 23, 1949 – March 7, 2021
Toby was born October 23, 1949 in Cleveland Ohio to Dr. Arthur and Myrtle Rask. The Rask family consisting of Mom and Dad, Toby and his four brothers and sisters moved to Lake Worth, Florida in 1952. Toby attended Sacred Heart Grade School and Cardinal Newman High School. Toby married Marilynn Robinson, his former classmate, October 1988 in Hawaii and merged their two families. Together they raised their family of 3 boys and two girls. Toby graduated from Cardinal Newman High School in 1968. During his years as a Crusader, he exceeded his coach’s expectations in all sports. He lettered in football all four years and one year in baseball. Per his coach, “Mighty Might” was all heart, tough as nails, and remembered as one of his best players. Toby joined the Navy in 1970. Throughout his career he attained the rank of Petty Office First Class as a Search and Rescue (SAR) Swimmer, Air Crewman and Aviation Electronics Technician (AET). He retired from the Navy in 1992 after 23 years of service. During his career he received: the Navy Marine Corp Medal, two Meritorious Unit Commendations, a Navy Achievement Medal, two Naval Unit Commendations, three Battle “E”s, four Good Conduct Metals, two National Defense Medals, a Humanitarian Service Metal, and a .38 Caliber Marksmanship ribbon. Additionally, Toby was designated as an Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist, a Master Training Specialist, a Naval Aircrew-Man, and Helicopter Rescue Swimmer. He received the Navy Helicopter Association Search and Rescue “Crew of the Year” award in 1976, selected as NAMTRAGRUDET Huntsville “Sailor of the Year” 1991, ten Sikorsky Helicopter Rescue awards, and a Boeing Vertical Company Rescue award. Toby’s NATOPS record credits him with a total of 30 lives saved through rescues and medevacs. During his career with the Navy, he was involved with community service projects to include Medical Trainer, Desert Shield/Storm Group Support, Teen Club, Baseball/football/soccer coach for various teens and intramural groups, and a Boy Scout Master. Upon retirement from the Navy, Toby and his wife Marilynn moved to Oklahoma City and began a career with Boeing for 10 years as an Avionics Technician Trainer. During his career with Boeing, he was attached to the Osprey (V-22) program spending time in Yuma, AZ and Jacksonville, NC. After leaving Boeing, Toby and his family moved back to West Palm Beach, FL to enjoy his retirement close to family and friends. In early 2000 Toby was diagnosed with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Although he spent his last years dependent on a wheelchair, he never complained but approached each day with a smile and a superb good-natured attitude. Toby remained active with his friends and family. Loved to take road trips and spend time at the beach. He’s survived by his wife, Marilynn, daughters Michelle and Sarah, sons Christopher, David, and Stephen, 8 grandsons, one great granddaughter and his siblings Joanne, Art, Tim, and Julie. He is predeceased by his parents. Fair Winds and Following Seas Toby, you will be missed
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TCVA extends its sympathy and prayer for peace to the John "Toby" Rask's family and friends during this time of the passing.
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