John Toomay Obituary

TOOMAY, MAJOR GENERAL JOHN CRAWFORD (USAF Ret.) 85, a 29-year resident of Carlsbad, CA died at home on March 11, 2008, from peritonitis. He was born in August 1922 in Ontario, CA. He married Virginia May Sadler (1924-2005) of Wasco, CA on October 11th, 1944 and they enjoyed 60 years together. The son of Rev. John B. Toomay and Inez Crawford Toomay, he and his younger brothers spent their childhood on Catalina Island where their father was the Congregational minister. John attended high school at the Webb School on scholarship before studying journalism and English at the College of the Pacific. While still in university he joined the Army Air Corps; he was too tall to be a pilot (6' 7") so he served in World War II as a communications officer commanding a small outpost in Prinz Christian Sund, Greenland. After the war he played professional basketball for the Chicago Stags, Providence Steamrollers, Washington Capitols, and Denver Nuggets. John still holds the NBA record for the most personal fouls in a play-off game (8). In 1950 he was recalled to the Air Force for the Korean War during which he was stationed in Tokyo. He obtained a degree in electrical engineering from University of California as well as an MBA from George Washington University and became a career Air Force officer. Of his 32 years of service almost half was spent at the Pentagon in strategic development, including advanced radar systems, SDI technologies, and nuclear weapons policy. He earned the Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster and the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster. After the Air Force, John and Virginia settled in Carlsbad, CA. where he did consulting work and wrote Radar Principles for the Non-specialist (1984). He served on the board of directors of Texas Instruments, Sparta Inc., and the Leucadia Donut Shoppe. John was an avid golfer and took great joy in watching all sports, especially basketball. He pursued his technical interests, contemplating among other things the speed of light and the behavior of CO2. John lived his life according to the second law of thermodynamics. General Toomay is survived by his brother Theodore Garrison Toomay of Vista, CA, and his four children: Patrick Toomay of Albuquerque, NM; Timothy Toomay of Pleasant Hill, CA; Michele Toomay Douglas of Ft. Worth, TX; & Leslie Hess of Ojai, CA; as well as four grandsons: Dr. Seth Toomay & John Toomay both of Dallas, TX; John Hess & Carl Hess both of Ojai, CA. Per John's wishes, no memorial is planned. In lieu of flowers a charitable contribution may be made to a university of your choosing. Sic transit gloria mundi.

Published by Dallas Morning News on Mar. 16, 2008.
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Memories and Condolences
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The presence that Uncle Jack and Aunt Virginia exuded when they walked into a room of people will live in my mind forever. The days at “T” street, the Christmas eves and especially the round of golf with Jack. These are memories that will stay in my heart forever. The knowledge, family, and love that Jack and Virginia left behind will live until the end of mankind. All my love, Always,
Michael John


P.S
The escapades at Catalina after Leslie’s wedding must be remembered as well .If the surfs not up, dive into swells in the dark… That’s crazy!

Michael John Toomay

April 1, 2008

My friend John was such a great man that I got up early and got to work just in time twice a week for three years just to talk with him. In addition, I got up at 5:30 am on Saturdays to enjoy John's company along with our friend Bobby. John, I learned so much from you about so many things that I could never thank you enough. I will miss you much my friend.

tim Oder

March 23, 2008

In the eyes of many John Toomay was a great man. He was my Great Uncle being the uncle of my mother. I enjoyed his letters and knowing he enjoyed keeping track of my running. He will be missed, but his energy is now radiating across the universe just as his knowledge and legacy radiate across the world and touches us all.

Dylan Nielson

March 23, 2008

So many fun memories of John and Virgina from Air Force days at Andrews AFB.Both of them bigger than life but, so humble. I know my Don was there to greet John and the three of them are having a toast. I miss them all. Harlene Madonna-Harm

Harlene Madonna-Harm

March 18, 2008

John was a wonderful friend. We enjoyed sharing common interests in technology, sports and the love of our lives, our wives. His sense of humor and graciousness is already missed. Thank you, John, for being in our lives.

John Mathers

March 17, 2008

Along with sharing our middle name "Crawford" I had the pleasure and great pride of sharing many Beach Days on our "section" of sand in San Clemente and Christmas Eves with Uncle Jack's family along with all the cousins from Uncle Ted and Uncle Mike(my dad). Uncle Jack (John) loved the recited word and we all participated. We will miss him as we continue to miss Aunt Virginia. All our Love and Comfort to Pat, Tim, Kell and Leslie. Love, Christine Crawford Toomay Nielson and family

Christine Nielson

March 16, 2008

My Love to all of you. Your Dad was very special and will be missed by many but especially by you and the grandkids. He can join Virginia now and be at peace. Aunt Bea

Bea Gallegos

March 16, 2008

John will be sorely missed by me, as Virginia still is! Love to each family member!

Jean Suydam

March 16, 2008

I will be at the Jolly Roger (Oceanside) today and salute the empty booth where Virginia and John sat in times gone by.
Virginia left first. Her friend Jean Suydam continued to meet John. I looked forward to greeting them every Sunday morning. (Also meeting members of John's family.)
One by one, we will join them and share more good times

Lois Berning

March 16, 2008

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