Michael Craig "Mike" Rash

Michael Craig Rash, lovingly known as Mike - and "Chief" to his kids - passed away unexpectedly on July 11, 2025, in Surprise, Arizona. Though the world feels dimmer without him, Mike's light lives on in the laughter, love, and the infamous bad dad jokes he told on repeat. Born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, to his parents Nelson Rash and Laura Jacques, Mike spent most of his life growing up in Lunenburg, Massachusetts. He cherished his childhood summers on his Grandpa Jacques' farm in Vermont, where he developed a deep love for the outdoors and a lifelong appreciation for horses. Vermont always held a special place in Mike's heart. After graduating from high school, he married Karen Ann Raboin, and together they had three children: Elizabeth, Michael, and Benjamin. They built their dream home in Orange, Massachusetts, which included an apple orchard that held great meaning for Mike and became a cherished family tradition. Every fall, his children continue to make their own apple cider using the same hand-cranked press Mike passed down. Mike worked for over 30 years at Claremont Flock in Leominster, Massachusetts, but his greatest joy came from being a dad. He loved teaching his children sports, watching them play, and coaching their teams. He never missed a game, and his genuine enjoyment of being with his kids created countless inside jokes and memories that only they shared. He was incredibly proud to be a grandfather and had a special bond with Aiden, who playfully decided that "Grandfather" was the perfect name for him. This charming title always brought smiles to the family, as Aiden insisted it could never be shortened. Mike cherished every moment spent with Aiden, proving that great dads make even greater grandfathers. In the later years of his life, Mike opened his heart again when he met Liza Rassner, who brought a renewed sense of joy and purpose into his world. They were true soulmates, and Liza quickly became an integral part of the family. Eventually, they moved to Arizona, fulfilling Dad's long-held dream of retirement and allowing Mike to cherish precious moments with his parents, Nelson and Laura. The couple embraced new adventures, planning trips to exciting destinations while maintaining their tradition of visiting family in Massachusetts each year. In Arizona, Mike forged a close-knit community, and those around him soon recognized what his family had always known: Mike was truly unforgettable. He is survived by his loving fiancée, Liza Rassner; her daughter, Jen Bragg; and her granddaughter, Teagan Bragg, all of whom he cherished greatly. He is also survived by his children, Elizabeth Fenwick, Michael Rash, and Benjamin Rash; his grandson, Aiden Fenwick; his mother, Laura Davis; his siblings, Debrah Frechette and her husband Charles Frechette, and David Rash; as well as his stepsister, Claire Peachy, and her husband Randy, with whom he shared very strong bonds. He was preceded in death by his father, Nelson Rash.