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It is with profound sadness that I inform of the death of our Brother, Jack “Tojo” Toenjes. Tojo suffered a massive heart attack last Sunday morning. He passed away yesterday, Wednesday, July 28, 2004, at approximately 17:00 in Phoenix, AZ. His wife, Gracie, their children and other family members were at his side.
A Memorial Service to honor his life will be held in Phoenix this coming Saturday, July 31st at his daughter’s house. At that time, Dave Althoff, in representation of the HMM-262 Vietnam Veterans, The Old Tigers, and all his Marine Corps brothers and sisters, will pass on to the family any messages from his Marine bothers. You may send your messages, etc. via Dave at althoff@cox.net so that he can print them out and hand them to the family.
Semper Fi, my Brother -
Posted : 2004-07-29 14:28
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"Tojo"
In mid 1996, while living in Lima, Peru, South America, I logged into the Internet for the very first time. As soon as I saw that there were military chat rooms, etc., I started putting out a call for anyone who served in HMM-262 during 1966-1967. In October of that year, Jack “Tojo” Toenjes sent me an email: “Hey, Jake! It’s me, Tojo”. I emailed him back, got his phone number and immediately called him in Phoenix. We spoke for several hours, me in Peru and he in Phoenix. Because I had lived abroad from 1972, that was my first contact with any Old Tiger since getting out of the Corps in 1971.
He had tried to help Gareth “Red” Logan and Jim “JAW” White start an HMM-262 Vietnam Vets organization by printing a newsletter and mailing to as many Old Tigers as could be found. Only a handful of responses were received. He told me that he was in contact with Dave Althoff, Red Logan, Frenchie Bourgeois and Killer Cain. Through them we were able to contact several more and in July 1997, seventeen of us Old Tigers, and some family members, met at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas for the very first Old Tigers Reunion. The rest is history. Had it not been for Tojo’s enthusiasm, unselfishness and just plain Esprit d’Corps that first “reunion” would not have taken place and, more than likely, this email would not now be written.
Thank you, Tojo!
“May the Good Lord look down upon him, give him peace and comfort his family in their time of need.”
Semper Fi -
Posted : 2004-07-29 14:29
Brother at Rest
Tojo,
RIP "Brother" keep an eye out for the rest of us to join you at the Gates. You're in good company.
Semper Fi,
Tim McMahon HMM-262 65-67
Posted : 2004-07-31 08:46
