In Memorium - Assistant Chief Roger Dale Tome Kennedy Space Center

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Chief Tome was a close friend of my wife's family.

http://www.wotimes.com/articles/2014/02/12/news/obituaries/obituaries01.txt

Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Program Legend Dies â ROGER DALE TOME, longtime Windermere resident and active-duty firefighter for 52 years, died Monday while out running through the town he so dearly loved. At 71 years old, Roger had no plans to retire from the job he loved at the Kennedy Space Center. He was on the very first Astronaut Rescue team and served as its team leader for the shuttle program. He enjoyed great experiences with the Apollo, Space Lab, and Space Shuttle programs, including travels to North Africa to head up the rescue operations at the contingency landing sites. Roger Tome is one of the few people to have worked at the Space center during the entire Shuttle Transport System history, recently completing 42 years service at the Center and listed as a Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Program Legend. Prior to his position as Assistant Fire Chief at the Kennedy Space Center, Roger served on the Orlando Fire Department where he served for 10 years. He also served his country in the Army Reserves attached to a Ranger Battalion as a medic during the Vietnam era. Roger Tome is known as a man of honor, service, and genuine kindness. He never knew a stranger and was the quintessential person you could always count on to âhelp the little old lady cross the street.â When not on-duty in his younger days, you could find Roger fishing on the beautiful Windermere Chain of Lakes. He had the foresight to buy property in Windermere before he ever married because he knew he wanted to raise a family in this town. The day Roger died was another ordinary day. He picked up his granddaughter from Windermere Elementary as he regularly did. They enjoyed ice cream at Allenâs Creamery on a regular basis. Shortly after, he went for a run, chatting with neighbors along the way. He stepped from this earth to the next spending time with the people he loved in the town he loved. Roger leaves behind his wife, Judi, two daughters, Kristin and Karin, and two grandchildren. Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Central Florida on Saturday, February 15. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Roger D. Tome memorial fund to benefit the town of Windermere Parks and Recreation department. Checks can be made payable to the town of Windermere Parks and Recreation, in the memo: Roger D. Tome Memorial.

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