Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Apr 11: Max ‘Maxie–Dad–Baba’ Rasquinha (87), of Allen, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on April 9. Born February 21, 1939, in Mangalore, India, Max was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and mentor whose generosity and spirit touched countless lives.
The youngest of eight children, Max married the love of his life, Jessie, on October 20, 1963, in Bombay, India. His career in oilfield services took him from Saudi Arabia to England and Canada before he settled in Houston, where he worked for many years as a Petroleum Business Consultant. After retiring, he moved to Allen to be near his beloved grandson, Luke.
A devout Catholic and lifelong learner, Max earned degrees from Our Lady of the Lake University and Houston Baptist University. He was deeply committed to service, pioneering Toastmasters in Mangalore and actively participating in the Lions Club, Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, and Prison Ministry. He also supported education by providing scholarships to students near his family’s coffee estate.
Max is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jess; sons Max (Christie) and Allan (Leisa); grandson Luke; sister Judy and brother Patrick; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Distinguished Toastmaster Max Rasquinha, was a pioneering force behind the growth of the Toastmasters movement in coastal Karnataka.
Max Rasquinha was also known among readers as an active supporter and follower of Daijiworld. He frequently engaged with content on the platform, regularly posting comments and sharing his views on various articles. In addition, he was associated with contributions, through which he expressed opinions and participated in discussions on current affairs and local issues.
Rasquinha played a key role in introducing Toastmasters to Mangaluru in the early 2000s. He founded The Winners’ Club, the first Toastmasters club in the coastal region, which later paved the way for the expansion of over 20 clubs across the belt. His efforts created a platform for individuals to overcome stage fear and build confidence through public speaking.
A successful businessman in the oil industry, Rasquinha spent several years in Houston, Texas, but remained closely connected to his roots in Mangaluru. From his residence in Valencia, he established multiple initiatives including the Mangalore Amateur Speakers Club, Mangalore Quizzing Foundation, International Institute for Public Policy (IIPP) and the International Orientation Centre, contributing to intellectual and personal development in the region.
Beyond Toastmasters, he also served as the 94th President of the Houston Downtown Lions Club in 2010, actively supporting programmes related to youth leadership, healthcare and community welfare. Along with his wife Jessie, he instituted the 'Outstanding Community Leaders of Mangalore' award through IIPP to honour individuals contributing to society. This prestigious recognition, carrying a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and crystal mementoes personally selected by Max from the USA, has honoured luminaries including Bishop Emeritus Dr Aloysius D'Souza, former Lokayukta Santosh Hegde, and renowned singer the late Wilfy Rebimbus.
Rasquinha firmly believed that effective communication is central to leadership and personal growth. Through his mentorship, he guided students, professionals and entrepreneurs, helping shape a generation of confident speakers and leaders.
His legacy continues through the thriving Toastmasters community in Mangaluru, with many members achieving recognition at national and international levels.
Leaders and members of Toastmasters International, including District 121 director Gokul P Menon, expressed grief over his demise and extended condolences to his family.
A memorial service will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, April 15, at St Jude’s Catholic Church in Allen.
Watch Max Rasquinha on Daijiworld TV’s Mai Desh Mai Bhas show: