Memorial Services Scheduled For Toys Tour Founder Rus Matos

A memorial service has been scheduled for Orestes “Rus” Matos, the 59-year-old founder of the annual Toys Tour in Palatka, Fla., who died after a protracted battle with an undisclosed illness. The ceremony is set for Saturday, December 21, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home in Winter Park, Fla.

Known in the go-fast boating community as “Raceboat Rus,” Matos (center) was the joyful and tireless force behind the Toys Tour.

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In advance of the memorial service, a viewing session is set for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Speedonthewater.com reported on the 2019 Toys Tour on Sunday, December 9. Hospitalized at the time, Matos was unable to participate in the pre-holiday toy-gathering event he created. He died on December 11, three days after the happening on the St. Johns River celebrated its 19th anniversary.

“Thank you for recognizing my dad,” said Yevette Matos in an email to speedonthewater.com. “He lived for fast boats and loved the community.”

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