Doin' it for you Dad-50 Marathons, 50 States

"Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal, love leaves a memory that no one can steal."

On September 1, 2006, my father suddenly passed away.  I was only twenty years old when I lost my best friend.  The loss of my father motivated me to run 26.2 miles in his memory. My goal is to run one marathon in each state for my Dad and for myself.  I hope this motivates you to find a positive and active way to cope with the loss of a loved one.  Who will you run for?


A special thanks to my law school friend Norm for the name "50 for Billy."

Thank you to all of my friends and family who have been there for me and continue to support me through many miles.   It wouldn't be the same without you.

last sox game w/dad. (dad, me, cousin michala)

50 is the number.




OLD ORCHARD BEACH — William Mason Trask, “Billy T.,” 51, died unexpectedly at his home in Old Orchard Beach on Sept. 1, 2006. He was born in Caribou in 1955, the beloved child of the late Rev. Joseph Mason Trask and Elizabeth MacDonald Trask of Southwest Harbor.
He attended Lenox School, winning the G. Gardner Monks Award, and graduated from Vermont Academy, winning the Shanaham Cup. He graduated from Nasson College with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1978, earning the Senior Cup for outstanding leadership and scholarship.
He worked for Honeywell, Inc., and later for the Department of Defense on the “Star Wars Project,” doing security work in Kwajalien, Marshall Islands. Bill was also employed as human resources manager for James River Corporation in Old Town and for General Signal Corporation in Pittsfield. During the middle to late 1980s, he was employed at Liberty Mutual and Gallagher-Bassett Services, both in Portland. Bill was very interested and active in politics, working on several political campaigns. He also tirelessly fought for equal rights for the mentally ill in federal court and in the Maine Legislature.
The light of his life were his twin children, Robert and Elizabeth, whom he was very proud of and loved dearly. He was a very caring and involved dad, and was always there to cheer on his kids. He never missed a game or school event, and also coached basketball, baseball and volunteered with his son’s Boy Scout troop. Bill always loved to entertain, and his barbecues were not to be missed. He enjoyed his summer and the beautiful nature of Mount Desert Island. Some of his favorite activities included hiking, fishing, golfing and being with friends and family.
Bill passionately loved the Boston Red Sox from the age of 5 until the day he died. He could always be seen proudly wearing a Red Sox hat or jacket. Trips to a Red Sox game with Bill were adventures not to be forgotten. While traveling on the turnpike, many times he would pay the toll for the car behind him as an act of kindness. On trips to Boston, a stop at the Hilltop Steak House was a must, and a stop at Kowloon’s was essential on the way home. He insisted on arriving at Fenway Park at least three hours before the game started to mingle with the crowd. He was always an enthusiastic fan, and to be sitting near Bill in the stands was a hoot for all. He was a trivia buff of sports and American history.
His heroes were John Wayne and Red Sox legend Tony Conigliaro, whose life and times were admired by Bill for his tenacity and resilience. Bill lived his life to the fullest and his strong faith in God helped him through many dark times. He is now at peace.
Bill is survived by his twin children, Robert Joseph and Elizabeth Mary, and his former wife and friend, Suzanne Lord Trask. He also leaves several aunts, uncles, and cousins on Mount Desert Island and in Massachusetts.