Toby Shine

Toby Shine, 82, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to more people than we will ever know, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family. Born in Spencer, Iowa, to Ben and Ernestine Shine, Toby spent a lifetime proving that the combination of sharp wit, big heart, and a bigger work ethic was unbeatable. He met the love of his life, Sylvia Rabinowitz, in California. They married in December 1963 and soon returned to Spencer. Together they built a lifetime overflowing with family, business, community, and adventure.

Toby was a savvy businessman, a force of nature with a deck of cards, a generous philanthropist, and an extraordinary man. Toby leaves behind a legacy as enduring and brilliant as the classic cars and scrap metal industry he adored. As the third generation in the family’s scrap-metal recycling business, founded in Spencer in 1902, Toby quite literally grew up in the yard. He dedicated his entire career to nurturing and expanding the company. In time, he proudly came to work alongside his two daughters, Keven and Eva --one of the greatest joys of his life. Over the decades, his passion for the business never faded; even in his final months, Toby continued coming to the office, keeping an eye on the price of copper (of course), and beating Mike Wycoff and Eva in cards.

An innovator at heart, Toby loved investing in new equipment and technology. He had a legendary reputation as a negotiator. Toby regularly inspired others in the scrap metal industry to watch closely, to see what he’d do next. He was often ahead of his time, including installing some of the first of its kind wire-chopping equipment in the U.S. Even with all the cutting-edge equipment he brought into the business, Toby often said that the real strength of the company came from within his family of employees. A respected industry icon, Toby received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 from the Institute of Scrap Metal Recycling Industries (ISRI). An honor he cherished, even though Toby claimed he was “too young” for anything with the word lifetime in it or to be called “Mr. Shine.”

Beyond steel and scrap, Toby had another great passion -- classic cars. He attended auctions and shows with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store. Toby poured his creativity into Okoboji Classic Cars -- a “Man Cave” turned museum that captures Okoboji and Spencer history. Through his fondness for classic cars, Toby developed some of his most precious friendships.

His love of anything that would go fast, included airplanes and drag racing cars. As a child, Toby won a national championship in go cart racing. Toby earned his pilot’s license at a young age, and his daughters Keven and Eva fondly remember being flown to Sunday school in Sioux City. Through countless trips to Sioux City, an industry connection blossomed into a deeply cherished family friendship with James (Jack) and Gail Bernstein, and Norman and Sheila Bernstein, along with their families. From this meaningful bond, the families joined together to create a joint venture, TJN Enterprises, Inc.

Toby dedicated immense time, energy, and heart to his community. His philanthropic efforts were extensive, and far too many to list. Notable honors and roles include being named Spencer Citizen of the Year. Toby told Sylvia that being part of creating the Spencer Community Theatre’s permanent home was one of his fondest achievements. In addition, Toby chaired the Board of Directors of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, served twice as chapter president of ISRI, served on the Advisory Board of the Chicago Federal Reserve, where the Chairman continued to seek his counsel even after his term ended, held a seat on the Spencer City Council and later the Wahpeton City Council. Those who knew him will tell you, Toby’s most meaningful acts of kindness were often the ones no one ever heard about. Humble and generous, he helped people quietly, sincerely, and without expectations of gratitude.

Among Toby’s greatest joys were his granddaughters, Samantha and Anna. He adored watching them grow into strong, capable, warm-hearted young women. Toby loved sharing his passion for the Iowa Hawkeyes -- taking them, along with family and friends to football games. It filled his heart with joy when his great-granddaughter, Tobi Rose, was born and named in his honor.

Toby loved Okoboji. Countless cherished family memories were made on the lake—sailing, cruising, and soaking up summer days with Sylvia and their loved ones. As Chair of the Maritime Museum Board, Toby played a role in establishing a lasting home for the museum. Toby led the charge to Save the Park when Arnolds Park Amusement Park was threatened by development. Toby’s business expertise, determination, negotiation skills, and community-rallying power were instrumental in raising the funds to establish, alongside others, the nonprofit that preserved the park for future generations. If you asked him, he’d tell you this was one of the achievements he held closest to his heart. One day at the Park with Sylvia, while watching the excited children play, Toby turned to her and said, “This is what it’s all about.”

We will remember Toby as an exceptional husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend. He will be profoundly missed, but his spirit lives on in the lives he lifted, the memory of his smile, in the stories passed down, and in the roads still being traveled by all who loved him.

Toby is survived by his wife Sylvia; daughters Keven Shine Johnson (Randy) and Eva Shine (Kevin Schammel); grandchildren Samantha (Jarad) and Anna; great-granddaughter Tobi Rose; brothers Bruce and Bernard; his step-grandchildren Kaitlyn, Abigail, and Joey Schammel as well as Josh and Alisha Johnson; along with many friends and colleagues who adored him like family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Spencer Hospital Foundation. Toby’s father, Ben Shine, played a central role in establishing the Spencer Hospital, a mission in which Toby’s mother, Ernestine, and Sylvia’s mother, Rose Rabinowitz, were also deeply involved. Toby and Sylvia have continued to uphold their legacy.