Beryl W. Ash

Beryl Walter Ash, born November 7, 1919 in Minatare, Nebraska, married Winifred Ball on August 23, 1941 in Kennewick, Washington and passed away in his sleep on March 10, 2014 in Seattle at the age of 94.

Beryl is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Winifred, after 62 years of marriage; Kirk Tupper, grandchild; and his sister, Alice Marie Schultz. He is survived by his siblings; Wilbur (96), Dewayne (89) and Gladys May Hughes (83); his son, Rodney (Pat), daughter, Shirley (Kerry) Tupper; 6 grandchildren; Craig (Jen), Kimberly, Matthew (Alli), and Bryan (Bri) Tupper; Eric and Warren Ash; and 2 great granddaughters, Danielle and Jordan Tupper.

Beryl was a part of Donald W Close Company for over 50 years, starting as the first employee, and retired from his electrical construction career as President. He was known and respected in the Seattle construction industry as a man of integrity. He served on the Electric League, NECA, IBEW Apprenticeship Committee and was a member of the Washington Athletic Club.

He was the President of USDC, the managing partner of the Spokane DoubleTree Hotel until his death and dressed for work daily in slacks and shirt.

He was active in Rotary for over 50 years and was committed to their ideals and service. He met weekly with the West Seattle Rotary Club into his 90's, serving in many roles including President and made many lasting friendships.

Family was important to Beryl and he shared his work ethic, wisdom, and experience freely with his children and grandchildren. He supported their interests and encouraged their talents by sharing his love of camping, fishing, boating, travel, investing, reading, and Husky and Seahawk football.

As a youth he lettered in Football in Lyman, Nebraska and missed achieving his Eagle rank in Boy Scouts by one merit badge. As a grandfather he encouraged and shared as three of his grandsons earned their Eagle rank, even working on their Eagle projects with them.