Gary Elton Ashton

A majestic oak has fallen. Gary Elton Ashton has gone home to be with the Lord on April 19th, 2016. Dad lived a very full 79 years and has touched so many lives. He is survived by his sons Marvin, Greg, Paul, Preston and his daughter Tiphanie. They have given him the ability to know and love his grandchildren: Meghan, James, Brandy, Chrissy, Tala, Wyatt, Gunner, Summer and Conner. Those grandchildren have given him six great-grandchildren to date.

Born to Ruby Irene Thorson and Orla Elton Johnston in Buena Park, California, he moved to Atascadero at a very young age. After graduating Atascadero High School, he served 3 years in the Navy Sea Bees. As a heavy equipment operator, the passion for that work never left his blood. Gary was a corner stone to many dirt moving projects around the county including Highway 46 and 101 while working for Alex Madonna. He and friends built the Templeton Park Band Stand along with being one of the founders of Templeton Boosters and Lions Club. He was instrumental to many of the ongoing celebrations throughout Paso Robles and The North County including one of the first popcorn machines at a much smaller Christmas on Vine Street. His tire tracks are imprinted in so many lots, pools, roads, ditches, events and lives in general as he did not retire until age 75!

I was recently asked by my son, 'Why do so many people know grandpa?' The only answer I could come up with is because he was a GREAT MAN! Gary would have been pleased to no end that Anna our goat had two kids today lifting our spirits a bit from our loss. Life continues for all of us that you have touched and blessed. You will be missed and remembered with a smile. Thank you! .