Richard Charles Ashman

Richard Charles Ashman was born on February 22, 1960, in Kingston, Jamaica to our loving parents Hyacinth and Leslie Ashman. He was their precious only son, their heartbeat, their ‘blue eye’ boy even though his eyes were brown. As the story goes, daddy was so happy that he finally got his much-desired son, he was heard singing in the shower as he prepared to visit mommy and Richard in the hospital. If you knew our father, you would understand it truly had to take a blessed event like this to make him sing. Richard was the middle child of 5 children with two older sisters Maria and Carol and younger sisters Jackie and Donna. We all adored Richard. He could do no wrong for us, even when he was, he wasn’t. We were all extremely close and treasured our one and only brother. We were always ready to fiercely be his protector if needed although those circumstances never arose. That energy was equally matched because he, too, protected us throughout his entire life.

In his early years, he lived on Brighton Avenue in Kingston, Jamaica and those years were formative and wonderful years for Richard. He forged many lifetime friendships with the Allens, Dormans, Shaws, Andersons, LeeHings, Hutchinsons, Romans, Buntings, Gordons, Wrights, Woods, Morrisons and Ricketts. He bonded with these life-long friends who became family through the years. As the only son, growing up with a dad who was a professional race car driver, mechanic and owner of a garage and auto parts business, Richard could not escape the pull, the strong desire to immerse himself in the automotive industry and learn everything about the industry, various make/model cars and competitive racing from his daddy. He lived and breathed the sport like daddy who was only too happy and proud to teach Richard everything he knew. They would modify and tune engines, transmissions, carburetors, literally anything you can think of. Daddy taught Richard well and like a sponge, he soaked it all up. He was a fast learner and spent many years honing the craft, watching our dad compete at the Vernam Field Racetrack, winning trophy after trophy which propelled Richard to turn every local road in Kingston and St. Andrew into his own personal raceway. He was lucky that the local police knew daddy well and frequently let him off the hook with just a warning. In the era of CB radios, naturally, his handle was Dare Devil, and he lived up to that name throughout those years and early adulthood causing mommy and daddy quite a bit of stress.

Richard excelled academically – attending St. Aloysius Boys School and St. George’s College before heading to St. Augustine University in Trinidad. He graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and later returned to his beloved Jamaica and the love of his life – Marcia.

Richard and Marcia got married in 1983 and through the years welcomed their three beautiful daughters – Renee, Melissa and Racquel who, in turn, blessed them with 7 wonderful grandchildren – Vincent, Micah, Jonah, Jaiden, Olivia, Noah and Adera. Richard was the consummate family man. His family and extended relatives meant the world to him. Where they were, was his happy place. The family gatherings, game nights and especially playing dominoes. As long as he was around the family, relaxing in his favorite chair, drinking a beer and observing the shenanigans, he was in bliss. The simple and wonderful pleasures of life, the

stuff that you can’t buy is what satisfied his heart and soul. In addition to doting on his wife and children, Richard would be up front and center with all the grandparents’ duties too - from their births and every moment in between. He loved hard and loved all around him and wanted only the best for everyone. His nieces and nephews also enjoyed a very close relationship with their uncle. He was the apple of their eye, and they constantly sought his advice because he was just so easy to talk to. Patiently teaching them and sharing world knowledge with them. He had a knack for making whoever he spoke with feel like they were the most special people in the world.

Richard and Marcia initially resided in Jamaica as he held a lucrative position at CAC (Carrier Air Conditioning). However, destiny and opportunity called, and they migrated to Florida in the late 1980’s where they raised their beautiful girls and enjoyed a very happy and successful life. Richard could not escape his DNA and possessed an ambitious entrepreneurial mindset like our father. As soon as he acquired experience in the American automotive industry, he secured one of many automotive businesses as owner and proprietor. He was ‘home’ and our father was so proud! It was daddy’s turn now to spend many years at his son’s shop – watching him in action – almost living an out of body experience as he observed his son, the boy, turned man, who had watched his father shine now be sought after for industry advice. Richard was well respected in the industry and was now fully in his father’s shoes. We can only imagine how daddy felt.

Richard had a smile that greeted you from a mile away. He was always so welcoming, answered when called, ready to come to anyone’s aid. Everyone who knew him will agree that he was selfless, disciplined, quiet, calm, unassuming, giving, loyal, patient, advisor and caretaker. He was everyone’s confidant with a stellar integrity.

Through the years, Richard’s path would cross with thousands who passed through his various business places. His personality, patience, professionalism and outright love of service won him customers from near and far. Referrals after referrals, customers would walk through his doors just because of who he was and the name he had created for himself.

True to his love of the automotive world, stepping into his garage immediately revealed his vintage and luxury collection of vehicles. Richard also loved horses and followed professional racing passionately. His 3rd love was all genres of music – R&B being his favorite – his vast collection was proudly displayed and utilized at all the family gatherings. On the weekends, you would often find him relaxing to selections from that collection, in the garage working on his cars or watching – what else? – auto racing! Lastly, his TV comfort was game shows especially Jeopardy and we would often be playfully annoyed at the percentage of questions he answered accurately. He would have certainly qualified to be in the Jeopardy book of champions – the home edition.

Richard knew and loved the Lord and that comforts us now that he is truly in a better place.

Rich, you are physically gone, but your impact on our lives will be felt, remembered and celebrated for the rest of our lives. Thank you, God, for blessing us with this truly beautiful soul. Richard’s legacy cannot be erased because he was tremendously rare and special to everyone. We will miss you eternally.

Livestream:

https://ourmemoriestogether.com/

Visitation will be held at Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 1655 University Drive, Coral Springs, FL 330716026, US, on August 7, 2026, from 7:30 am to 9:15 am.

A Mass will be held at St Andrew Catholic Church, 9950 NW 29th St, Coral Springs, FL 33065, US, on August 7, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will be held at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1500 S State Rd 7, North Lauderdale, FL 33068, US, on August 7, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.