Ashley Ormond Dick

Ashley Ormand Dick, age 78, died suddenly and unexpectedly on November 18, 2018. He was born in Windom, Minnesota on January 29, 1940, the fourth of five children born to Jacob Claus Dick and Martha (Eytzen) Dick-Suderman. At three years of age, the family moved from southwestern Minnesota to northwestern Washington State where they lived on a small farm within a newly established Mennonite community close to Birch Bay, just south of the town of Blaine, Washington. Ash attended Blaine public school and actively participated in church activities as well as secular activities in the wider community. Following high school, he moved from Blaine to Fresno to attend Pacific Bible Institute (currently Fresno Pacific University). His early work life included various sales related positions, however, his true passion was realized while serving as a counselor and then as a director of rehabilitation units and centers serving a population who were addicted to alcohol. Using his persuasive skills, he was able to secure funding for improved services and expansion of facilities. He served on several boards whose oversight dealt with issues of substance abuse and addiction. From this emerged his true sense of vocation a life of service at the professional and personal level that continued throughout his life. Several years after arriving in Fresno Ash, and his brother Tom, began attending a single adult group called Koinians who met regularly at a local Presbyterian Church. It was there he met the love of his life, Nancy Lillian Johnson and on July 1, 1972, they pledged their lives to each other at Kingsburg Baptist Church. Frequently one would hear him say, “She is the best thing that ever happened to me.” Their life together was not without its challenges but the love and spirit they shared was uplifting to all who had the pleasure of knowing them. With professional flexibility, Ash heartily supported Nancy who taught first grade in Sanger until her retirement. Together they shared a love of gardening and Ash was a bit competitive, giving generously to neighbors and friends. Devoted to their church family, they often spoke of their active and energetic Sunday School class. Together they served in various capacities in the church though to them their role as greeters was a ministry of welcoming one and all to their collective community of faith. Volunteerism was a large part of Ash's life and perhaps most importantly was his work at St. Agnes Hospital. Over the years, his infectious smile and cheerful disposition has brighten and encouraged those who were dealing with health related issues of all kinds. Most treasured was the time they would spend at the Johnson home at Pismo Beach. Bringing their beloved cats with them it was their sanctuary, a place to relax, walk the beach, read, spend time enjoying the majesty of God's creation at their favorite spots, partaking at chosen restaurants and of course, the occasional raucous games of UNO and Chicken Foot with family members. It was a sacred space of another kind where the interruptions of city life and daily commitments could be left behind. While their life seemed ideal in many ways, it was to be interrupted when Ash's beloved Nancy died suddenly and peacefully in their home on July 14, 2016. Life without Nancy wasn't easy for Ash. How many times did one hear him say, “I've had the very best for forty-four years and fourteen days and I am so grateful for that.”

Ashley is survived by his sister Marcella Claassen and her husband Eldon of San Jose, CA, his brother Daniel and his wife Dorcas White of Federal Heights, CO and his sister Grace Pauls-Ritchie of New Britain, CT, three nieces and six nephews, many dear cousins and treasured friends. In addition to his beloved Nancy, Ash is preceded in death by his parents, his step-father, his brother Thomas and his parents-in-law.

A Viewing will take place on Tuesday, December 4, from 3:00 to 7:00 pm.

Lisle Funeral Home, 1605 L Street, Fresno, CA 93721.

A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, December 5, at 10:30 am.

Belmont Memorial Park, 201 N. Teilman Avenue, in Fresno, CA.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00 noon at The Bridge Church, 3438 E. Ashlan Avenue, Fresno, CA.