Todd Bowman Ash

Todd was an artist, veteran, animal lover, and “Mayor of the Road”.

He adored his cottage nestled among the scrub pines in Nauset Heights. Todd transformed that house into a loving home affectionately known as Low Life Lodge (LLL). “It was out of a Dickens novel,” he’d say. LLL was a manifestation of everything Todd held dear: enjoying the company of good friends, hosting big parties, and strong libations. He took immense pride in his community and cared deeply for his friends and neighbors.

Born August 9, 1936, to Newton and Ellen Ash. Todd was a product of the places that shaped who he was: Upper Montclair, Canton, and Manhattan. Todd discovered his passion for the arts and sports in grade school. He was a member of the varsity football team at Montclair High School and graduated in 1954.

He wore many hats, though most recognizable was his boater. Todd was an artist, specializing in oils, pen and ink, and graphic design. Todd served in the Army as a first lieutenant artillery officer. He was an advertising executive, a varsity football player, an ATO brother, a Boy Scout leader, and even an account broker.

Todd attended St. Lawrence University and graduated in 1958. He was a proud member and the assistant social chair of the Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity. He played fullback on the varsity football team and was the chairman of the Winter Carnival Ball his junior year. He received the Purchase Prize in Art his senior year. Todd joined the R.O.T.C. Department at St. Lawrence as a cadet master sergeant in the Regiment of Cadets. He was also a member of the Scabbard and Blade R.O.T.C. military honorary society. Todd trained at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma, and would later serve in the Army as a first lieutenant artillery officer in South Korea, though he never fought in active duty.

After graduation, Todd worked as an account executive for Williams, Douglas, McAdams, an advertising firm on Madison Avenue. Todd contemplated attending law school. An idea his older brother, Hiram, famously discouraged, suggesting instead that he apply to the design program at Yale University. Todd took his advice and was accepted. During his second year at Yale, Todd was recruited by the Army airborne division and was stationed at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He was deployed to Japan as an aerial observer. After one year abroad, he completed his military service and was discharged from the Army. Todd returned to Yale and received his BFA and MFA from the Yale School of Design in 1964.

After graduation, Todd worked as an account broker for Merrill Lynch and later Oppenheimer & Co. Todd founded his graphic design firm, The Ash Group, in the 1970s. Notable works include

promotional materials and campaigns for Chase Bank, AT&T, and Metropolitan Life, among others. He met the love of his life, Rebecca, in NYC while working together on a campaign shoot in 1987. In 1990, Todd relocated full-time to his beloved cottage in East Orleans on Cape Cod. He formed Nauset Knoll Studio, where he showcased his oil paintings. He was a member of Gallery 31 and the Town of Orleans Aesthetics Committee.

Todd loved to watch the sunset at Rock Harbor, listen to WOMR, and grab lunch at The Ho!

Todd is survived by his wife, Rebecca Leatherman, and son, Briton Ash. He was preceded in death by his brother, Hiram Ash.

A visitation will be held at Nickerson Funeral Home on Friday, April 17, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 18, at 11:00am at The Church of the Holy Spirit in Orleans. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wild Care of Cape Cod.