Randall "Randy" Dow Ashford, 78, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at his home in Salem, Oregon. He was born September 23, 1942 to Dow and Ruth Ashford in Glendale, California. The family moved to the Pacific Northwest, eventually making Salem their home. Randy met his future wife, Patricia “Patty” Gagle, while working at her father’s 76 Union Station in 1960. He graduated from South Salem High School, Class of '61. After his service in the U.S. Marine Corp, Randy married Patty in 1969 and they raised two children.
Randy had a passion for motorcycles and was part owner of Northwind Motorcycles in Salem until 1976. He spent many years in sales and service working for Capitol Chevrolet, Suzuki, Allen Marine Center, then retiring from FVMCO in 2006. He loved Hodaka dirt bikes, hot rods, and Nascar. Randy was an avid reader and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. He was a jack of all trades and could fix just about anything. The front porch was the place for family and friends to gather and tell stories. Without fail, Randy always had a funny story to share.
Family was important to Randy, especially his grandchildren. He attended all the grandparent luncheons, never missed a sporting event, and always cheered the loudest with his distinctive booming voice.
Randy was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Patty, and his sister, Janey. He is survived by his daughter, Kelly (Scott) Kilgore, and his son, Shannon (Phom) Ashford; his grandchildren, Austin, Katelyn, and Owen; his nephew, William (Danielle) Jenks, and other beloved nieces and nephews.
Randy will be remembered for his infectious chuckle and welcoming smile. His nephew, Bill, said it best, "He could ride dirt bikes like Malcom Smith, drive a car like the Rockford Files' James Garner, and shoot a rifle like John Wayne...because he was a combination of all those heroes."
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