ASHLEY: Lawrence Stirling (Ash) November 18th, 1919 – September 29th, 2011. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dad, Grampa, Uncle, brother and friend Lawrence Stirling Ashley (Ash) on September 29, 2011. Ash passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and his favorite dog Lewis. Born November 18, 1919 in Macklin Saskatchewan, Ash lived a life of fun and adventure. He left Macklin as a very young boy after his father traveled throughout the western United States and Canada to find the very best place to raise a family. And that place was Kelowna. Ash attended Central Elementary and Kelowna High School where (based on the stories he told his kids) he excelled at everything. After graduation he joined the Royal Air Force and between 1939 and 1945 he lived a life that only happens in the movies. Beginning his tour of duty in England he lived in Sudan, Tripoli, Rhodesia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Never, ever seeing battle as a pilot he spent his time during the war flying planes and chasing girls. Returning to Kelowna after World War II Ash studied to become a Chartered Accountant and was a Partner at what is now known as Ernst and Young. In those early days in Kelowna, Ash was known for his cars, skiing at Black Mountain, the Kelowna Water Ski Club, his trips to Sun Valley, a boat named ‘Stripteaser’ and being an all round playboy (who still lived with his Mom !!). He was into his 40’s when he married a much younger woman named Sharon. Ash and Sharon built a house on the lake on Lakeshore Road and started a family. As a Dad his life revolved around early morning water skiing, weekends skiing at Big White and escaping his wife and kids on Saturday’s to play golf with his buddies or sometimes go fishing at Beaver Lake. Ash is survived by three sons (Greg, Bob and Chris (Jenn), his ‘angel’ for the past 10 months his daughter-in-law (D’Arcy), his very special grand daughters (Abbey, Katie, Molly, McKenna), his sister (Evelyn) and an incredible group of nieces and nephews. Ash was predeceased by his wife (Sharon) and his brother (Eugene). The majority of Ash’s life was focused on his three favorite things to do. And that was playing on Okanagan Lake, skiing at Big White, and golfing at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club. In his later years it was putting up with “summer camp” chaos at his house and watching his granddaughters pursue their artistic and athletic endeavors. Life was never taken too seriously; fun was more important than money; and kids and dogs were much more entertaining than adults. His favorite place in the world was his house on the lake and no matter where he went…he always wanted to come home. We’d like to thank all of Ash’s family and friends for keeping him so young for so long. His neighbors the Leitch’s for watching out for him. Ross, Billie Jo and Hunter Jonasson for always being ready to do anything and everything for Ash. Rita Ross for her home cooked meals and friendship to Ash. And Dr. Bob Cheyene for his guidance in making Ash’s final days peaceful. A service celebrating Ash’s life will be held at First Memorial at 1211 Sutherland Avenue on Friday October 28th, 2011 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers order a gin and tonic (his favorite drink) and toast to the good, long life of Ash. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mem.com. Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna. 250-762-2299
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18