ASHTON, Robert David
On January 8th, 2017, the world lost one of the greatest men it has ever known. As the sun rose, Robert David Ashton passed away, at the age of 63, after a harrowing battle with pancreatic cancer. As per his request, he passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family.
As an avid fisherman, Disney fan and lover of casino date nights, Robert was known by many different titles. While many knew him as Mr. Ashton, Robert, Rob, Bob or even Bobby Bob Bob, his favourite things to be called were husband and dad.
He is lovingly missed by his beloved wife, Debbie, daughters - “his girls “ - Amber, Alison, and Kimberly, and his mother, Joyce (predeceased by his father Stanley). Also mourning his loss are his brothers and sisters, Chris (Brian), Patti (Steve), Kellie-Ann(Mike), Kevin(Zoe), and the late Catherine and Scott. Heavy hearts also belong to his cherished in-laws, Gail (Cec), Des (Jayne), Darrell (late Sharon), Andre (Teresa), as well as all those who called him uncle, cousin or "ride buddy". Much loved son-in-law of the late Dez and Kay Hines
Missing his daily smiles and warm hellos are the staff and students at Saint John Paul 2 the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board where he served as friend and Chief Custodian. As well as Griff the cat A.K.A his Cheeto Buddy.
The family extends many thanks to Kelly, Dr. Ng, and the entire team at the RVH Regional Cancer Centre, who were so wonderful during his treatment. Additional thank yous are extended to all those at Bayshore, St. Elizabeth's, CCAC and the entire team from the office of Dr.Lindsay who provided him and his family with much appreciated comfort and support, during his final days.
In keeping with his wishes, Robert has been cremated. A celebration of life will be held at St. John Paul II Catholic School (211 Ashford Drive) on Friday January 27th, from 3:45 -7 pm. Please feel free to visit, and share your favourite memory of Rob . In lieu of flowers and cards, donations may be made to the Bob Ashton Memorial Award fund, care of the school. Messages of condolence can be left at www.peacefultransition.ca
Peter & Lil Zimmermann & family
Posted on: Friday, January 13, 2017Dear Deb and Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Rob’s passing. This will be a very difficult time for all of you but please know you have the love and support of those around you. Heaven has been given another angel and he will watch over you and will forever be in your hearts. Memories will fill your days as you remember what a great husband, father, and wonderful friend Rob was❤️ Love to all of you always. xox ❤️ Lil, Pete and family
Carmine Borrelli
Posted on: Friday, January 13, 2017Bob will be missed I had the opportunity to work with Bob. My sympathy to his family. May Bob rest in peace.
Janelle Hart and Fred Jay
Posted on: Saturday, January 14, 2017Dearest Amber,
Our hearts go out to you during this sad time. Losing a parent is never easy no matter what age we are. Your bright smile and happy go lucky attitude on life gave us insight into what type of parent your father was. Knowing that you always put family first We are sure made him very proud. We wish we could visit during his celebration but will be out of the country. Please know that we are thinking of you and sending you well wishes. Take this time to remember all the amazing memories you and your family had with your dad and truly celebrate how many lives he touched by being such an amazing role model. Much love to you and your family. Xo
Bob & Donna Brady
Posted on: Saturday, January 14, 2017Debbie,
Our condolences and prayers for you and your family. We are sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was always positive no matter what the situation and I enjoyed working with him at the schools.
Judy Enns
Posted on: Saturday, January 14, 2017I am so sorry Kimberly, thinking of you and your family at this very difficult time. He was taken away from you way too soon.
Bonnie Kitchen
Posted on: Saturday, January 14, 2017Bob was a great man and well respected among all of us here at the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic School Board. He will be missed by all of us and the students at his school taken way to early. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and girls you where is life . RIP Bob
Ed Lea
Posted on: Monday, January 16, 2017Deb and family.
Bob…the nicest, kindest and most thoughtful person we had the good fortune to know. Bob was not just our neighbour, he was an amazing, compassionate and fun guy we thought of as our friend. Seeing Bob hanging over the fence petting Speedy and Martha always brought a smile to all of us. We cannot express our sadness at the loss you have suffered. We are sure you knew how awesome Bob was, and want you to know that he touched our lives and made them that much better. Sincere condolences. Ed and Kelly and Nick Lea
Betty-jean Sharples
Posted on: Monday, January 16, 2017My prayers go to Bobs family at this sad time. I had the pleasure to know Bob since starting with the board. I’m sad the last time i got to see Bob at the hospital would be the last time.He is now the angel watching over you.
Tony branje
Posted on: Friday, January 20, 2017Dear deb and the girls ,
I was a teacher at st petes for several years while Robert was the chief custodian. Robert and I crossed paths because I was the health and safety rep for the staff at st. petes, and I think your daughters knew my son , Carmen. We had some good times resolving issues that the staff had, and we always resolved the problems in a congenial way that satisfied all persons involved. He was a true Canadian – put aside our differences and solve the problem.
Bye for now – Cyu later
Debby Smith
Posted on: Saturday, January 21, 2017Dear Debbie and Family
My heart goes out to you at the is very sad time. He was such a wonderful man his family always came first. He will always be watching over and always in your hearts. Try to remember the happy times, praying for you all.
Debby Smith
John, Bev McDonald & Family
Posted on: Wednesday, January 25, 2017Our family is sadden once again. The first time when your beautiful family moved away back in 1999 as our neighbors and now our hearts break once again with Rob’s passing. We have never had such caring neighbor’s as the Ashton’s , living beside them for 11 years spoiled us as no one could ever live up to their neighbourly love. Rob and your family will always live inside our hearts!
Lesley & Eugene Weglarz
Posted on: Wednesday, January 25, 2017Deb: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls. Rob will be greatly missed. Know that I am always here for you.