“Successful people are not gifted, they just work hard,
then succeed on purpose.”
G.K. Nelson
Dick loved his job, the people he worked with and the workplace. He could have easily been classified as a workaholic and his family often joked that working was his hobby. He lead by example and his strong work ethic has been passed down to countless individuals, including his children and grandchildren.
Richard “Dick” Reginald was born June 21, 1942 in Chesley to Edgar and Thelma (Gowanlock) Ash. He was the second oldest of four children; Julia (1941), Dick, Sheridene “Sherry” (1946) and Brian (1947). The family owned and operated a farm on Lot 19, Concession 11 in Sullivan Township. Dick and his siblings attended S.S. #8 Sullivan before coming to Chesley for high school.
Once out of school, Dick began working at Krug’s Factory in the boiler room. Around this time, while at a dance in Keady, Dick met a young woman by the name of Lillian “Jeanette” Blue. The year was 1962. They dated for three years before marrying on July 30, 1965 at Ascension Anglican Church in Paisley. They took up residence in Chesley and welcomed their daughter, Victoria “Vicky” later that year. Their family grew further with the additions of Richard “Ricky” in 1969 and Reginald “Reggie” in 1970.
While employed at Krugs, Dick completed the requirements and passed the appropriate exams through evening classes at Georgian College to become a Stationary Engineer and moved on to work at Canada Packers in Walkerton where he remained for the next thirty years. He was committed to his job and often on call many weekends. It was not uncommon for Dick to put in 50 + hour work weeks.
In 1989, Dick and Jeanette moved to Hanover to be closer to their workplaces. When Canada Packers closed, Dick went to work for Conestogo Cold Storage in KW for the next two years, working part-time. He was then convinced to come back closer to home, working for Durham Furniture. He retired for the last time at the age of seventy in 2012.
When not working, Dick enjoyed curling and also loved to dance. Canoeing with family, down the Saugeen River was a favourite pastime. The Ash family also enjoyed camping. The early years were spent camping in Crawford before they became seasonal campers at Whispering Pines for several years. Many lifetime memories and stories were made during these weekends at the trailer.
Dick was a big Nascar fan. His favourite drivers were Harry Gant and Mark Martin. He enjoyed several trips south over the years to take in races with Rick. If he wasn’t able to curl in person, he would watch it on TV. Dick was an avid reader, often reading multiple books at the same time. Apparently books needed to be a least 500 pages or the book was no good! His genre of choice was historical fiction with author James A. Mitchener being his favourite. Dick was also known to love his news, and could often be found taking in the latest world news on CNN or CBC. His love of reading and his obtained knowledge over the years allowed him to be a star player when it came to watching Jeopardy. He was fond of playing pool as well as taking on the kids in a good game of cards, preferably Solo, Euchre, or Cribbage. When it came to music, he enjoyed 50’s and 60’s country-western and anything bluegrass.
In retirement, Dick often caught up with the daily gossip at Tim Horton’s where he would enjoy his coffee with cream. He loved to spend his extra time with grand and great-grandchildren, always taking an interest to what was happening in their lives. The entire Ash family also treasured their time at the cottage. For the past ten years, the ENTIRE family would spend the 3rd week of July together at the cottage in Port Elgin. These weeks together were priceless, and have given their family countless stories and memories to share for years to come.
Sadly, Dick was diagnosed with cancer in May of 2018. He remained positive throughout his illness and lived out his remaining days enjoying time with family and friends. Dick passed away surrounded by his loving family, at Chapman House, Owen Sound, on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 in his 78th year.
Beloved husband of Jeanette (Blue). Loving father of Vicky (Ed) Myers, Rick (Teresa Halpin), all of Chesley and Reg (Jennifer) of London. Dick will be dearly missed by his grandchildren Nickolas, Paige (Ben), Jessica, Craig, Jacob, Nathan and Lilian as well as great-grandchildren Nolan and Nyle. He will be fondly remembered by his sister Julia (Ken) Lobsinger of Owen Sound and brother Brian (Nancy) Ash of R. R. #4 Chesley. Dick was predeceased by his sister Sherry Ash and his parents Edgar and Thelma (Gowanlock) Ash.
An informal, celebration of Dick’s life will be held at the Chesley Legion on Saturday, December 14, 2019 from 2 – 5 p.m. All are welcome.
Memorial donations to the Residential Hospice of Grey-Bruce would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
