Wilfrid ASH

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ASH: Wilfrid “Wilf” Reginald of Brandon, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, at the Assiniboine Centre on Monday, February 7, 2011 at the age of 90 years. Wilf was born to parents; John and Mary Ash on December 9, 1920 in Rainy River District, Ontario. At a very young age, his family moved to Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan where he lived until enlisting in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941. While stationed in Regina, he met and married Kathleen Law on March 20, 1943. He was stationed overseas as an aircraft mechanic until his discharge in 1945. Wilf soon began a thirty- five year career with the Canadian Pacific Railway, moving his young family to Brandon. He worked as a yardman/trainman until retiring in 1981. Wilf loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest. He was a skilled carpenter, avid sportsman, crafterand loved to travel. He was a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 3, a life member of the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum and a founding member of the East End Sunshine Club. His family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant everything to him. He supported them in any way he could, rarely missing their many varied activities. He was loved dearly and will be greatly missed. Wilf is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Kathleen; son Bob (Susan); son Gene (Lynn); daughter Eucilla (Marv) Robinson; grandchildren Dana (James) Avison, Deron (Chelsey), Craig (Jen), Scott, Erin (Mike) Branconnier, Kylie Robinson, Kerri (Kurt) Nicol; great-grandchildren Ben and Katie Avison, Easton Ash, Adia Branconnier and Reid Nicol; brothers Ralph, Walter (Anne), Al (Jocelyn) and Bill (Lois); sisters-in-law Norma and Betty; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by; his mother and father, mother and father in-law, four brothers, two sisters, three brothers-in-law, six sisters- in-law, one great-grandson and numerous nieces and nephews. The service to celebrate Wilf’s life was held on Friday, February 11, 2011 at Brockie Donovan Chapel with Rev. Paul Sakasov officiating. A private family interment took place at the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of Wilf may be made to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church – Memorial Fund, 361 Russell Street, Brandon Manitoba, R7A 5H6 or to the Brandon Humane Society, 2200 – 17th St E, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 7A3.Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com.When I’m GoneWhen I come to the end of my journey and I travelmy last weary mile, just forget if you can,that I ever frowned andremember only the smile.Forget unkind wordsI have spoken,remember some good that I have done.Forget that I everhad heartache,and remember that I’ve also had fun.Remember I have fought somehard battles and won, ere the close of the day,then forget to grievefor my going,I would not have you sadfor a day,but in summer just gathersome flowers and remember the place where I lay,and come in the shade of evening when the sun pointsthe sky in the west, stand for a few momentsbeside me and remember only my best.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 12, 2011