Ronald ASHBEE

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ASHBEE: Pastor Ronald William Ashbee, age 95 years, beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away peacefully at his residence, Fairview Home on Tuesday, January 21, 2014. Born in Shell Lake, Saskatchewan October 16, 1918, the third of seven children born to George and Gwendolyn Ashbee, Ronald trained for ministry at Bethel Bible Institute in Saskatoon, SK and began serving as a pastor in 1942. Over the next 50 years he pastored Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada churches in Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Manitoba. On November 24, 1951 he married May Irvine in Prince Albert, SK. Three children were born to Ron and May: Phyllis and twins – Beverley and Billy. Pastor Ashbee was a gifted tenor soloist with a heart for evangelism. In 1971, Pastor Ron Ashbee relocated to Brandon from Winnipeg to become the Pastor of Brandon Calvary Temple. In 1981, he served as Staff/Evangelist at Bethel Temple and then as Director of Evangelism in the Manitoba & NW Ontario District of the PAOC. Throughout his ministry, Pastor Ashbee was invited to preach in Alliance, Baptist, Anglican, and United Churches, to name a few. After retirement Pastor Ashbee was active in Bethel Christian Assembly, and was known for his prayer life, visitation ministry, and his words of encouragement. Ron was predeceased by his wife May on August 2, 2011 and by all of his siblings. He is survived by Phyllis (Dennis) Reimer, Bev (Lyle) Beswitherick, and Bill (Bona Jean) Ashbee, eight grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. The last three years of his life Pastor Ashbee was a resident at Fairview Home in Brandon, and received wonderful care. His life impacted many people across Canada. His family cherishes the spiritual legacy he left. The Memorial Service to celebrate Ron’s Life was held at Bethel Christian Assembly on Monday, January 27, 2014. Pastor Mike Davis and Pastor Bill Ashbee officiated. A private graveside service was held at the Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Ron to Circle Square Ranch, kids camp, Box 99, Austin, MB R0H 0C0. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 15, 2014