WILFRED BRIAN ASHFORD “ASH”
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Ashford at home on March 26, 2025 after a short battle with cancer.
Beloved husband of 53 years of Carol (nee Tippett), much loved father of Kelly (Gulshan Chadda) and Jamie (Sharon Fernandes). Loving Grampa of Ashwin and Mia. Survived by sister Melanie (Don Smith). Predeceased by brother Barry, parents Kay and Wilfred Ashford.
Ash was born and raised in North Bay and attended University of New Brunswick where he graduated in 1965. He settled in Toronto where his career began at United Co-operatives of Ontario (UCO), and eventually at Gay Lea Foods where after 24 years of service he retired as VP Employee Relations, Member Service & Corporate Secretary in 2001. While at UCO he met his wife Carol and they married in 1971.
Brian enjoyed many duck hunting and fishing trips with his North Bay buddies over the years with trips to Quebec and the Veuve River Camp. Also many special memories were made at Mileage 51 with the Wallace family.
During his retirement Brian took up stained glass and decoy carving and their home was enriched with beautiful stained glass lamps and many wonderful ducks of all kinds. He volunteered with Big Brothers for 10+ years and enjoyed golfing in the summer months. He was a curler and member of the Milton Curling Club for 20+ years. His love of horses and horse racing was significant and they made many trips to Kentucky horse farms and Woodbine Race Track over the years. The Ashford family tradition of attending the Queen’s Plate will live on in his name.
A celebration of life will be held in the coming weeks. The family asks that that in lieu of flowers, donations in Brian’s name can be made to Ducks Unlimited Canada, to conserve and restore Canadian wetlands, a cause he was passionate about.