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"It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Albert Ashman of London. Dad left us February 8th, 2022, after a brief stay at University Hospital. He was in his 90th year. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The beloved husband of the late Dorothy Georgina (Lay, 2020) for 58 years. Together they raised their family of Don (Judy) and Darryl (Hallie) Ashman. Donald leaves a legacy in his grandchildren Matthew, Thomas, Emma, Kyle, and Grace. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Despite growing up in the type of extreme poverty that few of us can imagine, let alone endure, Don married the love of his life, raised a wonderful family, enjoyed a small army of grandchildren, and launched and grew a successful collection of businesses before entering retirement at the age of 75. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;An avid sportsman and hockey fan throughout his life, in 1974 Don travelled to the USSR with Team Canada as part of his role with the fledgling National Coaching Certification Program.  Few Westerners had been behind the Iron Curtain, and it was an opportunity he never forgot.   Upon his return, he was asked to run camps, practices, and seminars. Many interesting coaching opportunities were presented to him. Ever the stalwart family man, he contented himself with coaching the minor hockey teams on which his two sons would play. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;In the early eighties, Mom &amp; Dad took the entrepreneurial plunge and purchased the tire sales and service business where Dad worked.  Little did they know that the tiny, one-bay temporary shop in Arva would grow quickly to become the successful &amp; respected group of enterprises they sold in 2006. Mom &amp; Dad travelled extensively as a result of their involvement in the tire industry, and they loved to share tales of their adventures, having visited Europe, Great Britain, the Caribbean, Hawaii, the United States, and beyond. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;One of Dad’s greatest pleasures was being a Member in good standing of Sunningdale Golf &amp; Country Club.  The friendly, collegial spirit was a perfect match for his easy, out-going manner, and he was afforded the opportunity to meet a host of people he would otherwise have never known. In fact, his love of and passion for all things golf, inspired him to sponsor the Central Tire Classic Charity Tournament, resulting in the raising of tens-of-thousands of dollars for the LHSF and prostate cancer research. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;A loving husband, dedicated father, committed grandfather, and successful businessman and sportsman, he spent his twilight years on the front porch of his home on Dalkeith Avenue, catching a nap, and waving too, and chatting with, the passers-by. Dad would be thrilled to know how fondly he was remembered, by so many.  The kind words and thoughts shared over the past few weeks have offered both comfort, and solace to the family. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The joy of knowing him is best captured, perhaps, in the words of Jimmy Buffett: “He died about a month ago, while winter filled the air. Although I cried, I was so proud, to love a man so rare”.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;There will be a private service, and an open celebration of life, at a date in the future. Please leave a memory or condolence at www.gilpinfuneralchapel.com"
<https://www.gilpinfuneralchapel.com/obituaries/Donald-Albert-Ashman?obId=24205928>