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George Thomas Ashby

1934 - 2009

BORN

1934

DIED

2009

George Ashby Obituary

George Thomas Ashby March 19, 1934 April 10, 2009 George literally worked his whole life in the construction field - starting out achieving the highest score at that time on the apprentice carpenter test. Going on to be a part of all phases of the building trade. When he retired last year, he was one of the most well respected and knowledgeable OSHPOD inspectors. He was responsible for overseeing the building of many schools and hospitals throughout California. In his younger years, George enjoyed fishing, camping and golf. He dearly loved all of his grandchildren, many of whom were by his bedside when he passed away. They all have their own special memories of their Grandpa. George is survived by Shirley, his wife of 57 years; his three children, George, Debra and Steven; five grandchildren, Pam, Josh, Nick, Nathan and Neil; two great-granddaughters, Madison and Kendall; daughter-in-law, Chris; grandson-in-law, Tony; and sister, Blanche Ashby. Also, many nieces and nephews have their own personal memories of Uncle George. The family would also like to give a special and heartfelt thanks to Betty Gomez who was George's major caregiver and who went over and above her duties to give her time and energy to not only George, but to his family and friends. Special thanks also to Janice Charles, who tended to George on the weekend. George loved talking to her and discussing world affairs. Both Betty and Janice became just part of the family. At George's request, there will be no services. Shirley would also like to commend Hoffmann Hospice for the wonderful nurses, etc. they provided for George during the last five months. One doesn't know until you need those types of services what a wonderful thing it is. Thanks. If you would like to donate to Hoffmann Hospice in George's name, please do so.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bakersfield Californian on Apr. 15, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for George Ashby

19 Entries

Maria (Middaugh) Assaraf

May 2, 2009

Uncle George, we'll miss you. I know you're hanging out with my dad sharing stories and jokes! Love you Shirley and family.

Beth Jones

April 24, 2009

Most of my life my Uncle George scared the hell out of me. It wasn't until I became an adult and connected with him on that level that I understood what a gentle giant he really was. I regret not knowing him better but I'll never forget the last visit I had with him and the validation that he offered. My deepest sympathies go out to Aunt Shirley and the rest of the family. I know that George will be greatly missed because he was greatly loved.

Ken Pulskamp

April 21, 2009

I did not know George personally but have been friends with his daughter, Debra for years. He must have been an extraordinary man to have raised such a wonderful daughter.

Gary and Kathleen Whitney

April 18, 2009

Uncle George, so many memories! Since I'm only six years younger and lived next door until I was about nine,then I would spend so much time going back during the summers. I recently told him that I had a crush on him before he and Shirley met. It seems like yesterday that they where sitting in Grandpa and Gradmas' home in a chair always snuggled up together! He and his sister Marsha, seemed to always have a contest going on who could say the most outragious things. That is a part of my Mom and her family that I wish I had inherited and probably why I enjoyed it so much. Nothing like laughter! After reading some of the messages, I feel that Uncle George was the same kind of Grandpa to his Grand kids as his Dad was to me. I couldn't have been more blessed to have had my Grandpa in my life. As a matter of fact, I was blessed with a whole host of wonderful family members and I love each and every one of them dearly. We all have a lot of childhood and adult memories together. Thank you Uncle George for being part of my life and for just being you. I along with Gary will miss you dearly. Aunt Shirley, you are the best and mean so much to us, can't wait to see you this summer. Your wit is much enjoyed too!
Our love Gary and Kathleen

Mary Strenn

April 18, 2009

George Ashby was a fine man who led a productive life. I still remember the time that he took Debra and I to Edwards Air Force base to see the space shuttle. He will be missed.

Steven Ashby

April 18, 2009

I held the hand of my father as he passed away with my mother,my wife, and my son's by his side. I already miss him so much. But my father taught me to always pick myself up and move on in life. My father loved to fish,hunt,talk history and watch golf on the weekends. He donated over 8 gallons of blood to the Houchin blood bank during his life in turn saving countless lives. He lived his life quietly and dignified to the end. He loved his family with all his heart and would always welcome friends with a kind hello. His unselfishness was evident to the end, he passed away only minutes after I promised him I would take care of my mom. Thank you all for all the kind words about my father it means so much to me and my family.

James MacQuarrie

April 17, 2009

I only had the pleasure of meeting George once and came away a richer man. And I'm not just talking about the vintage Canadian currency he shared. It was obvious he was a gracious and gentle man, dedicated to his family. I can think of no greater tribute.

George Illes

April 17, 2009

May the joy of all the good memories comfort you in the days ahead. I didn't know Mr. Ashby, but I know his daughter Debra, and I've always enjoyed the wonderful stories she has shared of her family and her father. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

April 17, 2009

"God, when my heart is heavy with sorrow, your grace lifts me up and gives me a new song to sing" To the Family of George Ashby, we didn't know Mr. Ashby, but we know his daughter Debra and in her is a caring and gentle soul. We know that he had a major part in her being the person that she is today. God's Blessings to the Ashby Family.
Claude & Natalia Baudin

Ricardo A Rivera

April 17, 2009

My condolences to the family, may your good and fun memories of Mr. Ashby bring you confort in this difficult time. With deepest sympathy.

Marie Misener

April 16, 2009

When I think of Uncle George, I think of a wonderful man of charm, wit and smarts! He could joust with you on any subject word for word. His master of history was amazing.
He cared about everyone in the family. Always asked how our kids were doing. My only regret was that we could not do research together, on the family. I wish I would have approached him sooner.
He will be missed by all of us, but I know he will live on in our hearts. Because of who he was.
Our love and thoughts go out to Aunt Shirley and family, always.

Bill Misener

April 16, 2009

My earliest memories of my Uncle George as a child have remained all through my life. He had a unique charm and wit that I will always remember. He always kept me on my toes, challenging me. He told me he loved me and that is the most special gift he could have given me.
He will always be with me.

Grandpa George with Madison And Kendall In His Favorite Chair

April 16, 2009

Kendall May

April 16, 2009

My great grandpa was the best in the world.I love him. He always made me laugh.I miss him so much.

Madison May

April 16, 2009

My Great Grandpa was always like my teddy bear, full of great things to say and was sure to make you laugh. I have so many wonderful memories and I will never forget them. I will miss my Great Grandpa George very much, but I know that I will just look around and he will be there.

christina ashby

April 15, 2009

"georgie" my father in law who I know now is looking down and smiling. He always made sure that everyone else was taken care of before himself. He was such a humble man with a big heart, I have so many nice memories of our talks that I will never forget. I am very grateful to have been with him until his last moments with us. I couldnt of asked for a better father in law, "thank you georgie for accepting me into the family like your own daughter I will never forget you and I will always love you" . your daughter Christina Ashby

April 15, 2009

Our family has so many fond memories of Uncle George. We spent most of our weekends with the Ashbys when they lived in Fresno. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Love, John & Marilyn Middaugh

michelle fabbri

April 15, 2009

George was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor. God rest his soul. God bless Tilly, Pam, Tony, Madison , Kendall, and all of the family who will greatly miss grandpa.

Cristy (Middaugh) Stewart

April 15, 2009

Over the past few months, my relationship with my aunt and uncle has grown. I am truly sorry that it seems to take illness to do that. It is with great sorrow that Uncle George has left us. My gosh, what a historian and so very interesting. I will miss his stories about our family. I am so happy that I was able to visit a few times with my husband, my sister and sister-in-law and by myself. I will not soon forget Uncle George.

My husband Brent and I send our thoughts and prayers to Aunt Shirley, my cousins and their families.

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