Robert C. Ashdown

1925 ~ 2023

Robert C. Ashdown, born September 29, 1925 to Wallace and Norma Ashdown, passed away at age 97 on June 21, 2023, in the Bountiful home that he built and lived in for the past 70 years. He is preceded in death by his wife, Greta Aa Ashdown (1990), and survived by his five children, Dwight Alan Ashdown, Jan Michael Ashdown, Sue Ashdown, Peter Lynn Ashdown, Jane Ashdown Cipra, his current wife Ritta Beth Ashdown and the Arbuckle family.

Bob went through the Great Depression at age 4, passing through the transition from horse drawn vehicles to automobiles. His childhood home was a red brick pioneer home devoid of electric lights and indoor plumbing.

Robert was one of the few remaining veterans from WW2, having served in the Navy. After basic training he was trained in Electrician and Gyro Compass school before boarding the supply ship "Beaverhead," bound for the Philippines.

Following the war, he was called and served as a full time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in the Southwest States mission from 1949 to 1951. After his mission his attention turned to establishing a profession. Brick laying was first pursued, but with inclement weather preventing employment during the winter, he started at a machine shop. Meanwhile, a chance encounter with a young immigrant from Denmark led to a year's courtship and marriage to Greta Aa in 1952. Bob and Greta soon moved to Bountiful to begin building their home and raising their family.

Amid employment as a tool and die maker he pursued higher education, obtaining a bachelor's and master's degree in education. This led to employment as a teacher, at Meadowbrook Elementary School in Bountiful, and subsequently a long period of employment at Utah Technical College, teaching tool and die making.

Bob's devotion and dedication to Greta and family were unwavering and abiding. Robert's love of education led to higher education for each of his five children. Throughout his life he remained steadfast and faithful in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, quietly serving others without regard for himself. The impact he had on those around him was profound and always for good.

The memorial service for Robert Ashdown will be held at the LDS Chapel at 2505 S Davis Blvd, Bountiful, Utah 84010 on August 26, 2023 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, the Dementia Society of America, or the Salt Lake Community College Scholarship Fund.

https://www.alz.org/?form=alz_donate

https://dementiasociety.charityproud.org/donate

https://www.slcc.edu/donate/support-existing-scholarships.aspx

Arrangements entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Share your photos and memories with his family at www.starksfuneral.com

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

Published by Deseret News from Jun. 24 to Jun. 28, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Ashdown

Sponsored by Starks Funeral Parlor.

5 Entries

Harold Retzlaff

August 29, 2023

Mr. Ashdown as I knew him was my instructor at Utah Technical College as it was known back in 1981-82 and he was a phenomenal instructor and a terrific guy. One doesn't always remember their teachers in life, but he was one I always will and appreciate. So sad for your loss but his was a life very well lived.

Doralee Copp

July 8, 2023

I was so sorry to hear of Brother Ashdown's passing. I loved being included in some of the family fun. The best were Halloween visits, the zip line and horses. Love you.
Doralee Day Copp

Blair Adams

June 30, 2023

I loved my awesome Brother-in-law. Je was authentic, original and awesome. We became "family" in 1953 and had incredible memories together. RIP Bob.

Nancy Boskoff

June 27, 2023

With great affection, I send my condolences to the Ashdown family. My sister and I have known Mr. Ashdown since we moved to Utah in 1980, and his daughter Sue was our roommate and is our longtime friend. It was always a holiday pleasure to receive Mr. Ashdown's annual Christmas letter.

Frank W Taylor

June 24, 2023

I first met Bob and Greta when I was quite young (pre-teen) when we were all in the Val Verda 1st Ward. My parents were good friends with the Ashdowns. Then after I was married I moved back into their ward and was the Ashdown's home teacher for many years. They were brilliant parents who raised capable and productive children who are a credit to their mother and father. I was always amazed to see the projects Bob completed. As a side note I also worked with Beth Arbuckle for several years and was very pleased to see them get together after the death of their spouses. I appreciate all that I learned from Greta and Bob. They are missed.

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