Roy Ash

Well here it is Friday and I haven't put my entry into the guest book....I know there is a lot of emotion when a loved one dies and for me this is no exception....the things that I would like to share with your family are more than a condolence message ....there has not been a day since Mrs. Clean called me that I have not thought about the Sage and his family and how my life has been different because of that relationship.....it has been extremely difficult for me to focus on this....after...

I received a tortilla in the mail one time because I missed a meal of roll-your-own burritos at the table of the Ash family. This was just one of the reminders that Roy would offer to youth, like me, so they knew someone was thinking about them. It mattered in my life. Many of these small reminders have come back to me over and over again as I have grown up.

One really knew they fit in when they got a nick name. Mine was Steverino. Sage used to start his notes to me with Dear...

Dear MaryLou and family,
It was a blessing to know Roy and be present in his ministry as a leader, community organizer and an evangelist. The Sage of Somis will be with us as long as we recall and retell his stories and his works. He lives on in your wonderful family that continues to minister to the community.

As a family member for a short time, Uncle Roy was the best Uncle. I remeber living next door and always enjoying going over to the house. Aunt Mary Lou, my thoughts and prayers go out to you at your time of loss. I am honored to be able to sign this in Uncle Roy's memory.

I looked forward to seeing Roy at Stake functions. He was always happy and had a story to share. When ever I would call to ask where he wished to share ministry in the Stake he was willing to go where needed. I know many people were blessed by ministry both Roy and you Mary Lou shared. Thank you both for your love.
Norman Gunsolley (Orange Congregation)

Mary Lou I was very sorry to hear about Roy. I wish I could be there for the service: I plan on being in Ventura in 2-3 weeks to see my brothers. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. I hope I can see you when I'm in town.

We will always remember Roy. He was a truely good friend to all. We last saw him in 2006. It won't be the same when we visit Ventura's church again. Our prayers are for his family. God Bless. Tom & Mary Kennedy,

Dear Mary Lou and Family,

What a blessing that Sam and I were able to get to know you and Roy both through business and a personal relationship. We consider you both part of our family. We have shared many things including losing loved ones recently. Know that you are in our prayers and we know that Roy is continueing his work and feels no pain. It was a privilege getting to know him and hearing some of his stories. What a great man!

Love

I know that Roy will be missed by all of his friends in the Community of Christ. He had a great wry sense of humor, often telling self-effacing stories with a good helping of irony on the side. And he was constantly in service to others, raising funds for Outreach International (sustainablegood.org), collecting cosmetic and toiletry items for the needy, helping those in need file tax returns and apply for aid. I witnessed all of that and much more. Roy used to joke that if you addressed a...