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Peter Ashman Obituary

Peter Gregory Ashman, 61, died on August 5, 2013 at his daughter's home in Menlo Park, California, after a fifteen month battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed away peacefully with his two daughters and sons-in-law by his side.

Peter was born to Robert and Gloria Ashman in Amarillo, Texas on June 30, 1952. He was the oldest child and is survived by his five siblings: Mike, John, Mary, Paul and Rob. As a military family they traveled the world. He graduated high school in New York, studied at Dartmouth and then University of Maryland, where he received a Bachelor's degree in history. Peter had a great fondness for the book "To Kill a Mockingbird," which inspired him to attend the University of Virginia to study law.

In 1987 Peter was appointed as a District Court Judge in Palmer, Alaska. He was on the bench for 16 years and made a significant impact on the legal community of Alaska. His professional accomplishments are numerous and distinguished, culminating in the reception of the Judge Nora Guinn award in 2013 by the Alaska Bar Association for his work in pursuing aid to rural communities, especially the Alaskan Native population.

In 1983, Peter married Kay Rawlings in Anchorage. Though they divorced in 1992, they remained close friends while raising their daughters: Jenny and Elizabeth. Peter would always say that his greatest achievement in life was that of his girls, and the best choice he ever made was to be a father. He was an involved, compassionate, and loving dad. The calm, thoughtful, and just personality that permeated his courtroom was the same at home.

Peter was most alive when he was with his daughters, teaching them to love and appreciate all that he loved. While his girls were young, he made sure that they appreciated photography, poetry, music and art, taking them to museums and galleries, and always had a variety of music playing in their home. As a young man he joined the Baker's Street Irregulars, a Sherlockian society, that he remained involved throughout his life. His last great love was the ukulele. Peter was integral in the formation of a ukelele group of Alaskan judges and lawyers. While he would often say that he was an amateur at all these hobbies, his spirit and enthusiasm that drove those hobbies was that of a master.

He battled cancer bravely to have fifteen more months with his family, to walk both his daughters down the aisle, and to uphold his character as one who preservers and fights up until the very end. He will be dearly missed as a father, son, brother, friend, and colleague.

A celebration of his life will be held on September 18th at 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Church. Reception to follow. Please bring instruments to participate in a musical tribute to Peter.

In lieu of flowers please donate to:

Mission Hospice: http://www.missionhospice.org

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: http://www.pancan.org

Homeward Bound: [email protected]

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

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Aug. 18 to Aug. 19, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Ashman

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Linda and Roy Madsen

September 5, 2013

Oh, Peter, You were such a good listener! Your sensitivity to life, beauty, fairness, your willingness to share your talents, your recognition of the dearness of Life, all these made you such an extraordinary spirit, a friend to remember forever. Thank you for your wonderful example of balancing the life of heart and mind as you did, we are all better for you being in our lives. To Jenny and Elizabeth -- our profound sympathy, and also gratitude for your parts in enriching your father's very full life. We know you were the pride of his being and that he lived to ensure that you fared well. Love from Kodiak Island, Linda and Roy Madsen

August 26, 2013

My condolences to Peter's lovely daughters. Your father was truly one of a kind! His humor and intelligence were exceptional as well as his compassion. He made a difference with his innovative view of justice and rehabilitation.
May you always be reminded of his devotion to you as he talked about his family all the time.
Melinda Freemon, Anchorage, AK

Karen Cougan

August 24, 2013

I'm so very sorry for the loss of your beloved father, family member, and friend. May God be with you as you walk thru your grief. Peter took beautiful photos of scenic Alaska that he shared with me. I didn't know about all his other talents. The obituary was very thoughtful and touching. He will be very much missed.

Kristine Schmidt

August 21, 2013

We in the Kenai Peninsula legal community enjoyed working with Judge Ashman very much, and had great respect for his legal and judicial talent. He will be sorely missed.

joan tower

August 20, 2013

Peter Ashman was a fair and honest judge in Palmer Alaska. He will be missed.

Jim Kentch

August 20, 2013

Peace, peace! he is not dead, he doth not sleep -- he hath awakened from the dream of life -- 'Tis we, who lost in stormy visions, keep with phantoms an unprofitable strife.

Jim Marzano

August 20, 2013

Pal'd around with Peter throughout HS, we loved being able to cross cultural cliques & have a wide, eclectic mix of friends from the nerds, minorities, jocks & hippies. Here's to Peter a shining example of living a life of integrity, grace & beauty. All you need is Love.

Val Van Brocklin

August 19, 2013

I first met Peter when he was in law school. He struck me then as a bright, thoughtful, compassionate man committed to helping those less fortunate. He proved himself to be so during his career in Alaska where we both ended up working in the Criminal Justice System.

My heartfelt sympathy to Peter's loved ones. May you find solace knowing how many people he touched, helped and enriched. In that most meaningful way, he lives on.

Val Van Brocklin

August 19, 2013

I first met Peter when he was in law school and I was in college. He struck me then as a bright, thoughtful, compassionate man committed to helping those less fortunate. He proved himself to be so in Alaska, where we both ended up working in the Criminal Justice System.

My heartfelt sympathy to Peter's loved ones. May you take solace in how many lives he touched, changed and enriched in his too short time with us. In that most meaningful way, he lives on.

August 19, 2013

With deepest sympathy to the Ashman family during your time of grief...God is for you a refuge and strength, A help that is there to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead...(Psalm 62:8).

Robin Koutchak

August 18, 2013

I will always remember Peter for starting the "sentencing circle" to try to make sentencing meaningful. He was always respectful and kind to me and all of my clients.

Heather McChesney

August 18, 2013

Love and light to the girls and family. Your dad was an amazing man!!

Roger Solberg

August 18, 2013

So very sorry to the family for your loss. Peter was a one of a kind for sure. Watching Peter walk his daughters down the aisle even tho he was sick was truly a blessing. I Love you and will miss you my friend~~~Until we meet again~~

August 18, 2013

Our Love and prayers are with you all, during this sad time of life.. May the words of all your family and friends comfort you at this and let you know that we are all here for you... Love, Grandma Riley and the Reno Gang...

Kim LeBrell

August 18, 2013

Rest in peace, my old friend. May your pirate ship sail in calm seas and your spirit soar above as the wind in your sails.

Bev Cutler

August 18, 2013

Every single paragraph is a gorgeous tribute to Peter. Thank you, whoever wrote them. May he keep inspiring you as you carry on.

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