GEORGE LYLE ASHE

GEORGE LYLE ASHE October 5, 1932 - August 3, 2014 First Mayor of Pickering, Former MPP & Cabinet Minister Passed away peacefully at the Village of Taunton Mills on August 3, 2014 after a lengthy struggle with Parkinson's disease. Beloved husband of the late Margaret "Margo". Much loved father of Steven of Pickering, Cheryl (Erwin) of Uxbridge, Kevin (Karen) of Pickering and Brian (Susan) of Michigan. Cherished grandfather of Andrea (Kevin), Matthew (Krista) and Eric (Tara) Hinzel, Tori and Tyler Ashe and their mother Katie. Adored great-grandfather "Grumpy" of Anika. George will be sadly missed by his sister Dianne Hurtubise and his brother Garry Ashe, both of Ottawa. George had a long and fulfilling career in public service. He begin his career as an Alderman for Nepean Township in the early 1960s. He was elected Deputy Reeve of Pickering in 1969 and became Pickering's first Mayor four years later. George served as Mayor until 1977, when he was elected to the Ontario Legislature for the riding of Durham West. George was appointed to Bill Davis' cabinet in 1981 as Minister of Revenue and subsequently served as Minister of Government Services. In Premier Frank Miller's Cabinet he served as Minister of Energy and Chair of the Management Board. George concluded his public service as a Catholic School Trustee in Clarington. A special thanks to the staff at Taunton Mills for their compassion and care towards George and his family during the last 2 years. Visitation will be held at McEachnie Funeral Home, 28 Old Kingston Road, Ajax, 905-428-8488, on Thursday, August 7, 2014 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Church, 796 Eyer Dr., Pickering on Friday, August 8, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation to follow with private interment to take place in Ottawa at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Parkinson SuperWalk would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be placed at www.mceachniefuneral.ca