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Robert Ashman Obituary
Brian was raised in Bloomington, Illinois as the second son of Robert (Bob) Ashman and Barbara Ashman. He played many sports in high school (class of '74) including tennis and football, and enjoyed sailing as well. He retained his love of sports all his life.
He was a loyal friend, keeping in regular contact and visiting old friends, having frequent chats, texts and trips to be with those he loved.
Brian moved to Austin, Texas in 1984, and his son Sean was born in 1986. In 2006, Brian married Kellie Mecham, and they shared a life of camping with friends, both international and US travel, being active in their neighborhood where Brian was on the board of the HOA, and being homebodies.
Brian was a fun, witty person who valued real friendship, loved to see the world, loved the woods, mountains, and rivers and lakes. He was an accomplished fly fisherman and a creative person who dabbled in drawing, painting, playing guitar, and stained glass. Mostly, he was a kind and generous soul.
His legacy is his friends and family: wife Kellie, son Sean, Sean's wife Justyn and their five children, Farley, Whitten, McCoy, Potter and Rollins, to whom he was 'Bapa.' He is also survived by brothers David and his wife Michelle, and Alan and his wife Barbara, as well as nieces Danielle and Rachel and their families. His closest friends were family to him, especially Rusty DePew (Tricia), Gordon Hannebutt, Kevin Massey, Frank Schafer, Janine Geise-Davis, Richard and Ann Thames, and Andy Salmon and Kim Harrigan. Know that he loved and treasured each one of you.
Donations may be made to Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation online or via Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, 2914 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, TX 75204
There will be celebrations of his life in Austin, TX and Bloomington, IL at a future date.
18 Entries
Jada Gray
October 28, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jeanine Plumer
September 5, 2023
I lived across the street from Brian and Kellie when my children were young. The neighborhood was full of children who played outside every day. When a ball was stuck in a tree, they would call on Brian for help and he would climb the tree and get the ball. When a game of kickball started in the cul-de-sac, he would join in. Complicated toy assembly, Brian was the go-to guy to help figure it out and he always did. Of course, he had treats on the holidays. He always cared and was unfailingly kind. I took the swing he hung on my tree for the children with me when I moved. I'm keeping it for when my children have children so they can swing on it because it holds all of the good memories of those years.
Phil harris
August 26, 2023
Kellie I am so sorry for your loss. I worked at Motorola, and I know our paths crossed. Brian also was a great mentor and friend to my wife at the time, Stephanie.
I hope you guys shared some great memories, traveling in your air-stream.
Think of you - Phil Harris
Robin Smith
August 25, 2023
Brian was such a sweet and sensitive man who reminded me, every time I saw him, to enjoy life, let people know you care about them, and be silly. I am lucky to have considered him a dear friend for many years, and I am especially thankful for spending time with him recently and seeing him so very happy. We were surrounded by trees, laughing about wearing a sweatshirt in August, as he talked about how incredible his life has been and that he had checked off so many bucket list adventures he was almost out of ideas. Our last interaction was a group hug, which feels particularly special now and a wonderful way to remember him - giggling by the campfire. My heart is with Kellie and the rest of his friends and family whom he loved so deeply.
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Adrienne Howarth-Moore
August 24, 2023
I had the pleasure of working alongside Brian at Motorola and Freescale for many years. He was a great partner at work in causing "good trouble" with the goal of keeping employees safe. We just exchanged texts a few weeks back and I'm so glad we reconnected with shared smiles and fond memories. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Sean, Kellie and Brian's extended family and friends. In sympathy.
Rob Castor
August 24, 2023
I had the pleasure of working with Brian for the first 10 years of my career. His outgoing and comedic personality really had a big impact on me. When I came out at work, Brian was always friendly and supportive. I have so many fun stories over the years that I will always cherish. Godspeed, Brian. You'll be greatly missed.
Meg
August 24, 2023
Brian was my mentor at my first full time job and he´s a witty one, a rare kind.
Of all the advices he´s given the one I remember and laugh at is ` Meg, your hair is so voluminous that you can sneak in snacks into movie theaters. You should do that´
I promise to try that now:)
Susan Hultgren Chancellor
August 24, 2023
Brian was truly a fun loving guy. I´ll never forget my bridal shower with his face plastered in my cake! It made for a memorable event that might have otherwise been a blur. Thank you for that Brian. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Suzie and Dwayne Coe
August 23, 2023
We'll always remember the fun times we spent with Brian. He could always make us laugh. We had a special "family connection" that will never be broken. Sleep with the angels, Brian.
Sharon Flora
August 23, 2023
Brian was an extraordinary man. He was a loving son, husband, father and brother. I am praying for comfort for all of his family who will miss him every day. I am so sorry for your loss.
Heather Harp Garrison
August 23, 2023
I'm so sorry, I know exactly how it feels to loose a brother.
Cindy McCarthy
August 23, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Lisa Fall
August 23, 2023
Dear Kellie, my heart was broken for you when I received Kim's call. There are no real words of comfort to provide at this time, other than everything I'm sure you have already heard...you were together, he was doing something he loved so much...it will take time for this to all sink in. But you can always know how much he loved you! When you guys came into Kim and Andy's life, I feel like I got two new friends too! All my love and prayers are being sent to you, sweet girl.
Lorena ("Lorie") Boots
August 23, 2023
Never forget when I drove over from Atlanta to B´ham and later in night realized I´d left my watch at rest stop some 30 miles away. Brian insisted on driving back with me to fetch it. Surprisingly, it was there. Fun, smart and a truly nice guy! RIP Brian.
Brian Burdiii
August 22, 2023
I have fun memories of Brian and his family back in the day at centennial Christian church. His dad, Bob married my wife, Susan, and I back in 1974.
AB
August 22, 2023
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. :(
Mark Robinson
August 22, 2023
Brian was one of the good ones. Great athlete, scholar, friend, but even a greater person. He was one of the genuinely kind guys on this earth, and he will be missed.
Sean Ashman
August 22, 2023
You always provided lots of laughter in our lives and you'll be dearly missed. We love you, Bapa!
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