William Bird Ashton

William Bird Ashton, known to family and friends as Bill, passed away peacefully at his beach home in Oxnard Shores, California, on October 19, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on June 21, 1939, in Alhambra, California, Bill grew up in Altadena, where his curiosity, intellect, and discipline first began to shine.
Bill earned his Mechanical Engineering degree and later his MBA from Stanford University. His professional career spanned nearly three decades with Hewlett-Packard in Palo Alto, followed by ten years at Steerer Engineering in Southern California. Among his many professional accomplishments, Bill's work proudly supported the Apollo Space Missions, a contribution that reflected his lifelong passion for innovation and excellence.
A man of deep faith and enduring curiosity, Bill lived a life rich with purpose and love. He was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving missions in Chile and Argentina. He found joy in family, stock trading, sports, hiking, astronomy, and the design and drafting of his homes. The beach was his sanctuary - a place of reflection, laughter, and gathering for those he loved most.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Robin I. Ashton; his children Bill (Lisa), Becky Swain (Brian), David (Amber), Elizabeth Geringer (Shane), and Steve (Tiffany); along with 29 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and his brother, Jerry. His legacy of faith, integrity, and love lives on through them. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia N. Ashton; daughter, Sherry Ashton; son, Benjamin R. Ashton; his parents, William F. and Ethel B. Ashton; and his sister, Marilyn Larson.
Visitation will be held at 8:00 a.m. followed by funeral service at 9:00 a.m. on October 25, 2025, at the LDS Church, 1150 Gary Drive, Oxnard. Interment will follow at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park, Westlake.
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