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Ashton O'Donnell Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Ashton O'Donnell
Sponsored by Ash's Family.
September 7, 2010
I first met Ash when he joined Bechtel in 1964. I began reporting directly to him in 1968 and that relationship continued until he retired in 1986. Ash was my mentor, my supporter, and my friend, a relationship that continued to his passing. Although I moved to Washington DC in 1990, we kept in contact on a regular basis.
I owe the success I have had in my career to this wonderfully intelligent, kind, and thoughtful man. He was able to help me during the rough times in my life, giving me his insite, counsel, and support several times when I most needed them. As Ash moved up the corporate ladder, he took me with him. My success in my career has been a direct result of what I learned from Ash as he groomed me for ever greater responsibilities. His and Gini's friendship were a tremendous part of my life and I will miss him beyond my ability to express in words. I have never met a finer person.
I will always remember Gini's words, "I married Ash for better or for worse, but not for lunch". As a result I continue to work full time at age 79.
Ash, may you forever have the peace and happiness you have brought to so many others.
Landy Langley
John Bogley
August 30, 2010
It was moving to attend the ice cream social on Saturday. What a beautiful idea to hold the event in that manner. In addition to what I shared about Whitman's global studies program existing and thriving thanks to Ash and Gini's vision, I want to add a personal anecdote.
I returned to Walla Walla Sunday night to dinner with my wife and three kids. In a very real way, Ash's work made our family possible. My father-in-law was a POW in WWII, surrendered at Bataan where he was slave labor until transported on one of the infamous hell ships to Japan for more slave labor in a steel mill. Without the success of the Manhattan Project, it is virtually certain that my father-in-law would not have made it back to the US to get married and have a family. As sad a chapter as the necessity of that project is, as I looked at my family, I was grateful for the work of so many who, like Ash, made it possible for not just my family but thousands of others to exist. Turning to the application of nuclear power in a peaceful way is a fitting approach to building a brighter future and Ash saw that early on. He was ahead of his time and a vital part of building a brighter world future. With sincere condolences to the family, John Bogley
August 27, 2010
I had originally intended to relate a funny story involving Ash, Gini, Ash's chainsaw and number of stubborn, protected trees, but after reading many of the responses from his Bechtel colleagues I decided to take a more serious approach and talk about the respect Ash commanded. I have been working with Bechtel executives like Ash for over 30 years, and time after time, not only years ago when Ash was active in the Company, but up to date, every person I meet whom Ash touched with his gifted talents could not say enough about his character, professionalism, and most important, his mentoring skills. Many tell me that they "learned it all" from Ash. I am deepely honored that I had the opportunity to get to know Ash and Gini, and to have enjoyed the many serious and funny stories that Ash was want to relate. Sherry, Joan, Jennifer and the rest of the O'Donnell/Wilkinson clan have much to be proud of and to celebrate.
George Argyris S.F.
Warren Davis
August 26, 2010
My memories of Ash started when I was a kid not too long after he started working with my dad (Ken Davis). Over the years I always especially appreciated Ash's engagement with the people around him....young and old. He always had time to discuss issues and answers. Two big memories for me were to work for Ash at Bechtel in the 80's and then for Ash to give the "keynote" talk at my dad's memorial service. He was a wonderful friend and mentor. I think he and my dad are up there right now discussing long term radwaste disposal and nuclear fuel re-cycling!
Gene Dyer
August 26, 2010
Ash came to Bechtel the year after I did to become my Dept Mgr and provide encouragement and guidance in our nuclear fuels development programs - which led to several major construction projects. He also retired just one year before I did and, although we have not stayed in touch, his foresight and guidance in our joint activities at Bechtel are well remembered by both myself and many of his Bechtel associates.
Rickie Godwin
August 25, 2010
My memories of Ash and family go way back to 1950, when Dick joined the Atomic Energy Comm. in Richland, WN. Our first child was born there, and our two families spent much of our spare time together. He and Dick were especially close in business, and kept finding themseves together in various undertakings through the years, ending up at Bechtel. He was such a learned man, and enjoyed sharing his knowledge in so many fields. Ash and Ginny were such wonderful parents to their lovely daughters, and it is a tribute to them that the "girls" are such well rounded and productive people today.
I like to think that Ash and Dick have joined forces once again, and are "up there" straightening things out. We can't cry because it's over....we must smile because it happened.
Bless them.
August 24, 2010
Ash meant so much to me here at the VillaMarin.He and Ginny,my husband and I had many a happy time together.When both of our wonderful spouses "left" us.we helped eachother.What a brilliant and wonderful man. Ash gave an ice cream social for Ginny's birthday and we all had a great time. I know this Saturdays will also be beautiful,and I'm sad I cannot be there. Corinne Abel
Emily Brucia
August 24, 2010
I met Ashton and Gini through a mutual family friend about 4 years ago. I was in the middle of the college application process, and after spending some time talking to Ashton and Gini about Whitman, I knew I wanted to apply. Ash, Gini and I had a lot of the same values and ideals when it came to education, and because they spoke so highly of Whitman, I figured it would be a great fit for me. So here I am, 4 years later, going into my senior year at Whitman. I can say that I have loved my Whitman experience, and without Ash and Gini, I probably wouldn't be at Whitman. Ash, Gini and I kept in contact throughout the years - I loved hearing from him and I think he enjoyed getting some updates on Whitman life every now and then from me. I met up with him and Gini for breakfast in Walla Walla a few years ago, and it was so great to hear stories from their time at Whitman. I will really miss keeping in contact with him - he was an incredible man who I really admire, respect, and look up to in a lot of ways. His views on education have truly inspired me.
He will be missed, but not forgotten.
Peter Landini
August 23, 2010
I met Ash, Gini, and the “girls” about 3 years ago as I became involved in part of the family’s investment activities. In that short time, it became very apparent that the well being of the entire family held a high place of importance in Ash’s life. He was always pleasant to talk with and exceptionally sharp. If only I could be that sharp at 89! I especially enjoyed hearing the very involved stories relating to the “cabin” in Idaho. Ash certainly enjoyed his life and his family. Hold on to your wonderful memories…I am sure there are many.
August 22, 2010
August 22, 2010
Lynn and I are parents to Ash;s son-in-law, Ken Conner.Based on the several times our paths have crossed, we will remember him as a devoted father and grand-father, an interesting conversationist, and a man of great patience, integrity, and compassion.
Jim & Lynn Conner
Doris Sutter
August 19, 2010
As many others have said, Ash was a fine man: as a family man and as a friend. When Gini left us briefly, we encountered Ash sitting alone, lonely, and we thought, sad having breakfast in the dining room. We joined him and for sometime after,I had breakfast with him every Monday downstairs in our dining room, and found him to have all the good qualities cited elsewhere. I won't ever forget those last few meetings in the hospital room downstairs.
Graham Wallace
August 18, 2010
Virginia Graham O'Donnell is my first cousin, my father's niece. Her family name is my first name. A fond memory of my youth is of the day in 1943 when Ash and Gini were married in our home church in Martinez. A small reception followed in our house. A central feature of that reception was the very impressive wedding cake provided by Gini's father who at that time was in the bakery business.
In the late nineteen fifties, when I was completing my university education, Ash was Stanford Research Institute's authority on atomic and nuclear matters. He gave me some suggestions and arranged some interviews for me which led to a 34-year career with SRI, for which I am very grateful.
Ash had the wonderful ability to acquire a great store of information, seemingly without forgetting any of it, and for knowing, understanding, and remembering people. He then would bring this great wealth of experience to whatever conversation, problem, or work was at hand—always in a most pleasant and interesting way.
David Redo
August 18, 2010
I worked with Ash for a few years when he and I were at Bechtel, and also worked with him for many years on his Investment Portfolio. He was a brilliant scientist was well liked by all and a true gentleman. A very rare combination.
David L Redo
Howard Wahl
August 18, 2010
Ash was a very special, thoughtful, and practical scientist that fit in quite well with us engineer/construction types at Bechtel. His patient wisdom allowed the rest of us to eventually catch up to him and his ideas. We shared a mutual love of the Stanley Basin. I always enjoyed his special stories about their home and how he much he and Gini enjoyed their times there. Ash was one the "really good guys" that made Bechtel such a great organization.
My deepest sympathies to the family,
Jim Graham
August 17, 2010
Blessed be the 28th of August when Ash married my sister, Gini in 1943. Ash brought his Irish elegance, grace and charm to our Graham-Wallace Scotch broth. My dear wife, Becky did me an equal favor when we repeated the August 28th event in 1947. Becky and I spent many wonderful times together with Sis & Ash at their Idaho haven and their California homes. We were particularly favored to accompany them on their 50th anniversary return to our heritage in Scotland and Ireland in 1993. Ash & Sis and their bouquet of beautiful, talented lassies have always been in the heartland of our family affections -- and will remain so.
Sis's little brother, Jim.
Robert Maximoff
August 15, 2010
I met Ash shortly after I joined Bechtel. Ash was taking over management of a group that was in the throes of reorganization, while I -- a stranger in the company -- had a new staff position that I feared might be eliminated. In the midst of it all, while on a trip, I suddenly faced emergency surgery for colon cancer, leaving me certain that when I recuperated my first task would be to find another job. To my surprise, Ash not only kept me on but helped me get familiar with the special features of his operation. -- I spent the next eleven years grateful for the opportunity to be working for the finest leader and most gracious companion I have known.
Harold Forsen
August 15, 2010
Ash was a wonderful colleague, leader and mentor. He made possible a great career for me at Bechtel by convincing me to join and I only have praise and thanks for his role in making this happen. We will all miss him and continut to thank him for his life and his actions.
Lois Ashton Hughes
August 15, 2010
My fondest memories of Ashton were growingup with him in Helena, Montana.
There were four of us cousins all within four years of each other and Ashton was
the oldest and since the others were all girls he was like a big brother to
all of us. Our best times were at the
family cabin in Rimini which I still
have. Over the years Ashton and Gini
came back "Home" many summers especially when Beverly would be here
from Nova Scotia. Of course, we always
had a big picnic at Rimini.
I also remember how we helped each
other out in times of great need. My
sister and I helped watch after his
Mother (our Aunt Katie) in Helena in her final years as she wanted to be home and then Ash and Gini took Mack and I in for six weeks while Mack had
Radiation treatments after brain surgeryin San Fransico. We were truly
family and I loved him dearly.
Cousin Lois
Sean Sowell
August 15, 2010
Most fathers do their best for their kids. A few do not. Some fathers are truly exceptional. They teach and love by example. Ash O'Donnell was one such exceptional Dad. You can usually tell these things by observation, and I was fortunate enough to see such a good example when Ash and Gini became clients of ours a number of years ago. Whenever I would meet with Ash or speak with him on the phone, the thing I was always left with was how kind he is! How gentle and thoughtful he was toward his children and grandchildren, and even towards me. If I could choose my Dad, it would be Ash.
I was very saddened to learn that Ash had departed for that undiscovered country, just days before I had called after far too long without any contact. Had I been able to have coffee or lunch with him, one of the things I would have told him was how he stood out in my mind. But the sadness is passing into thankfulness, after speaking with Sherry. And after reflecting on his many accomplishments that I had not known about, in the obits. If you can read these words Ash, thank you for being a good father and grandfather. Your example is one of just a few that I would like to pass on to my sons.
August 15, 2010
I have known Ash and Sis all my life as Sis was my cousin. Are family generations did not fit the normal pattern and I was a year behind their oldest daughter, Sherry. I remember visiting them on family vacations in California and always enjoying the time with them. We also were grateful to be able to spend time with all our family members at a reunion at Indianola, WA, the site of our families summer home. It was a very special time.
In recent years we reconnected in Idaho where we both had vacation homes. We spent time with them at Stanley, Redfish Lake and in Ketchum at the Wagon Days Celebration. We enjoyed having them ride in the Parade with us on our Stage Coach.
Ash was always good for a story about our family or other events, past and present, and was a wealth of knowledge on so many topics. We loved his email over the years on so many topics. We are so glad to have had these past years to get to know them both as adults.
Ash was such a kind and caring person. We were blessed to know him but even more to have him in the family. We will miss him. Our thought and prayers are with Sis, Sherry, Joan, Jenny and their families.
Shirley Reynolds Rock & Gordon Rock
John weiser
August 14, 2010
I first met Ash in 1975, when he was a key player in an unusual enterprise, a joint venture of three major companies to take over from the US Government the enrichment of uranium to make nuclear fuel for civilian reactors. We spent the next two years in regular contact as the joint venture negotiated with the government for licenses, with Wall Street firms for money, with states for a site for the facility, with utilities in the US and abroad for agreements to purchase fuel and a host of other details. What continually amazed me about Ash was the extensive network of acquaintances he had, all of whom seemed to be friends of his and to hold him in high regard. There were many in Oak Ridge, but there were also many in Washington DC and in San Francisco and abroad. And there was a genuine warmth in the relationships; they were not the usual polite nod that is so much more common. In time I followed Ash to Bechtel and there I watched with amazement the constant forward progress of his division in developing new areas of business. He knew a lot about the nuclear business and nuclear fuels; soon his division was moving on to robotics, based on their experience with the special tools needed to work with nuclear materials. Next the division was designing and building clean rooms for chip manufacturers and then we had the pioneering clean-up of the damaged nuclear reactor at Three Mile Island. Ash kept moving his people forward to new challenges and opportunities. But the overriding memory for me is of a man who was deeply centered - balanced and gracious. He respected those who worked for him and there was a cadre of distinguished men who followed Ash from one assignment to another. The warmth with which he was remembered by old business and government acquaintances tells us that he treated fairly all those with whom he dealt. We will miss him but we are grateful for his company and the time we shared.
August 14, 2010
I first became acquainted with Ash at the grade school we attended. It was wintertime and at recess we boys would have a fun time time sliding down an icy hill at the edge of the playground wearing just our winter boots. Ash and I could go farther than the other kids so thats how our association started. That little game was quickly ended by the school principle because we were making deep ruts where the lawn would be in the summer. Ashe's first bit of notariety came one summer when I read in the local newspaper that Ashton O'Donnell was awarded a prize for catching the largest trout by kids attending a boys camp on the Little Blackfoot River. We often attended athletic and social functions together in high school. One summer when he was home from college he showed me a gift his father had given him for his birthday. It was a copy of Boccacceio's Decameron. Don't think we two teenagers didn't get an education out of that. The summer Jeni came to Helena to visit Ash I had my pilot's license and I took her for her first airplane ride. When the war started we didn't see each other for quite a long time but we stayed in touch and have had many visits all through the years. What always impressed me was his intelligence,work ethic,and personality. The following is a quote from the picture in Ashe's High School Yearbook "To know how to hide one's ability is a great skill"
Ashe's love and pride of his family was always evident and I say to all, best wishes,love,and my condolences.
Doug Christie
Jonathan Wilcox
August 14, 2010
Ash and Gini became neighbors and soon friends to my wife, Cynthia, and myself when we moved next door to them in 1987. More graceful and warm neighbors one could not hope to have. Ash provided advice and some funds to a small start-up I was involved with, and he was entirely understanding when it bit the dust. He was always a delight when technical subjects came up in conversation. His special interest was the revival of nuclear energy, which by comparison with fossil fuels he judged is an environmentally clean technology - he was appalled at the realization that the world was using a cubic mile of oil every year as of about 2005. But Ash was not just a techie; he had a gift for understanding of human nature and a generous soul. He put great commitment into the advancement of Whitman College, and I think that it is there where he will be best remembered. Goodbye, friend, and Godspeed.
Lawrence Wilkinson
August 14, 2010
Ash was the consummate family man-- the very definition of a devoted husband, and the model of a caring, committed father (and this, through the 60s, a trying to be a dad :-) He was a man whose passions were contagious: his love of the West led us all to our commitment to the Sawtooth Mountains and the High Country; his commitment to higher education inspired not only his girls (indeed, two of his daughters followed Ash and Gini to Whitman College), but their children too. He was a man loyal-- and generous-- to the friends (and indeed, to the families of the friends) he made all over the world in his diplomatic and technological travels. And he was a man of great accomplishment who wore his achievements, his success lightly and gracefully. He was a gentleman. We miss him mightily.
(I was married to Ash's third daughter, Lynn O'Donnell. I knew him for almost 20 years before Lynn died, and our daughter and I have stayed close to Ash and the family ever since.)
Nancy Reynolds Hensel :)
August 14, 2010
Dear Sherry, Joanie, Jen, and All,
What a life! Of course there were the visits to the Palo Alto home --- where your mom kept all in order. We loved visiting the quintessential American family. I also remember staying with your family in Austria (or was it Switzerland?) while your dad was working with the Atomic Energy Commission. Who understood what he did? Nonetheless, we were all proud of him.
But the later connections: The trips to Idaho, the Wagon Days Parades, the family feasts and the reunion at Indianola will always bring memories of a gentle man with a lively humor and an extraordinary intellectual curiosity --- and stories to tell!
Although I wasn’t in political tune with this dear man, I may miss most his barrage of e-mails trying to convince me at election time.
We delighted to have him in the Wallace family where he always knew it was one of us when we asked for “Sis.” You were blessed to have a nonesuch in the house.
Love and hugs to you All,
Ashton and Gini's Ice Cream Social
Marianne York
August 14, 2010
I met Ashton O'Donnell a little over three years ago soon when I began working at Villa Marin. We soon discovered and delighted in the fact that we shared the same birthday. We enjoyed celebrating it together, albeit briefly. I have many fond memories of him and will remember him as a unique, generous, brilliant, bright and curious visionary with a big heart.
My sincere condolences to his three precious daughters who I have come to know who are unique and awesome individuals in their own right. He's left a huge legacy in so many ways. I'm am attaching a recent photograph of Ashton and his beloved wife, Gini, taken at an ice cream social he generously gifted us with in June.
Ruth Linvill
August 14, 2010
Always enjoyed Ash's stories of Montana in the summer.
And, debating various issues with him. Including green energy in Marin.
August 14, 2010
Many happy memories of Whitman and Los Altos, not to mention Ash's lovely and numerous Amails since Roger died. Peggy Bagnall, Morristown N.J.
Kerry Davis
August 14, 2010
My parents, Ken and Margaret Davis were always so very fond of Ash and Gini, happy to call them their good friends. I'll always remember Ash, who I believe we’ve known since the late 1950s, as being a friendly man with a big smile on his face, always so kind and interested when dealing with us kids. In 2005, Ash delivered a lovely eulogy for Dad at his memorial gathering, something we appreciated so very much. Like my dad, Ash lead a full and happy, interesting and productive life – he was a lovely man who my siblings and I were honored to know. We know how much he will be missed by Gini, his children, grandchildren and great grandson. My heartfelt sympathy to the family.
Marcia Wold
August 14, 2010
Ash, thank you for raising such wonderful daughters and for sharing them with me at many Thanksgivings. You will be missed.
Frank Stapleton
August 14, 2010
My memories of Ash O'Donnell began as a scared, but cocky 16 year old seeking approval in a quest for his daughter Joan's attention. As intimidating as he seemed to that teenage fog he shown through as a wise, warm and elegant man, cut from that rough hewn, Gary Cooper era. I was thinking about him recently. We were celebrating our Scott's life with a few of his close friends, talking on a range of subjects into the night and the subject of the Manhattan project came up. What a monumental technical feat it was and done in such a short time especially compared in scale of what's happened in the Gulf of Mexico. I can't help but think that it was accomplished because of men like Ash. Quiet competent, so full of energy and integrity; touching hearts along the way. He was one of the amazing people. Love and prayers for the O'Donnell's, Burn's, Halus' Connor's & Wilkinson's.
Keith Beery
August 14, 2010
What a wonderful human being! One of my fondest memories of Ash is the day the big crane came to lift new air conditioning units onto the roof of Villa Marin. Ash, with his beautiful, child-like curiosity to equal his amazing intelligence, excitedly got his new digital camera out and took dozens of pictures of the process, all the while wondering why everyone else in the building wasn't out and almost jumping up and down like he. What a joy to know him here. I so look forward to seeing him again on the other side.
Fred Winter
August 11, 2010
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob and Edie Kane
August 10, 2010
Ash was our buddy here at Villa Marin. Each Friday we looked forward to having lunch with him and Giny. He told us of so many things and we reciprocated as best as we were able. We learned more about Whitman College than we ever thought we could, as well as many other facts and reminiscences of his life and many accomplishments. He set up a meeting for our grandson Michael which resulted in the start of a notable career with Bechtel. This was only one example of his generous spirit and friendship. We loved him and cherish his memory.
Keith Thomson
August 9, 2010
Ash: You were a great mentor and a dear friend. By your presence you left this world a better place. Thank you. With love to you as you continue your journey, and to your family.
Molly Mullin
August 9, 2010
I am so very sorry for your loss. What a life though and what a wonderful family. Wishing you all love and peace.
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