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Prescott Ashe Obituary
April 9, 1967 - July 23, 2020
Prescott H. Ashe passed away peacefully on July 23, 2020 at the Ashe/O'Day family summer home in Redway, Humboldt County, in the company of his beloved fiancée Shabnam Bhaskaran.
He was born in San Francisco on April 9, 1967. Growing up in Marin County, Prescott alternated between life in Sausalito and summers and holidays with his Hansen grandparents in Humboldt County. He attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel School (Mill Valley) and Tamalpais High School (Mill Valley), succeeded by UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and earned the title of Valedictorian. He was also president of the business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi. He received his law degree from Stanford University Law School.
Prescott's talents for business and finance thrived while with Bain Capital in Boston, after which he co-founded Golden Gate Capital in 2000 in San Francisco, and was associated with the firm for close to twenty years. Other ventures included CEO of Angel Island Capital Services. Colleagues respected not only his professional skills, but also his generous mentorship of younger associates. Amongst many interests were his love of food and wine leading to investment and ownership in many restaurants and wineries, including Nick's Cove; Sea Smoke Vineyards in Santa Rita Hills AVA, Luna Vineyards in Napa, and most notably to the establishment of Ashe Vineyards in Oakville.
Prescott is survived by a loving and close-knit family including his 2 sons; mother Wanda Hansen Ashe; fiancée Shabnam Bhaskaran; sister Elaina, brothers Jay (wife Mary Jo), and Matthew (wife Silvia) Ashe; uncle Pat O'Day; Aunts Mary Rita Ashe and Terry Ashe-Croft; nieces Kendall, Dominique, and Artemisia Ashe, and Andee Solis; Cousins Lois Ladas; Sean, Shannon and Dana O'Day; and Ian, Geoffrey, Douglas, Matthew and Grace Croft. Prescott's father Matthew D. Ashe and aunt Dianne O'Day, and cousin Megan O'Day predeceased him.
He also had dedicated and cherished colleagues and long time friends he loved like family.
A lover of life, and family with a peerless sense of adventure, who spread joy to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed always.
Contributions in Prescott's memory may be made to: The Sausalito Woman's Club Scholarship Fund
120 Central Avenue, Sausalito Ca. 94965
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Prescott Ashe
Ron Dawson
September 22, 2024
I don´t think I have talked or seen Prescott since the 30+ years he graduated. Nonetheless, my interactions with him are some of the most memorable from my time at Cal and Delta Sigma Pi.
I remember I used to think he had to be an android because there was no way in the world anyone could party the way he did and still get the kinds of grades that he got. He was the smartest dude I knew. On top of that, he was also athletic.
Yet, with all of his charm, physique, and smarts, he was a totally down earth and a cool dude. I remember him letting me drive his new stick shift and how patient he was with me trying to get up a San Francisco Hill.
But my fondest memory of him was actually a hard truth he shared with me. When he was president of the fraternity, he shared with me in a very diplomatic and compassionate way that many members of the chapter thought I talked too much. This is something that showed up later when I was diagnosed with ADHD and I learned that I tend to be one to dominate conversations. I remember him being so respectful and even loving. You could tell he was trying to teach me something about restraint and professionalism.
I only found out about his passing because I was watching a TV show and they mentioned Bain, and I thought to myself "Oh, Prescott used to work at Bain. I wonder what he´s up to?" I´m heartbroken that I´m finding out so many years after. Nonetheless, it´s never too late to share a loving memory.
I can only imagine the many, many lives and people you have touched over the years, my friend.
Erin Lee
June 21, 2022
I´m shocked to learn of Prescotts passing. I haven´t seen him since somewhere in the early 1990s. I remember him most as being really smart. He really could do anything.....all at once. I´m not surprised to read about his successes. I told my husband today he celebrated life: often. When we were young, at least. He never had to study. He was always smiling. He was funny, crazy and kind. I´m so sorry to read this. I wish all your family my sincere hope, you can smile when you remember him:). It takes awhile to get to this point in grief. I know. Best to all.
Ashley M
April 23, 2022
You came across my mind today, and I´m so saddened to hear this news. Sending my condolences
Linda Olson
October 15, 2021
Prescott was a client of mine. I considered him a kind, diplomatic, engaged and loving person. May he experience in the future, Life Without End at Last. In the perfect sense of the word. My condolences to his beloved Shabnam, children and other family, friends and acquaintances.
Sincerely
Linda Olson
Michael Hildebrand, Jr.
November 18, 2020
I remember Prescott from my days with Delta Sigma Pi. Always personable. Must have made his family proud. Farewell Brother Ashe.
Anjani Shandil
October 3, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Michael Navone
September 10, 2020
I want to express my sincerest sympathy to the Ashe family. I was friends with Prescott in High School, and have very many fond memories of him.
His life is one worth living, one lived well. A man of honor and dignity. We can never forget such a wonderful person, and we know that we should be happy for all the good times we shared with Prescott.
A great person has left us and although he is no longer with us, we keep his memory in our hearts.
Regardless of his young age he showed us that he was a very dedicated person who had achieved their goals in life and always had some others in mind. His departure is a great lost. Rest in Peace my friend.
Jose McNeill
September 8, 2020
I had the pleasure of meeting Prescott through mutual friends. Unassuming, casual but wicked smart. I enjoyed the time we were able to spend together and was shocked by his sudden passing. My heart breaks for his children and his extended family. To his friends there are many memories and stories to be told for years ahead. Farewell and be at peace.
Cathy Boggs
September 1, 2020
It’s a heartbreak to hear of Prescott’s passing. I remember when Prescott pledged Delta Sigma Pi soon after reactivation. His smile was truly contagious, enthusiasm infectious, he was sharp as a tack and a delight to be around. Even then, everyone in Delta Sig knew the success Prescott would be in life. Nick’s Cove is our favorite weekend getaway - brings a smile to my face to think Prescott was involved in it (six degrees of separation). Rest in peace Brother Prescott.
Chris Tsakalakis
August 27, 2020
I only heard of Prescott's passing today. My deepest sympathies go to all of Prescott's family and friends. I am so very sorry for your loss.
I first met Prescott in 1991 when we were housemates in Boston. He was working for Bain Capital and I was at Bain & Company. From the very beginning, Prescott struck me as someone who was incredibly smart and driven. The thing I remember most about that time was that I never saw him. He was always working.
When I moved to San Francisco in 1996, Prescott welcomed me with open arms and was always a generous friend. Before I had a place of my own, Prescott and Boo let me house sit their place in Portrero Hill over a long weekend. Prescott took me on my first Tahoe skiing trip. And he took me to an AFC Championship Game in Oakland and courtside seats to watch the Warriors play at Oracle Arena. He and Boo had us on their boat for the Fourth of July one year. When I asked, Prescott generously donated to the American Heart Association. He also introduced me to a company called StubHub where I would go on to work years later. I am so grateful for his friendship and generosity.
Prescott had a way of cherishing every moment. As luck would have it, Boo and my wife, Kath, were pregnant with our first children at about the same time. The four of us saw a New Year's Eve show from an unknown comic called Zach Galifianakis just a few weeks before our sons were born. Max and Matthew would go on to attend the same kindergarten class, but when they were still small I remember Prescott encouraging us to take lots of pictures "because they would never be that small again."
Of course, he was right about that as he was about so many things. I will miss Prescott's infectious smile and his heartfelt laugh. May his memory be eternal.
Davis Woo
August 26, 2020
I was sadden to hear the news.
I offer my sincerest condolences to his family. Being a widower of 2 young twins myself, my heart goes out to his 2 young children.
I was the co-founder of the reactivated Delta Sigma Pi Berkeley chapter. The old guards were so proud to vote in new leaders like Prescott. He was a winner from beginning to end.
During my 30 years overseas, I did not keep in touch with him, but was so impressed to hear about his amazing achievements when I came back and talked to a mutual friend, brother Darrin. However, there were distinct moments of our purposeful interactions: 1) on a walk through campus, he sought my insights on the world beyond uni - he was a focused seeker; 2) brother Jim and I visited him in the hospital after his car accident (we bought cookies for him, and he showed us the metal spike through his leg); 3) he and brother Dave stayed at my place in Tahoe and we skied (2 visits I think); 4) he came to my going away dinner in the late ’80s (he was the biggest fan of the briefcase load of Muscat dessert wine I got from Napa).
Those were the moments from which I most remembered him, memories permanently etched in my mind; simple, yet precious and telling. The many party interactions were more of a haze for obvious reasons.
The passing of Prescott is a lost for the world. The legacy of his high achievements coupled with his decency will continue to have far reaching ripple effects in so many circles that he has touched. I hope the knowledge of that can offer a little more comfort to his family, as well as become another source of pride for his kids, knowing that his dad made meaningful impacts in so many avenues and periods of his life. I am so proud to have known him. R.I.P.
Davis Woo
Friend and fraternity brother
Alan Low
August 13, 2020
I have known Prescott for more than 20 years as a friend, he was a fun and a genuine human being that I looked forward to seeing every time he came to NYC. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
The Brothers of the International Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi
August 12, 2020
Prescott was our Brother! He was initiated into Rho Chapter at UC-Berkeley where he served as President. He was named the 1990 Collegian of the Year, the highest honor bestowed upon a collegiate member, and he served on the Board of Directors for two years. He was a man of great intellect, integrity, and talent. Rest In Peace, Brother Prescott! The world is better because you dwell upon it!!
David Mitchel
August 11, 2020
Many years ago I hosted a trip to Tuscany for Prescott, his friends, and family. He was such an incredibly nice man. He always made me feel so important. I am sad to hear of his passing. He will be missed.
Jessika Adams
August 8, 2020
Love to the family. So sad to hear of Prescott’s passing. I havent seen Prescott since high school- but fond memories of a nice human- Wanda so sorry for your loss. Love to all of the family.
Jane McNeil
August 8, 2020
Prescott was brilliant, and warm a loving father. He will be sadly missed bY everyone he touched. We share tears with the family. Jane McNeil
Tommy Demaras
August 8, 2020
To Prescott’s family, I just read the devastating news on line by chance. My deepest condolences. Prescott was a friend and a business partner to me. He made smile every time I spoke to him. He always “thanked me” for including him in minuscule business opportunities I would come up with. I really learned from him on that. I wondered why would this very successful man be constantly thanking me for bringing small business opportunities his way that in essence if he funded would primarily benefit me and not mean much if anything to him. He would ask me to bring him opportunities to invest in. He told me he was in the finance sector for so long that he really enjoyed the “personal relationship” with me, that I made him laugh. I’m really upset right now that we lost this man who taught me and others how to smile and be kind to others. I really mean that. He invited me to his home in Miami as a guest to go to the Art show which I found magnificent. Prescott was generous with me, not referring to financially, I’m referring to his heart and laughter he shared. He always took my phone call or returned my text. I was fortunate enough to meet his mom at Maiella and his brother in Miami when I stayed there, beautiful charming people. I stay in touch with Doug here in NJ and meet up for a cocktail once in a while.
To say I’m at a loss right now is an understatement.
Truly saddened,
Please accept my sincerest condolences,
The world lost a great guy.
Tommy Demaras
Reed Solomon
August 8, 2020
Prescott was a larger-than-life man who lived in a lavish world of his own creation, but many times over made the effort to be inclusive and generous. His legacy will live on as a truly aspirational figure and a quintessentially Californian man.
Arlene Guerrero
August 7, 2020
Prescott and I went to Berkeley together. He was always so cheerful and full of spirit. We had a Finance class where he would just sit there, listening intently. I always sat in awe how he could remember everything about the class without taking notes, ace the test with little effort, and go grab a beer later. I belonged to Delta Sig where he was President and an active member. His dedication and contributions to the organization appeared so effortless. How he was able to juggle that, a relationship, work and school was pretty amazing to watch. He was a great colleague, friend and inspiration. One of those people who created a great impact in your life without really knowing it, just for being around you—laughing, joking, drinking and partying. Condolences to the family. I am honored to have known him.
Hideo Kurashima
August 7, 2020
Prescott was president of Delta Sigma Pi in 1988 when I was a foreign student from Japan to UC Berkeley. He generously accepted me to Delta Sigma Pi and kindly taught me "American culture"...how to enjoy party (he told me so). He visited Tokyo several times for his business and we shared fun time. He was the smartest and toughest guy I have ever met in my life.
I am feeling deep sorrow and never forget good memories with him.
Elizabeth McGlinn
August 7, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Maribel Rivera-Phillips
August 6, 2020
My deepest sympathy
Laura Kent
August 6, 2020
I always had so much admiration and love for Pres. He was my dear friends "little brother" who eventually became a very successful client of mine. I adored Prescott and loved working with him over the years. He was incredibly loyal and a dear friend to all that knew him. He will be missed by all who knew him. A very special person
Cynthia Turnbow
August 6, 2020
Prescott was incredibly generous with his time and care for those blessed to work with him.
Anjan Mitra
August 6, 2020
Prescott was a fun and generous human being. We took a wonderful trip to India. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Leili Ghazi
August 6, 2020
I am so incredibly heartbroken by this news. Prescott and I went to Tam and Cal together and he will be missed. 2 of my fondest memories involve Prescott - one was mock UN in high school - we got to spend 2 nights in Berkeley as a group at the Pink Flamingo Hotel on University Ave. Prescott was always the ring leader as well as the smartest. the second one was a group ski trip to Steamboat while we were at Cal. It didn't matter how much time passed between visits, he was always authentic and always happy to catch up. I think the last time I saw him was at our most recent high school reunion - we all got to enjoy his fantastic wine and I had the opportunity to meet Shabnam who he was so smitten with. It was wonderful to see him that happy. He will be missed. My deepest condolences to the family.
Ljupco N. Fidanovski
August 6, 2020
Deepest condolences and may he Rest In Peace. We were briefly classmates at Cal and fellow Delta Sig fraternity mates.
His charisma, intelligence, and leadership left an indelible mark on all of us.
Jenn N.
August 6, 2020
Prescott was our energizer bunny! He had a memory like no other, recalling numbers and figures down to the hundredth decimal, months after looking at it. He had a distinct and infectious belly laugh. He loved the beach, but never sunbathed and always over did the sunscreen :) He loved his nonfat lattes/no foam and always cited "it has 13g of protein!" to justify working through lunch and skipping a proper meal. You always had to watched your language around him--he was a stickler for "no cursing" (Amen to that!). Prescott, you are so missed. Thank you for being such a great boss, mentor, friend and...family. Happy reunion with Papa Grande
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