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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
ASHTON, Frederick Keith - It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Fred Ashton of Dartmouth, on May 13, 2021, at the age of 82. Fred passed away peacefully at the Dartmouth General Hospital, with his beloved wife and daughter Michele by his side. He was born in 1939 in Ottawa, Ontario to the late Edwin Ashton and Inez (Waldenberger) Anderson, and raised in Mission, B.C. where he graduated from Mission City High School and excelled in sports. Fred fell in love with Gloria Jean the first time he saw her at the Flamingo dance hall in Halifax, and married the love of his life on June 30, 1962, enjoying 59 years together.
Fred joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1959 and had a successful 35-year career as a Medic and Physician Assistant. His outstanding leadership and accomplishments in the Canadian Forces Medical Services is extensive. Fred prototyped and served as the first Fleet Support Med “A”, was the first permanent Med “A” with Sea Training Staff, during which he designed and developed a new stretcher for shipboard use to quickly evacuate and transport casualties on board ships. The stretchers, which bear his name, are still used by Royal Canadian Navy and Air Force today. In 1984, he received the Order of Saint-John from the Governor General and shortly after his arrival to Stadacona Hospital in 1989, where he was appointed Hospital Chief, he was presented with the Order of Military Merit by the Governor General at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. In 2012, Canadian Forces Health Centre Ottawa dedicated classrooms in the Ops & Trg Dept as the Ashton Room in recognition of his exemplary professionalism and untiring commitment to the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Forces Medical Services.
Upon retirement in 1993, Fred’s love for travel continued and he and Gloria Jean went on many adventures around the world. Their travels took them to the U.K., Australia, Portugal, Greece, Argentina, Palm Springs, Spain and France. Spain was a favourite destination of theirs where they loved to walk on the boardwalk in Costa del Sol. When Fred wasn’t travelling, he enjoyed watching various sports and was an avid Blue Jays Fan.
Fred is survived and will be dearly missed by his wife Gloria Jean (Mason); daughters Michele O’Donnell of Dartmouth, Marlene (Brett) Teigland of Kelowna, BC and Rhonda (Jonathan) Warren of Calgary, AB; grandchildren Jimmy and Graham O’Donnell, Brandon and Laura Teigland, Ashton and Sophia Warren, and great grandchild Olivia O’Donnell; siblings Darlene Wagner, Dorene (Cliff) Guiltner, Donna (John) Clements, Larry (Carol) Waldenberger, Debbie (Steve) Kadrowsky; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brother Derrald Waldenberger. Cremation has taken place. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial service will be livestreamed Thursday June 3rd at 2 p.m. A celebration of life reception for friends and family will be held when covid restrictions allow . In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Arthritis Society.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the medical staff at the Dartmouth General for their compassionate care.
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