David Alexander Ashby

A photo of David Alexander Ashby

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Tuesday September 16, 2025 at 11:00 am
Reception at the Blenheim Legion
following the service

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Monday September 15, 2025
2:00 - 4:00 pm and 6:00 - 8:00 pm

With a wonderful and loving family by his side, David Alexander Ashby passed away peacefully on Thursday September 11, 2025.   

David’s life began on January 13, 1950 when he was born to parents Percy and Mable (Holmes) Ashby.  He was the baby brother to Brenda and the late Eldon Dent, Barbara and Wayne Richmond.  He was predeceased by Fran and George Felder, Louise and Bill Johnston, Mary Lou and Fred McEachran, and Donna Marie Meyers, James Barnes, Joseph Meyers.  He was a brother-in-law to Rick Verburg (Annie). Dave will be remembered by extended family and friends whom he loved.

David’s life was filled to the brim with blessings, with a family that included his beloved wife, Maria (Verburg) who he spent a full 47 years with.  Much joy was added when he became a father to Jason, Scott and Rachel, Rob, Crystal and Iain Scade and proud Papa to Ethan and Daniel Ashby and Ainsley, Logan and Emerson Scade and an honorary daughter Beth Schieman-Doherty.  Papa David was patiently awaiting the arrival of his sixth grandchild.   

Aside from his family Dave enjoyed harness racing at the track, playing cards, classic car’s, cooking and family BBQ’s.  He loved baseball and spent time coaching kids in the sport.  In his spare time he enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino and was a fan of Giant Tiger shopping adventures.  He also appreciated nature and fishing, camping and would pause by a good campfire.

Dave was a hard worker and began his career working for Fred McEachran learning the skill and art of autobody work.  He eventually went to Fanshawe College to become licensed and ultimately opened his own autobody repair shop at his home.  He also spent time working for the school board as a custodian. 

There will be a great void in David’s family and community but there are many wonderful memories to look back on. 

David Ashby’s life will be celebrated.  Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday September 15, 2025 at 2-4pm and 6-8pm.   A funeral will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday September 16 beginning at 11 am, with a reception at the Blenheim Legion afterwards. 

You are welcome to honor David with a donation to either the

Heart and Stroke https://www.heartandstroke.ca/donations

Lung Health Foundation https://lunghealth.ca/supporting-canadians-living-with-copd/

 

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Condolences

  • I wish to offer Maria and family my sincere condolance for their loss, I have always known Dave as kind, fair and a great family man, he will be missed by many. RIP my friend.
  • Today , with sadness , we will try to sum up in just a few words all that David and Maria and their family have been to both of us.
    David was more than an Uncle (1 year and 9 months older) to Michael.
    This fact was most demonstrated to me when we married 51 years ago, when he stood beside Mike as our " Best Man" .
    And to have David do this role was Mike's first and final choice .
    And as he was chosen that day to be his ' Best Man' , he will always be that to him, ongoing and beyond .
    But that is also because of David's lifelong kindness, love and care, along with Maria and their family, towards both of us.
    Nothing was a better day for Mike then when he spent it with David or got a call from him and they laughed or talked together just about anything which mostly included cars , family and life with all its craziness and absurdities .
    We both just enjoyed being with them. Relaxed and welcome in their family's company .
    The guys both shared a love of cooking for their wives , kids and grandkids especially on the barbecue grill.
    David was the ' best lawn chair ' host anyone could imagine. His humour was always as generous as the portions he made sure that we all enjoyed at his outdoor 'food fest' gatherings at the trailer or their home..
    And today what makes this time with his family and friends still so special is that the people honoring him today genuinely loved this ' Best Man' too.

    Perhaps even , unthinkably ... more than even us .

    Praying for all of you who loved him, as you meet together today as David's family and friends , to honor his life .....and also to share with each other, perhaps, those personal thoughts and memories of him, that he has left behind for so many to give them comfort, at this difficult time of loss that we are all feeling .

    Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy , We will miss you David and your Huge and Caring Heart,

    Mike and Mary Lee Felder
    .
  • Rest in peace
  • My condolences to Dave`s family and friends on his passing. Rest Easy Dave...
  • I will always remember what fun it was to play baseball with Mr. Ashby as our coach. His kind, gentle demeanour and no pressure attitude made for many great memories and I will always think the world of him for that
  • To Maria, Jason and families, our deepest condolences. May he rest in peace.
  • Dear Aunt Maria & Family,

    I’m really sorry for your loss. I’ve been thinking of you all during this difficult time and hoping all your wonderful memories — the laughter, the love, moments you shared — bring you comfort, peace and strength in the days ahead. Please know I am sending lots of love and hugs your way. 

    With deepest sympathy,
    Ashley & Aaron
  • My condolences to the entire family. Dave was such a great guy and a huge impact in a positive way to me when he was my coach. Playing baseball under his leadership and the boys are still some of my fondest memories!

    You’ll truly be missed Dave by the whole community
  • My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. Cherish all the love and wonderful memories of Dave and keep them close to your hearts forever. Let them comfort and give you strength during the difficult days ahead. Dave had a loving heart and a gentle soul. I will always remember his happy smile, laughter and all the "fun times" that Bruce and I had over many years with the Ashby family-with gatherings-parties.
    Dave will be greatly missed by many and loved by all that knew him well.
    RIP my friend; Terry Stone
  • “My deepest condolences, may you look back on the precious memories and find peace in knowing that your father raised an amazing family.”
  • Sincere condolences to all of Dave’s family. May all your favourite stories and memories help sustain you through this time.
    Eileen Lindsay
  • hinking of your family with deepest sympathy. May you find peace , comfort and strength in the love of those around you as you remember and honour Dave.
    With Love,
    Ken and Catherine
  • Thinking of your family with deepest sympathy. May you find peace , comfort and strength in the love of those around you as you remember and honour Dave.
  • Sending condolences and thoughts to your family - you will have many great memories to look back on as you navigate through this difficult time.
  • Very sad for the passing of a great man I’ve known the vast majority of my life. Dave and Maria always made me feel at home when I visited their house.
    We will all remember his laugh and sense of humour.
    My utmost condolences to Maria, Jason, Scott, Rob, Crystal and all the grandkids.
  • To Maria And Family My Condolence to you and Your Family My Prayer and Thought are with you

    I Had the Honor of meeting Dave while Bowling in Ridgetown (The Out Of Towner) It was always A good Light Of Fun and Laughter On Sunday Night
  • Maria, Crystal and family,
    So very sorry to hear of your devastating loss!
    Sending our deepest sympathies and know that you will always carry him in your hearts.
    Hug to Emerson from Corban!
  • Sympathy to Maria ,Crystal and families
    Hugs ❤️
  • My heart is with Marie and her family for their loss. I believe he's at peace and watching over you all!
  • Our sincere condolence to you and your family Maria. I was very shocked and saddened to read the loss of your husband David. Hoping you all find your strength in all your family memories. Rest in Peace David Ashby