ASHLEY, IVAN

It is with great sadness that the family of Ivan Wesley Ashley announces his passing on August 12, 2018 at Palliative Care Unit of the Community Hospital, O’Leary at the age of 78 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Dorothy (nee Butler); his brother Lowden (Norma); his children Ruth Giffin (Bob), Mark Ashley (Janine Gallant) and Peter Ashley (Lori); his step-children, Larry Adams (Debbie), Joey Adams, Lori Adams (Dave Gallant) and Mark Adams; his grandchildren, Taylor and Weslee Giffin, Emma and Bethany Ashley, Jacklyn Woodland, Jennifer Clements, Whitney, Charlie and Junior Adams; his great-grandchildren, Celeste, Isaac and Hazel Woodland; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. He was predeceased by his sister Norma Locke (John) and his foster brother David Sudsbury (Mary). Ivan was born August 29, 1939, in Cascumpec, to the late John and Ruth Ashley (nee Hierlihy). In his youth, he discovered a talent for playing musical instruments and was a gifted athlete, representing PEI at the Canadian Track and Field Championships. Later in life, he discovered a passion for writing, creating close to 200 original songs and a series of books, as well as proudly earning his high school diploma at the age of 72. No matter where life took him, Ivan always remained a farm boy at heart, remembering his beloved “Red Island Clay” in the title of a song, a collection of short stories, his first novel and a stage play. Ivan enjoyed music and sports, gardening, chatting with friends and family, and combing the island’s beaches with his wife, Dot, to search for seaglass. Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Alberton Baptist Church, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, August 15. A funeral service in memory of Ivan will be held on Thursday August 16, 2018 at 11 a.m.at the Alberton Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Elmsdale United Church Cemetery. Memorial donations to the Palliative Care Unit of the O’Leary Community Hospital would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements are entrusted to the West Prince Funeral Home.