Obituary for William B. Ashton 9/27/16

William B. Ashton, was born May 10, 1932 and passed away peacefully at the age of 84, surrounded by his family, the morning of September 22nd, 2016. Bill was raised in Piedmont, CA and returned for his adult life, contributing to the community his entire life. His legacy continues with 9 grandchildren attending Piedmont schools as the 4th generation in Piedmont. Bill graduated from Piedmont High School in 1950 and continued his education at U.C. Berkeley where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1954. Bill was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity at Cal and continued to be active with the fraternity and its management throughout his life. Bill was always a Cal fan and contributed to the University in many ways. Bill married Dorothy Wall at the Piedmont Community Church in 1961. Bill and Dorothy raised 4 boys, 3 of which still live in Piedmont today. Soon after college, Bill went to work for the family’s manufacturers’ representative business for commercial building lighting products. He later took over the business from his father in the early 1970’s. He transitioned that lighting business into the sales, manufacture and installation of various commercial building specialty products. Throughout his career, Bill worked on many of the largest commercial building projects in Northern California and was notably known in the industry. He was recognized for his technical knowledge of highly engineered products and was very accomplished at technical sales, working with architects, engineers and general contractors. Bill was the youngest president of the Illuminating Engineering Society, as well as being honored with many industry awards including numerous top sales producer awards. Bill was also a real estate investor. In addition to Bill’s business endeavors, he was heavily involved in the community. He felt the obligation to give back to the less fortunate and provide guidance and protection to the community youth. He was a director of the Clausen House, home for the mentally disabled. He was also deeply involved with the Boy Scout program for the Piedmont Council where he spent countless hours for decades with the administration and management of the program. He ran the Scout Christmas Tree lot for many years and cofounded the Cub Scout Day Camp in the mid 70’s. He received the District Award of Merit in 1976, Distinguished Scouter award in 1985 and the Silver Beaver award in the mid 80’s, the highest award given to an adult scouter. Bill has 3 sons and 2 grandsons that achieved the Eagle Scout rank. Bill provided volunteer service to his college fraternity, Fiji, as an advisor and president of the alumni management team for many years. Bill was inducted into the Phi Gamma Delta Hall of Fame in 2005 and made a lasting impression on many generations of members.
In his personal life, and with decades of participation from his family, Bill’s favorite pass time was to work on his mountain tree farm on the Silverfork River in the Sierra. He spent his time learning and teaching his family about reforestation and resource development, eventually planting over 50,000 trees. Bill was a good steward of the forest and an advocate for the environment. He leaves behind a healthy forest that will live on for centuries. Bill was a member of the Claremont Country Club Men’s Choir, Piedmont Community Church, a world traveler, an avid golfer, a deep sea fisherman, backpacker, a tour guide and a teacher of skills. Bill inspired his family to achieve their goals without limits, always helping them to get there. Bill was the best husband, father and friend that anyone could ever ask for and will be missed dearly by all. Although Bill struggled with health issues in his later years, he never stopped working and he never complained. Bill and his family take comfort in knowing that this is not the end, but only a transition in life. Bill is survived by his wife, Dorothy W. Ashton, four sons, Roger (Terri), Scott, David (Erin) and Peter (Lisa), nine grandchildren, Gray, Sally, Lloyd, Lauren, Bill, Robert, Katie, Molly and Tommy; two sisters, Margie Ashton Bowman and Barbara Ashton Dunn and many nephews and nieces. Bill is predeceased by his father, William James and mother, Ruth Plumstead Ashton of Piedmont, CA.

Private family services will be held at Oakmont Memorial Park in Lafayette and a public memorial service will be held in the Sanctuary of the Piedmont Community Church on Thursday, October 6th, 2016 at 4 PM. The church is located at 400 Highland Ave. in Piedmont. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family encourages donations to be made in Bill’s name to the Piedmont Council - Boy Scouts of America at piedmontbsa.org.