Edward Cluff Ashton
July 7, 1942 - December 18, 2014
Edward Cluff Ashton
"Ted"
Edward (Ted) Cluff Ashton was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on July 7, 1942 to Clifford Lindsay and Myriel Cluff Ashton. He attended Dartmouth College, where he graduated with a BA in English in 1964. There he met Katherine (Kathy) Day who was a student in the Mary Hitchcock School of Nursing and whom he married in 1964. Ted returned to Salt Lake and began his career managing a small retail store, but rapidly made his way in the insurance industry, first at Travelers Insurance in Hartford, Connecticut, and eventually becoming a partner at an independent agency, Trustco, Inc., in Salt Lake. Between the time he arrived at Trustco in 1981, earning an MBA along the way from the University of Utah and a brokers license along the way, to the time that he retired as President, he helped build the company into a multi-million dollar business.
Ted spent his off hours hiking, biking, camping with his family, learning to fly, achieving multiple advanced ratings, including [ATP], and becoming a sought-after flight instructor. He lived a life of intellectual curiosity and questioned everything. He was always an avid reader and was interested in a wide range of topics, from economics to literature, from particle physics to probability theory, and from mathematics to Spanish, in which he became fluent.
Kathy and Ted celebrated their 50th anniversary on February 22nd, 2014. Ted is survived by his wife, his daughter Jennifer Ashton and her husband Walter Benn Michaels, his five sisters – Jael Reusch and her husband Greg Reusch, Julie Barrett and her husband William Barrett, Coralie Alder and her husband Bruce Alder, Deborah Ashton, and Anne Lowe and her husband Rich Lowe – his sister-in-law Susan Abbott and her husband Gary Abbott, his surrogate granddaughter Ali Buchei and many beloved nieces and nephews. A celebration of Ted's life will be held at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3561 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, on Monday, December 22 from 6 to 8pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the U of U MS Rehabilitation and Wellness Clinic, c/o Ed Gappmaier, 520 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108.
In Loving Memory
Our condolences to Ted's family. Love, Sara and Troy Malson
Troy Malson
slc, Ut
Kathy & Jennifer, I was shocked to read about Ted passing this AM. Not ready for that. I was talking just last Friday about Ted's Mom & Dad with my brother and now he is gone. I will be there Monday for sure. One of the last of the OLD Gang. Dennis M. Trayner, Sorry
Dennis M. Trayner
Cottonwood Heights, Ut
We send our love and sympathy to Ted's family. His warm smile and friendliness will be remembered always. Love, Karen and Tim Villnave
Karen and Tim Villnave
Salt Lake City, UT
Dear Kathy, Sending caring thoughts to you and yours at this tender time.
Tereann Greenwood
Providence, RI
Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. Over the years we often talked about Ted and his antics and how important he was to you. I hope you are well. My thoughts are with you. Bob Satovick
Robert Satovick
Salt Lake City, Ut
I worked for and along side Ted for fifteen years at Trustco, Inc. He taught me so much and I probably reached a point where I wasnt smart enough to learn as much as he could have taught me. He didnt beleive in talking about business during lunch so we had many philisophical discussions about his latest book, movie, motorcycle trip or airplane flight. I think about the things I learned from Ted every day, especially his attention to detail. We have lost a great one, condonlences to everyone, especially Kathy and Jennifer.
Greg Kingdon
Park City, UT
Kathy and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Ted's passing. I worked with Ted at the Travelers as well as Trustco, Inc. and learned so much from him. He always had time to stop and talk and especially listen. A very special person whom I will never forget. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Love, Christie Schultz
Christie Schultz
Midvale, UT
I was just thinkng of him and shocked when I heard. He was a great man and I am sorry for your loss. Love, Kari Christian
kari christian
sandy, Ut
Kathy, Words cannot express how sad Jim and I were to hear of Ted's passing. While we were unable to attend the services, he was and always will be in our hearts. Time ahead may be difficult for you but always remember Kipling's words: "Love like ours can never die!" Kathy, please let me know if I can do anything for you or your family. Linda
Linda Chandler
Salt Lake City, Ut
Kathy, I always thought so highly of both you and Ted. When I received Gavins call regarding his passing, I was reminded of the times we spent with you, Cherry and Dave. May you find peace in your memories.
Lisa (evertsen) Orgill
Bountiful, Ut
Kathy, You probably don't remember me but I was a flight student of Ted's (and also Bob Mietchen. My wife and I did a couple of social outings with Ted, you & the Mietchen's. I am truly sorry to hear about your loss. Ted was an outstanding person and flight instructor.
Harry Hughes
Thermopolis, WY