Edwin R. Astin Jr.

Our resident Englishman will be going home to Accrington, England.

Ray was born to Edwin R. Astin and Lily Dawson Astin on October 25, 1941 in Accrington, Lancs, England. Came to America at the age of ten with his parents and younger brother. Arriving in New York, moving to Mesa, AZ (Sister Merrilyn born), Oakland, CA and settling in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Attended Granite High and the University of Utah. Ray Married Lynda MacKay June 30, 1962. His first employment was at AW Marshall candy company. Then he joined the partnership with Astin-Weight Piano Makers.

In his free time he was Regional Director of the S.C.C.A. (Sports Car Club of America). His sports cars were dear to him which included Alfa Romeo, MG, Triumph, Jaguar, Porsche, Lotus; each one special in their own right. He was a true master of the “Heel and Toe”.

Ray traveled extensively throughout the world with Lynda, not only England but all over Europe, Turkey, Iceland, Mexico, Majorca enjoying fine wines, food and culture.

Practiced for years until they were blessed with their much loved son John Raymond in December of 1983, who they introduced to the world of traveling and Monty Python.

Ray was a critic of the WSJ and the Salt Lake Tribune along with other periodicals with which he disagreed. Writing snarky remarks, circling his endeavors and their grammatical errors. He was a man among men for doing the crossword puzzle everyday in ink.

Devoted Utes fan and to the dismay of his wife a loyal Raiders fan.

Ray was a veracious reader and had an eidetic memory. He was English through and through loving scones, flying his King Georges Flag from his front porch and driving in his much loved orange 1971 Mini Cooper.

Survived by his wife Lynda, son John and wife Mikaela, and two wonderful grandsons Beau and Ruger. Sister Merrilyn and Steve Tarlton, brother Nephi Astin, Cousins living abroad, sister in laws Sondra Lyngle (Steve, deceased) Dorothy Gunnerson ( Gary, deceased) Kathy and Marty Kennedy and many Nieces and Nephews.

Celebration of life date to be announced. Please continue to check this website for up to the date service information.  In the meantime have a pint of Theakston's, and “Always look on the bright side of life.”