Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133
135B Orr Street, Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
It is with heavy hearts the family of Donald “Don’ Ashfield announce his passing at the Northumberland Hills Hospital on August 15, 2024 at the age of 85 after a brief illness. Don shared a wonderful 59-year marriage with his wife Annette (nee Smith) and together they raised their family. He is the loved dad to Dave Ashfield(Kim Hook), Kevin Ashfield(Anne Vavra) and Denise Ashfield(Mike Horsely). Loved grandfather to Tyler Ashfield(Celine Benoit), Michael Ashfield(Nicole), and Kassandra Ashfield (Liam Hadden). Proud great-grandpa to Wesley.
Don was the son to the pre-deceased William and Elsie Mae Ashfield, as well as his brothers Bill and John. He will be greatly missed by his sisters Jessie, Dorothy, Elsie and Nancy(Roger Friend). Don was a man who loved his family, and his presence will be missed greatly by his nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Don was born in Derby, England. At the age of 16 his father William gave him the option of where in the military he wished to join. It was at this time he joined the Royal Navy. Don, as a young man wouldn’t know until later in life what an incredible life this was going to lead to. In 1963 while his ship was in Canada, a young lady decided that she was going to take a tour of this ship. Don of course, obliged and not long after he ended up marrying this lady. Annette and Don decided that they would start their life together as a newly wed couple in England. Soon after leaving the Navy he became a police officer with the Derbyshire Constabulary for which he was very proud to serve his home and community. It was here that they started their family. In 1977 the Ashfield family decided that it was time to move to Canada where they would start a new life in Annette’s home country. Once settling Don shifted his career into Ontario Housing and took great pride in the work he did. After many years of dedicating himself to his career and family, Don had the opportunity to retire and spend his time with his grandchildren and great-grandchild. He and Annette spent their retired years travelling and enjoying the world. Most notably in 2019 was a 3-week tour of England and Malta. Don got to spend his time sharing his love of his first home with his family.
Don lived his life to the fullest and leaves behind an incredible family who he was immensely proud of. He is going to be deeply missed by so many. As per Don’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place on Sept 22nd at the Royal Canadian Legion branch 133, 135b Orr St, Cobourg from 1pm to 5pm. The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff at the Northumberland Hills Hospital for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Don may be made to Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre or to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133 Poppy Fund, Cobourg.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Breast Cancer Society of Canada
Wishing you every comfort as you grieve this heartbreaking loss, and remember Don’s beautiful legacy. Our sincere condolences.
Sending our deepest condolences from the Boyle family. We are thinking of you in this difficult time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Royal Canadian Legion Br. 133 Poppy Fund
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Royal Canadian Legion Br. 133 Poppy Fund
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Royal Canadian Legion Br. 133 Poppy Fund
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Royal Canadian Legion Br. 133 Poppy Fund
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Royal Canadian Legion Br. 133 Poppy Fund
Our most sincere condolences Anne, Kevin and your entire family! We are thinking of you and your family!
Dave, on behalf of myself, my son Ethan, we want to wish our condolences to you and your family. Our prayers are with you. Keep smiling my friend Mike Duggan
I would like to send my condolences to the Ashfield families. I always enjoyed seeing Don at the legion, and he donated many hours to the Cobourg Legion and always had a smile on his face. May he rest in Peace.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Royal Canadian Legion Br. 133 Poppy Fund
I first met Don and Annette in the mid 60's when he joined me serving as a Constable in the Derby Borough Police force. I was his tutor for some of his probation and he quickly showed himself to be a very pleasant, intelligent and hard working young man. We quickly became friends both on and off the job with our respective wives and children joining in. They were good times and despite the years and the distance between us, we have kept in touch. A sad loss to us all.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Annette and Family... our deepest condolences at this sad time. We hope, in time, only the best memories of Don shine through and make you smile. Hugs to all. Ellen & Barrie
Annette and family, So very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I will certainly miss his presence at Legion events as well as his huge ear to ear grin! Best smile ever!
Annette and family, My deepest sympathies to you all during this time. May you all be comforted by the everlasting love and memories of Don.
We are so sorry to learn of Don’s passing. He had a very interesting and full life. It was always a pleasure to see Annette and Don. Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult Andy and Barb
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Our condolences to you Annette & your family on the passing of our dear Don. He was always a very joyful man . I especially loved teasing him. May he Rest in Peace in eternal love.'
Annette and family_please accept my condolences with Don’s passing. I enjoyed our chats on books and stuff. Don was well liked . Rest in peace !
Annette and family, my sincerest condolences. Don, an exemplary gentleman. Leo
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Dear Annette and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Don was so welcoming, and helpful and interested in others, He had a wonderful sense of humour, a ready smile, and a good heart. He will be missed and I know that the memories and the stories you tell of him will help you through the days ahead. As my mum says, "He will always be with you." you are in our thoughts.
Annette I am so sorry to hear about Don passing. I will miss him. He was a comedian for sure. Such a terrible loss. Please accept my deepest condolences.
I'm so sorry Annette and family for the loss of a truly great man and a very loved special friend.
Thinking of all of the Canadian arm of our family at this very sad time and sending lots of love to you all. Uncle D. you will be greatly missed by all of your family in the UK, so thankful that we got to see you this year, albeit in tragic circumstances. R.I.P. Uncle Donald ? xxxxxx
We are deeply saddened to learn of Don's passing. We are truly appreciative of all of Don's warmth and sense of humour as he visited our place of business. Don and Annette's chocolates at Christmas were always devoured with speed. Thank you Don for all you brought to our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Annette and family.
Don & I served in the Derby Borough Police and Derbyshire Constabulary & he was a very good friend and colleague to me. I am saddenned at his passing and send condolances to Annette and his family.
To Annette and family we sincerely offer our condolences to your deep and heavy loss. We did not know Don as long as others but he certainly made a great impression on us.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Royal Canadian Legion Br. 133 Poppy Fund
Annette, Kevin and family. Please accept our sincere condolences on Don’s passing. We are certainly going to miss Dons presence in our branch Saturdays and his sense of humour. RIP Don.
Dear Annette and family, Please accept our sincere condolences in the loss of Don. We enjoyed his quick wit at the Gunner’s monthly lunches and dinners. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jim and Jamie West
Kevin- I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I enjoyed reading about his life and adventures. My condolences to you, Anne and your entire family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Annette and family I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Don was a wonderful man and he will truly be missed. I will forever miss walking into the branch to his smiles and big hugs. Jen Robison and family.
I am so sad to hear of this. The world just lost a wonderful soul. My very sincerest condolences to.Annette kevin and families
Dear Denise and Family, we are so very sorry for your loss. May time heal your hearts.
Dear Ashfield family, From our family to yours, our deepest condolences. Don was a big gent with a big personality, so he is remembered. We wish you peace while you heal, and know that you are on our minds. With love and deep gratitude, Adam, Monica and Madeleine.
Condolences to the Ashfield family, I knew him through his children Denise and Kevin. My thoughts are with you during this time
Annette, Kevin and family, Don was a true Gentleman and he will be missed. Cherish the memories.
Annette, please accept our deepest condolences from Tracey and I. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss Chris & Tracey Barker
To the Ashfield family, please accept our sincere condolences from the staff, officers and cadets of the 116 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Skeena. Fair winds with following seas.
My deepest condolences to the family he will be deeply missed
Annette and family, Please accept my condolences in Don's passing.
Dear Annette, Kevin and family, I was so very saddened to hear the news about Don. I’ll miss his smiling face, our forever bantering and his witty ways. Sending heartfelt condolences to all.
Kevin and family, may I offer you my deepest condolences at the loss of you father. Brian
Kevin and family, please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss, and focus on the loving memories you shared with your father which will continue to bring cherished thoughts for the hard days to come.
With Sincere Sympathy to Annette, Kevin and Family, Sharing in your sorrow with love and friendship. Don was a superb man! We will miss him dearly. Taryn & Bob