Obituary of Frederick Blair Ashby

Age 81, of Windsor, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, October 19, 2021 in the R.E.A.L. Residence Care Home, Windsor. Born on December 16, 1939 in Carleton Corner, Annapolis Co., he was the son of the late Clarence and Marion (Jackson) Ashby. Blair was a respected businessman. He took over ownership of his Father’s Western Tire store in Windsor. Later he did bookkeeping for J. Reg Smith Ltd., Valley Ford and private individuals. Ford of Canada bestowed upon him the Dealer Accountant’s Honour Roll Achievement in recognition of his outstanding performance. He paid attention to detail in all he did. He was a member of the Windsor Curling Club for 31 years. He enjoyed badminton, hiking, travelling in Nova Scotia, Canada, Florida, Alaska and the Caribbean. As well he enjoyed the simple pleasures of spending time with friends, family, music, cars and nature. He played the organ by ear. The highlight of Blair’s recreational life was 23 years of flying a Cessna airplane out of Cambridge, Greenwood and Stanley airports. Many refer to Blair as a gentleman. He liked everyone no matter their walk in life and he treated all equally. He was very open to sharing that dementia was affecting his life and took all of the changes in stride. Blair is survived by his wife, Dayle Baxter-Ashby; daughter, Jo-Ann (Warren) Hedges; grandchildren, Saylor and Carson; nephew, Mike (Connie) Walker; nieces, Suzanne Walker and Christine (Frank) MacFarlane; brother-in-law, Clyde Walker. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Carolyn Walker. Special thanks to continuing care staff, private caregivers, the local Alzheimer and Caregivers N.S. support groups. Also, special thanks and gratitude to Carrie Dauphinee, owner of R.E.A.L. Residence Care Home, and her staff for their care and support during Blair’s last year of life. Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert Street, Windsor (902-798-8317). A private family graveside service will be held in Maplewood Cemetery, Windsor. Proof of COVID-19 double vaccination and ID must be shown. The family will greet guests Wednesday, October 27 from 1-2:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Proof of COVID-19 double vaccination and ID must be shown at the door and masks required. Family flowers only. Donations in Blair’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, 112-2719 Gladstone St., Halifax, NS B3K 4W6 (902-422-7961) or the Windsor Curling Club, PO Box 501, Windsor, NS B0N 2T0. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca.