1920-2012

“The Story Teller”



The Story Teller, A. Dwayne Ashby (The Ancient One or Mr. A), passed away at his home in Bountiful, Utah Saturday afternoon, May 26, 2012. He was 91 years old. Dwayne was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on July 23, 1920. He was the oldest child and only son of Alton D. and Ethel May Bowthorpe Ashby. He had two younger sisters. He attended Highland Park Elementary School, South High School and the University of Utah. Dwayne was a member of the LDS Church. He became active in the Scouting Program as a boy and remained active for over 60 years. Dwayne married Constance (Connie) Griffiths on April 12, 1942. They were married for almost 47 years. He loved her dearly and was devoted to her. They had six children which he loved and they made him very proud. He was employed at the AMOCO oil refinery in Salt Lake City for over 40 years. He retired as a lab technician in 1980. He was a member of the Elks Club (BPOE) since 1955. He was active on the scholarships, sub for Santa, and membership committees. Since his retirement, Dwayne or the Ancient One was active as a Docent or guide at This is the Place State Park and the Heritage Village. He also served as a volunteer for the Utah Historical Museum and on Antelope Island. He spoke at scout meeting, 4th Grade Utah History programs and many other groups about U.S. Western, Utah and LDS Church history. He was known throughout the area as The Story Teller and was very proud to be known so. He always had a story or two to tell anyone. Dwayne or Mr. A was a crossing guard for the Bountiful City Police Department. He safely crossed hundreds of students of Valley View Elementary School for over 20 years, retiring last February due to illness. The children loved to touch his stop sign for good luck and call him Mr. A.

He was survived by a sister, Marjorie (Gordon) Larsen, a sister-in-law, Viola Fulmer, his six children, Penny Ann (Ben) Anjewierden, Robert Dwayne (Julie) Ashby, Douglas Grant (Diane) Ashby, Jackie Lynn Ashby, Corby Jean (John) Olson, and Sherryl (Tim) Walker, 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, one great great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Connie, parents, Alton and Ethel Ashby, sister and her husband, Gwen and Homer Isom, and a great-grandson, Alexander Ashby.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 1, 2012 at 11 a.m. in the Larkin Sunset Gardens Chapel, 10600 South 1950 East, Sandy, with a viewing from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to services. A viewing will also be held Thursday, May 31 from 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City. Interment will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens. Online condolences can be made at www.larkincares.com