This family and the world have lost a most kind hearted, wise, and generous man. Rod was a great husband, father, teacher, coach and friend. He passed away at NVRH May 3, 2015 after a brief illness. Rodney Albert Ash was born Aug. 28, 1934 at home in St. Johnsbury, Vermont to Albert "Bun" Ash and Ruth Noyes Ash. Rod attended the Portland Street School and St. Johnsbury Trade School, graduating in 1954. He excelled at sports, especially in football and baseball. In his younger years he was a member of the neighborhood baseball team call the Mighty Mights. At the Trade School, he was the recipient of the Babe Ruth Sportsmanship award, and was observed by a scout from the Cleveland Indians. He was captain of the football and baseball teams his senior year. Rod entered the US Army, training at Fort Dix, NJ in 1954 as a tank mechanic. He was stationed in Germany through 1956, which allowed him to travel to France and Italy. After his stint in the Army, he married Patricia Kittredge of St. Johnsbury on June 22, 1957. Rod worked for C.H. Goss Company in his early married life and then went on to become a first class lineman for CVPS, retiring in 1994. He had a most exemplary work ethic. He was very active in his children's lives, coaching, attending games and being the greatest dad, grandfather and great grandfather ever. He was a very social and friendly person, had a great sense of humor, and was an avid hunter, fisherman, and woodworker. Rod and Pat traveled many places in the US and Canada, and even went to Mexico. He was an enthusiastic Red Sox fan, mostly watching from the living room, but also traveled to games in Boston on occasion. Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Patricia, his wife of 53 years, and a son Mark R. Ash in 1987, and sisters Alberta Moore, Elva Lewis, and Priscilla Ross. Survivors include his good friend and companion Janice Wakeham of Danville, daughter Karen Cate and husband Chris of Lyman, NH, daughter Wendy Donahue and husband Michael of St. Johnsbury, son Mathew Ash and wife Krista of Waterford; grandchildren Elizabeth Emmons and husband Ryan, Ian Ash and partner Kirsten Goodhue, Aaron Cate, Leah Cate, Julia Ash, Mark Ash; step granddaughter Alyssa McBride; two great grandchildren Hailey and Landen Emmons; brother Melvin Ash and wife Bernice of St. Johnsbury, brother-in-law Gary Kittredge of St. Johnsbury, sister-in-law Joyce Nielsen and husband Robert of Swanton, brother in law Donald Lewis of Littleton, NH; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A brief graveside service will be held at the St. Johnsbury Center Cemetery this Saturday May 9th, at 11 am. Anyone wishing to attend is welcome. A gathering will follow at the Donahue residence. Memorial contributions could be directed to St. Johnsbury Baseball, PO Box 421, St. Johnsbury VT 05819.