Obituary of Fr. Thomas Charles Ashton

ASHTON, Fr. Thomas Charles Born on February 12, 1953 into the devoted arms of his late parents James and Alma (Videan) Ashton and fulfilling his earthly life of dedication, faith, struggle and hope, Father Tom was reunited with God on July 13, 2019. Loving brother to Allan (2019) (Shirley Deslippe 2007) & Aon Ashton, Pembroke, Ontario; Dr. William & Jan Ashton, Brandon, Manitoba; and Lori Ashton, Thailand and Nova Scotia. Uncle of Cassie & Pat (Davies), Jeremy, Amurlee & Matt (Stobbs), Evelyn & Tim (Breen), and Myles & Andrea Ashton. Great Uncle of Allyssa, Sterling, Logan, Violet, Addison & Daxon. He often spoke of them, their adventures, travels and accomplishments, keeping up to date with all of them. Best friend and beloved companion of Mary Mousseau with whom he shared his ministry and service to the people of God and Deaf Ministry in the Diocese of London. Cherished “chosen” family of Renee & Joe Fuerth and their children Allyssa & Vincenzo Liburdi and Henry, Kelsey & Rami Khalaf, Jacob & Jessica, Rebecca & Mitchell, Mya & Ian and Avery; Colin & Claire Mousseau and Cora; Wayne & Donna Mousseau-Pheasant, Cedar, Cadence, Orland and Noah, Cynthia Mousseau-Pheasant and Jake. Fulfilling his lifelong ambition, Fr. Tom was ordained to the priesthood at St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica on April 28th, 1979 and began his faithful service to the Diocese of London and its people. The communities of Blessed Sacrament, Chatham, and Most Precious Blood, Windsor were blessed to have encountered his selfless generosity, gregarious laughter, and infectious enthusiasm, and may have seen him doing home visits on his “Moped”. All the while, Father Tom ministered throughout the Diocese of London as the Chaplain of Deaf Ministry. In 1991, Father Tom began his “Ministry of Hospitality” at St. Christopher’s Church, Windsor. There he would spend 16 years making a significant impact on the people. His “Pucean” Homilies were known far and wide and were fuel for the week. Anyone who had the blessing of knowing him was greeted with a hearty “GOOD MORNING” at any time of day. If he wasn’t in the church preparing for mass or the sacraments, you could find him on his riding lawnmower or in the workshop crafting his next masterpiece. You never quite knew what to expect from Father Tom but you never doubted his willingness to do anything to build up the Kingdom of God. An encounter with Father Tom always left you feeling joyful, inspired, challenged and important in the eyes of Christ. With the closing of St. Christopher’s Church, Fr. Tom moved to lead the faith community of St. Vincent de Paul where he ministered until leaving active ministry and moving to the Fuerth Family Farm, filling his days with love, laughter, sunshine and hammock time. His final move to Sunrise Assisted Living community, brought with it another opportunity for Fr. Tom to share his love of God. He knew everyone by name, celebrated Mass daily, and generally got up to no good on a regular basis. He was grateful for the care he received and thought of it as his home. And as always “Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant." Visitation for Fr. Tom will be at WINDSOR CHAPEL (Central Chapel) 1700 Tecumseh Rd. E. 519-253-7234 on Friday, July 19, 2019 from 2:00 - 5:00pm and 7:00 - 9:00pm. Vigil prayers at 7:30pm. Fr. Tom will Lie In State on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (834 Raymo Rd., Windsor, ON) from 10:00am until the time of the Mass of Resurrection at 11:00am, which will be presided by Bishop Joseph Dabrowski, Auxiliary Bishop of London. Interment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy and in honouring Fr. Tom's life, memorial donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House. Condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com.