We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Edward Lawrence Ashley, CD (Ret’d) suddenly at home in Chilliwack BC on 8 January 2020 at the age of 74 years. Ed joined the Canadian Armed Forces at the age of 16 years served a notable career with the Canadian Military Engineers as a Combat Engineer and in his specialties as both an Airborne Sapper and a Combat Diver. During his career he also deployed to Cyprus on UN peacekeeping duties.

The oldest of 11 children, Ed was born in Driftpile, AB and grew up in Faust AB.  He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1962 with the 11^th Intake of the Sapper Apprentice program. Completion of this training saw him posted to  3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack BC followed by 4 Field Squadron in Germany. He returned to Canada to 1 Field Squadron, Petawawa ON where he was in the “Jump Troop.” He transferred to 1 Airborne Field Squadron in Edmonton AB when it formed in 1968. Ed qualified as a Combat Diver and Combat Diver Supervisor and participated in several Roughish Buoy exercises throughout his career.

Edward was posted to 5^e Escadron du Genie de Canada in Valcartier QC followed by a posting to 3 Field Engineer Regiment in Montreal QC with the Regular Support Staff as the RSS Master Warrant Officer (1985 - 87). He spent the summer of 1986 as Squadron Sergeant Major with the Reserve Engineer Training Squadron at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack. Edward found his way back to Chilliwack on his next posting where he had his final assignments before retiring in 1992.

After retiring, Ed enjoyed a number of years as an elementary school bus driver before he became the Manager of Transportation at School District No.33 (Chilliwack) in 2001. He was a strong member of Legion Branch #280 Vedder Golden. He was active as a volunteer and leader in both his community and with the Canadian Military Engineer Family. He was a member of the Games Board of Directors of the Chilliwack 2003 BC Senior Games. Proud of his First Nations heritage, Edward was active in this area and received the "The Aboriginal War Veterans Millennium Medal" that was presented to him on Remembrance Day 2008 at Sto:Lo Nation (Sardis) in a traditional ceremony.

Ed was a life member of the Retired Sappers (Chilliwack) and, as Chairman 2013, was the Project Manager for the restoration of the former Parade Square Saluting Base to its former status and glory. Ed accepted the Canadian Military Engineers Commendation on behalf of the Retired Sappers Reunion for the successful restoration of this memorial.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday 20 January  2020  2:30 -7:00 PM at the Colonel Roger Kenwood St.John, OMM, CD Armoury building (former I Combat Engineer Headquarters Building) at 5535 Keith Wilson Rd, Vedder Crossing). No flowers please, by request. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences can be sent online. ^{khJan20}