David Michael Ashwell (27 Apr 1940 - 10 Oct 2016)

I was lucky to meet David being the partner of Caroline his and Maureen granddaughter.
He was an amazing man someone that I will never forget. A slip with Caroline got between me ever seeing David again but I am sorry for his loss. A true hero and a true gentleman

Hard but fair, my first chief stoker, god bless grumpy.
Leo

David is my grandad I’m Paul eldest son from his first marriage. Never got to meet my grandad due to Paul and my mum splitting up when I was 18 months old so never had to chance to see or meet any of my family so reading ‘this is amazing to read about his brief history in the Royal Navy

Dave it was a pleasure to of served as a JMEM (M) in your Department on board my first ship the Apollo. I would of liked to of had the opportunity to meet up with you again for a beer just to say thank you for all the wise words which I took all through my career with the Navy especially the one about never point at the Chief Stoker unless you wanted your fingers dislocated. You were always impeccably turned out in rig and your hand written Chief Stoker temporary memorandums were a thing of beauty. Just to let you know, I completed my time and left as a Chief Tiff.
RIP CMEM(M) Ashwell BEM.

Dave was a truly lovely guy - sincere condolences to his family - he will be sadly missed.

Jo (NCS)

David was a lovely guy and a true gentleman. Sincere condolesances to his family

In fond memory of Dave who liked to keep us all shipshape at the garage he will be missed by us all

Kevin, Andy, Danny & Antony (The Boys at Riverside Garage)

A lovely man who will be missed by all that knew him

A lovely man who will be missed by all that knew him

A lovely man who will be missed by all that knew him

A lovely man who will be missed by everyone that knew him

We will miss Dave very much, what a very sad loss. From all the staff at The Daisy Chain

We will all miss Dave so much, what a sad loss. Thinking of all his family at this sad time .From all the staff at the Daisy chain.

Thank you David for being such a good and helpful friend and all the work you did for me such a short time ago. You will be so sadly missed.

David

Although we did not see much of you other than at family occasions, I
remember vividly the football matches where we cheered our grandson Luke's
team on.  One time I remember was when one of the matches was held in a field at the bottom of a steep bank and when the match finished I found I could not climb the bank, due mainly to the fact that I was on crutches, and who came to my help?  Yes, it was you David, you pulled me up the bank to the very top.  You was always someone we could rely upon, always there with a helping hand.

When you retired from the Royal Navy you included us in your celebration
which we enjoyed very much.

You will be sadly missed. You were a true gentleman whose company we
thoroughly enjoyed.

Rest in Peace.

Peter & Betty Goee

Dear Gramps

I never thought I would be writing to you in this way, because to me you were invincible, like Superman. I'm sorry that I never said I love you as much as I should have, but I hope you know that I do. We've had your medals put in a nice frame, with your name and two pictures we felt represent you above them, and nan is going to hang the frame up in the hallway so whenever anyone walks in it's the first thing they see.

Thank you for looking after each and everyone of us, there was no task too big or too small no matter who it was.

Thank you for all the times you stood on the sidelines whilst I was playing football, cheering me on come rain, snow, sleet or shine, it was really appreciated, even when you did go to kick the ball, hit an air shot and slipped over.

I will never forget all all the tasty trifles you made at Christmas!

You'll be glad to know that the family is spending a lot of time together and you don't have to worry about nan, I can assure you she is being looked after and is in very good hands.

It has been a true honour to be your grandson. I wont say goodbye, because some day, somehow, we will see each other again and we will talk about all the things that happen from here on out. We will have many stories to share and we can say all the things we never said before, maybe you can tell me some stories of those legendary years in the navy.

So until then, I will just say goodnight, I love you Gramps.

Lukey xx

Dave,

So sorry to hear you have crossed the bar mate, you were a big influence on my early naval career and one of the reason I went for my promotion to Leading Seaman, and although we haven't seen or talked in ages I still have fond memory's of the few years we did spend in each others company. Even the run ashore in Singapore in 79.

Calm seas and fair winds shipmate.

Dear Dave,

The time has come to say "Goodbye"

You took on a ready made family treating my mother like a princess (I know she never went without!) and guiding and coaching, my younger brother and sister through the difficulties of adolescence.

Not an easy task and even though it had its ups and downs; you steered the ship in the right direction always ready to give a helping hand at that time of need or give that bit of advice even when we didn't think we needed it, which with hindsight was just what we did need and made you person we all looked up to.

I remember when I was in the Military Police and on a posting to Minden West Germany living with my family in married quarters. You took time out to bring mother to visit us and we had a great time exploring the surrounding area. we visited the barracks and you told the army in no certain terms what they were doing wrong over a few wets in the mess. yes those were good times.

Even when I broke my leg in a motorbike accident after I left the army you helped me paint concrete gnomes to help pass the time. And yes everyone David enjoyed it so much he carried on painting gnomes, and you will find in every corner of the garden a painted figure. which even now puts a smile on my face because it always had to look just so.

A lot of water has gone under the bridge since those times, but was has been constant is your commitment to making sure mother was secure and very happy and for that I am eternally grateful.

You brought mother and the family to Wales to my wedding with Sian in 2015 and we were honoured when you said that you would witness our wedding honestly I dont know of anybody who had neater handwriting and it made the day perfect.

You can rest assured that we will all do our very best to fill your shoes keeping mum safe and happy but I can tell you david they are very big shoes to fill and you will be missed for a very long time indeed by many many people.

I will miss you ... I will miss you David for just being you Goodbye "Chief"

Rest now in Peace