Harris "Harry" W. Ash, 80, of Eau Claire passed away Monday, July 19, 2010, at Wissota Health and Regional Vent Center in Chippewa Falls, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Harris William Ash was born on June 18, 1930 to Harris G. Ash and Lois A. (Higley) Ash at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire. He grew up on the east side of Eau Claire, where his grandfather owned and operated a livery stable and stage coach line. He graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1949. While enrolled, he participated in football, basketball, track, lyceum, and intramural volleyball. Harry was married to Jan Dickerson of Eau Claire in June 1948, with whom he had one daughter, Vickey Lee. They soon divorced. Harry joined the Marines on November 25th, 1950, and served with the 2nd Marines Division FMF out of Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. He served as a Sergeant until May of 1952, but remained in the reserves until March of 1958, when he received an honorable discharge. Harry was very proud of his career as a Marine, and proudly displayed his "Semper Fidelis" bumper sticker on his truck, and frequently could be seen wearing his Marine Corps hats and shirts. Harry then met and married the love of his life, Joan I. Hanson. They eloped in Eau Claire at Our Redeemers Lutheran Church on November 24, 1952. They had three children: Debra, Pamela, and William. Harry supported his family by working at Uniroyal of Eau Claire for 38 years, before retiring in January 1991. On his last day of work, the plant announced its closure and he often joked that they could not run the place without him. Harry was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was always taking his family fishing and hunting, and loved teaching them about the great outdoors. He also loved to read poetry and history to his kids, and told stories like only he could. Harry was so proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved when they would visit. He would take them to his sports shrine, where he kept all of his hunting and fishing photos on the walls, along with deer and antelope mounts, and would teach them to use his duck and goose calls. Harry also had many friends that were like family to him, and they and their families would often come up to his cabin in the area of Winter, WI, or at the Brule River where they would all rent a cabin, and go fishing, hunting, or canoeing together. "The more, the merrier," he would always say. Harry loved people, and people loved him. Harry loved to hunt and fish and it was a way of life for him. From hunting for goose in Canada, to antelope in Wyoming, to turkey in South Dakota, to deer here in Wisconsin, and fishing in any lake, pond, river, or stream he came across, he simply loved being outdoors. Even in his final days, he wanted to be outside so he could breathe the fresh air. Harry is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Joan; three daughters, Vickey Muia of South Bend, IN, Debra (Mike) Powell and Pamela (Pete) Celesnik both of Chippewa Falls; son, William (Jodie) Ash of Chattaroy, WA; grandchildren, Christopher (Amie) Powell, Missy (Byron) Reece, Brianna (Ryan) DeVall, and Cody Celesnik, all of Chippewa Falls, along with Aaron Ash and Madeline Ash, of Chattaroy, WA, and Shannon (Dale) Boon, of DeMott, IN; ten great-grandchildren, Audrey and Chloe Powell, Logan and Oliver Reece, Dax, Paris, and Jordan DeVall, Wesley Booth, Bradley and Brian Boon; brother, Donald (Carm) Ash of Fall Creek; three uncles, Charles Higley, Robert Higley, and Ed Barrett, all of Eau Claire; aunt, Beatrice Elletson of Eau Claire; two nephews, Donnie and Darryl Ash. \r\nHe is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ronald; and his granddaughter, Kara Muia. Memorial Services will be held Monday, July 26, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. Internment will be at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services Monday at the church. The family would like to thank all of the hospice workers from Northwest Hospice and Wissota Health and Vent Center Reflections unit for their tender care and support. Also, to Pastor Randy Olson for his support and guidance, and to anyone who brought a little sparkle to the life of a man who brought sunshine to everyone.

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