Funeral Notices

Condolence Messages

• 

  27/08/2025

  Vince Falco

  Great summary Alex-your dad was so proud of all of his children. First time i met DPA, O Bearded One or occasionally Mr Blue Sky (after Jeff Lynne the Brummy from ELO), was in a Lecture theatre on Induction day at Bournemouth College of Technology at the lansdowne old site. He introduced himself as the Tutor for the A group destined for a European work placement. He then pointed to 3 of us and said 'get those beards off by Monday' . He called me either Mush or the WAP from Wapping; He taught the group Gastronomy and really knew his stuff- Eddy Tong was his Technician and top Demonstrator. So after first term he sent me to London Airport to cook staff meals for British Airways and then to the Baur Au Lac in Zurich in Bar & Restaurant- these were coveted placements i was later to learn. In the 2nd year I was sent to Manny Franks in the West End- a great restaurant entrepreneur- incredible experience.I told him i had to leave college at the end of the 2nd year as i had started a business and he spent a weekend end convincingme to stay and complete giving me fridays off informally to work the business,. He sent me work Placements when I was at the Royal Scot Hotel then asked me to visit him in Plymouth!! I ended up interviewing for his new hotel School yet to be built-7 years on I left Plymouth to run a section Cornwall College; he wasn't happy but gave me an amazing reference.We forged Educational links with Arbois in France; Saarbrucken in Germany etc Dave brought Helen Marshall , Eddy Tong and Me from Bournemouth as his protegees I think, worked us hard but was pleased he had- Helen later became Boss in his place!- So i've know DPA for 52 years as part Mush, Mentor, Employer, Colleague but always a friend- a great man who made me and who i will miss.

• 27/08/2025

  Jacquie Harris

  Mr Ashen to me, but 'Dave' to my late husband, Anthony Harris. We respected his knowledge of our industry, and his guidance. He became a normal person one day in our third year, when his car had broken down, and we were able to offer him a lift home from college in our student banger! A wonderful Course Tutor. Jacquie Harris

• 26/08/2025

  Alex Ashen

  Dad's favourite sayings to me: "Jamais les mains vides" , "Quand c'est noir c'est cuit" and "Never trust small men or cripples" (passed down from his father) Favourite story: Team tackling a very swift public school boy three-quarter (later played for England) who then exclaimed, "Oh sir! They've broken my dose!" Favourite meal ... Bacon and eggs Favourite music...Lark ascending Favourite film ... Blazing Saddles Favourite actor: James Mason Things he never did... visit McDonalds, drink coca cola, wear jeans, vote Labour (or Lib Dem , Green etc...obviously), smoke, drink instant coffee, eat margarine, back down if he thought he was right (which was pretty much most of the time). Dislikes: Anyone, or anything, that was anti - English. Likes: Cats, the works of P.G Wodehouse, Jewish humour, gastronomy, Assiette de fruits de mer, English strawberries, croissants (which are only any good in France) and good coffee. Heroes: Churchill, Queen Elizabeth II, Lady Thatcher, David Duckham, Jackie Mason. Things he changed his mind on - initially disliked... then warmed to The Fonz, Terry Wogan and sliced bread. My father didn't like to see the vulnerable being picked on or bullied. If he had it in his power to defend an underdog, then he would. If it meant blood-shed or later on, risking his career, he would still do it. He supported charities like the retired - Ghurkas and Smile because he felt that both sets of recipients had been unfairly treated. I never saw Dad drunk, and he only swore when something really upset him (the c- word was reserved for Alistair Campbell.) He worshipped cats and his grandchildren; and despite his no-nonsense approach to life, he could be a soft-hearted old buffer. But my father was a strong man with strong convictions - we loved him, admired him and we will miss him enormously. Alex

• 

  25/08/2025

  Josephine Phillips

  David's passing away will leave a large gap in the Ashen Family. As an older cousin he was full of good advice.He was very proud of his grand & great grand children., Sending love to his memory from Jo,Adrian & Family

• 

  24/08/2025

  Phil Hart

  I knew David as a work colleague who became a friend. We shared many thoughts and memories relating to his life and career. In our way, we reflected on past and current issues. In short, I think David's initiatives transformed many young people's lives. My sincere condolences to Alex, Peter and families.

• 23/08/2025

  Richard Ashen

  We will miss you David - your jolly 'phone calls and banter - not to mention the Family Tree (!) - may you Rest in Peace dear David - from Cousin Richard and Madeleine