On Saturday, August 27, 20111 at noontime, Wesley Allan Ashline, 83, left this world and into the arms of his Lord and his beloved Dee-Dee.
Born in Whitehall on October 9, 1928, he was the son of the late Felix J. Ashline, Sr. and Clara LaFlower Ashline.
Wesley was united in marriage to Edith Staley Leddick on February 14, 1958 at the Baptist Church in Fair Haven, Vermont. They were married for 39 years until Edith’s death in 1997.
Wes or ‘Partner’ as he was known to friends and family, was born “Round the Mountain” on North William Street. He graduated from Whitehall High School in 1946. He was employed by the A & P market and then enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corp. He served in the Korean Conflict and was stationed at 29 Palms and at Camp Pendelton, CA, where he participated in the film “Retreat Hell” in which he drove a tank out of a barn. He got to dance with Shelly Winters at a party for the marines who participated in the movie. He was honorably discharged in 1951 and returned to his hometown.
He was manager of Bergen Bluestone Co. until it closed. He then became a general contractor with his father, forming the company of Ashline and Sons Construction. At night he worked as a policeman. He then worked as an engineer for the Storm Sewer project for the Village of Whitehall and for the D & H Railroad as B&B manager. Upon his father’s death, he would take the position as head of maintenance at E and B Metals, retiring in 1994.
He was politically active, running on the democratic ticket and served several terms as a village justice. He was an active member of American Legion Post No. 83, BPOE No. 1491 Masonic Lodge and the NRA. He and his wife were active members of the Whitehall Baptist Church on William Street where he and his wife raised money for people in need. They also sponsored young couples to attend the Silver Bay Religious Retreat.
As his health declined, he was often observed on his porch playing cards and visiting with his friends and family. Growing tomatoes was a passion of his as well as canning and he gladly shared his secrets to all who asked his advice. Wes always lent a helping hand to anyone who asked. His motto was “You can’t spread jam without getting a little on yourself”.
Besides his parents and wife, he is predeceased by his son, Wesley Allan Ashline, Jr. who died in 2006; one brother, Felix Ashline, Jr. and one sister, Shirley Ashline Jurnak.
He is survived by two daughters, Sheila Ashline Corso of Lakeland, Florida and Margaret Claire Ashline of Clemons; two sisters-in-law, Eloise Leddick Wheeler (Porky) and Nan Leddick Gordon and her husband, Geezer, both of Whitehall; three grandsons, Edward Forgue and his wife, Kristen of Florida, Alfred Corso and his wife, Alexis of Florida, and Christopher Hayden Roberts, who is attending Potsdam University; nephews and nieces, Peter Ashline and his wife, Linda of Glens Falls, Susan Ashline Earl and husband Jack of Katskill Bay/Queensbury, Kim Jurnak Bean and husband, Chris of Granville, Raymond Wheeler and his wife Barbara of Clemons, Bruce Gordon and his wife, Allison of Salem, Mark Gordon and his wife, Peggy of Whitehall and Scott Gordon of Whitehall, as well as several great grandchildren and grand nieces/nephews. Wes was a devoted husband, father and uncle to his family.
Special thanks need to be given to Nancy Tracy of Lake George who took care of Wesley at his home. A very special thanks to Mark Gordon who went above and beyond to care for his uncle Wes and his cousin Wes, making their last years more comfortable. The family also highly appreciates Officer Thomas Ruby for his total professionalism and compassion at out time of need. To the good folks at the Whitehall Medical Center and to the Skenesborough Rescue Squad, we salute you! Thank you for all the wonderful things that you did for Wes. Your kindness is appreciated more than words can say.
There will be no calling hours and no services, per the wishes of Wesley Allan Ashline, Sr. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of a donation to the Skenesborough Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 333, Whitehall, New York 12887, the Skenesborough Fire Department, P. O. Box , 338, Whitehall, New York 12887 or the Skene Manor, 8 Potters Drive, Whitehall, New York 12887.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Jillson Funeral Home, Inc., 46 Williams Street, Whitehall, New York.