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You can add your own memory here.
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| A teacher |
June 16, 2007 23:20 |
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Lesley
Paula la-la land |
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She is a good teacher, kind and patient, never asking more of me than I could give, never sharp, always caring.
And my confidence grows.
Her wisdom, her understanding, her great compassion, tolerance, and love of others is so inspiring.
She continues to lead me down the road of learning, never angry when I fail, always encouraging, never doubting.
This is my sister Paula.
(words by R Altea)
Paula has always and will always be my foremost teacher and guide; these words remind me of her unrelenting support.
Paula was a person who could make your most ridiculous and impossible dream seem worthy of journey, and you, "the head-in-the-clouds dreamer" appreciated, reasonable, valid.
Paula continues to guide me towards the living of a beautiful life. |
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| I remember only positive |
May 12, 2007 22:58 |
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Anne Guzman
Milton |
I always remember you from highschool soccer. You were such a natural athlete and natural energy and person. I was so sad to hear you were no longer here physically with us. I know a spirit like that is soring in the skies though. You, are unique, you are life. And right now you inspire me in mine when I have obstacles to face, I remember how positive you were here and how happy.
You are truly missed, I can't even imagine, since I did not know you that well, and look how you impacted me. |
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| A Special Day |
April 27, 2007 11:01 |
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Carole
Canmore |
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Thinking of you today, Paula. I miss your smile and your friendship. |
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| you and me |
April 27, 2007 10:49 |
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me
australia |
i'll play the music really loud for you today
and we can be on your sunny beach
and we'll be together
weightless in the water
please come to my dreams tonight |
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| Happy Birthday |
April 27, 2007 08:57 |
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Amy Newell
Texas |
Paula,
Happy Birthday. We had so much fun celebrating our birthdays together. I miss that. I think of you often-especially when I hear Pearl Jam tunes. You were one in a million, and are greatly missed. |
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| Touched |
April 15, 2007 19:48 |
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Haley
Kalamazoo |
I am touched by you today. It happens like this every now and again.
I sit and I remember what it was like to be near you, to laugh next to you, to be understood by you. And tears stream down my face...
I am touched by you today because I'm remembering my nephew Anthony John who just passed on at 26 months old. You would have adored him, Paula. He lived through his pain with grace like you and had a will to live much like yours. And lately, as I sit and I think of the gifts you both gave me...I want to hold your hand and absorb the light and thank you.
I miss saying your name too.
Paula.
It is a beautiful name.
You are dearly loved my sweet friend. |
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| Mrs. |
March 11, 2007 04:55 |
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Jen Murphy
Kelowna, BC |
I remember Paula as an excellent basketball player at MDHS. I was shocked to hear of her tragic death. She was always so full of life, with lots of energy and lots of smiles. My condolences go out to Leslie (her sister), and all of her family, friends and loved ones.
Deepest sympathy to you all!! Jen Murphy (Formerly known as Jenny Howard) |
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| Mrs. |
March 11, 2007 04:19 |
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Jen Murphy
Kelowna, BC |
I remember Paula as an excellent basketball player at MDHS. I was shocked to hear of her tragic death. She was always so full of life, with lots of energy and lots of smiles. My condolences go out to Leslie (her sister), and all of her family, friends and loved ones.
Deepest sympathy to you all!! Jen Murphy (Formerly known as Jenny Howard) |
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| compass |
February 25, 2007 03:57 |
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Pam
Halifax |
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My Paula Ashby compass is firmly attached to my newest chalkbag. 2 years of climbing, 5 chalkbags later... but with the help of my compass, and some sewn on googly eyes... this trusty loved chalkbag is sticking around for good. |
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February 22, 2007 07:29 |
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Long streams of light
Lesley, Oz |
Listening to The Be Goods and singing along loudly (and rather badly) and thinking of you. "Plant me in the garden
Don't you let me roam
Cuz love is a feeling like a warm dark stone..."
I awoke with a smile for the first time in a long time. Thank you for the strength you gave me to overcome that challenging... situation. I literally walked away from that place feeling free. I would have given up if it weren't for you and I'd be trapped there still.
I want to hug you so badly.
"Oh long streams of light…
Lift me, from this dirty town…" |
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| Paula's Compass |
February 2, 2007 10:08 |
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Christie
Patagonia |
My friend's 6-year-old daughter Azul was playing with the Paula Ashby compass on my backpack the other day. It's always at hand for anyone who happens to need it - either to teach simple navigation skills to a young mountain-loving child, or to help someone find their way. Very appropriate. Thanks to the folks at the Y who did these compasses.
Thinking of Paula! |
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| Thinking of You |
December 12, 2006 14:00 |
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Jody Dennis (Gregory)
Burlington |
Two years passes by so quickly. I think of you often, and your family. I am thinking of you all today and my heart goes out to the ones you left behind.
Our lives paths took us in different directions, as they often do, but every once in a while they would cross again and it would be like no time had passed at all. Man, we used to have so much fun!! I tell my husband stories about you and the things we used to do, always a laugh. To this day I still have not met anyone quite like you. I've read through the many memories and stories on this site and enjoyed them all, happy to see you obviously found your niche out West.
It's taken me so long to write something here mostly because I had no idea what to write, but you have always been in my thoughts.
Jody |
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| On a Tuesday |
December 12, 2006 08:29 |
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Jenn Brink (Marvell)
Milton |
Paula- thinking of you and your family today and on many days.
Jenn |
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| Your inspiration continues... |
December 10, 2006 19:32 |
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Marnie
Canmore |
Paula, your spirit still reaches and touches me. Your impact and inspiration continue in my life. I thank you for that. Now that I think about it, it was 2 years ago exactly today that I last ~connected~ with you in person... to really experience your warmth and *amazing* energy... and a big hug. That was a time of joy.
Today I burst into tears... Wasn't sure why. Then I just put my running shoes on and ran along the trails in Canmore. Running near the river, with tears streaming down my face... sometimes we need a release... I had no intention of trying to stop the tears. At point I felt like I was having a panic attack... gasping for oxygen... life felt so overwhelming. Then I found myself sitting by the river, listen ing to the Be Good Tanyas on my ipod and the song "Light Enough To Travel" came on. I realized I was actually where your ashes were spread.... and that was the song played at your memorial. I realized how much you still continue to have an impact on my life...
My tears, insecurities and fears gave way to a sense of joy and appreciation. Gratitude for your time on this earth and your impact, and for my life and all the gifts it brings. I realized that I am so blessed to live here in Canmore and to be healthy and well. I realized that although there are things in life that may get to us... fears that may hold us back... situations that seem overwhelming... that no matter what this life is still full of ~GIFTS~, it just takes the awareness to see them. (You could always find a way to see them!)
Your memory Paula is a gift to me, as I take the biggest leap of my life and open a business in the coming weeks. As much as the project is immense, it feels inspired, and it makes me smile to know that you would ~LOVE~ it and be the one hanging out on a bean bag chair sipping tea and eating a gluten free cookie and the space would be filled with your smile and laughter.
Paula, you are welcome anytime buddy... you inspired the Communitea Cafe in Canmore afterall! I hope to create a space with such good energy and positivity that people will feel the way they did in your presence.
Namaste!
Big Love,
Marnie |
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| today |
December 8, 2006 06:36 |
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Pam
Squamish, BC |
I moved to Squamish and everything around here says "Paula," to me. Snow, rock, ice, water and an instant set of kindred friends. I know I am in the right place.
My new neighbour and I have been thick as thieves for a few days now. Climbing, floor hockey, eating, talking out on the roof ... stuff. This morning, we were talking about ice climbing while eating eggs (standing) in the kitchen... thought of a story I heard about Paula. An hour later, looking at pics on a laptop, how could i be surprised to see Paula's picture pinned on a corkboard above his computer screen. I wasn't surprised. It seemed to fit. Is it a coincidence?
We are all still thinking of you, Paula. I am happy, today, to see how far your memory reaches. |
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| Ashby Scholarship Awarded |
November 22, 2006 04:30 |
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The Ashbys
Milton Champion Newspaper |
Ashby Scholarship Awarded
Nov 17, 2006
A graduate of Milton District High School was recently awarded a scholarship established to remember a much-loved student and athlete killed tragically in 2004.
This year's PAULA ASHBY SCHOLARSHIP was awarded to 18-year-old Ben Clifford at the school's recent commencement ceremony.
At the ceremony, Cathy Doyle, chair of the award committee, said Clifford is a committed student and athlete.
"Ben not only participated, he led by example, motivated others and set the bar for all to follow," Doyle told the crowd.
Clifford was involved in football, basketball, hockey and soccer during his time at Milton District. He was selected the Most Valuable Player for multiple teams and was chosen Athlete of the Year for three consecutive years.
Off the field, he served as the Student Athletic Association president, co-ordinated Hoops for Heart fundraisers and was a student leader in the school's Wilderness North program.
"Ben encourages, inspires, leads, participates and challenges all, including himself, to be the best at what they do," Doyle said.
This is the second time the annual $1,000 scholarship has been given out. It was established by the Ashby family in memory of Paula, who died in a car accident in Calgary.
"I knew Paula Ashby as an excellent student, an outstanding athlete and as a young woman who through her leadership not only embodied but also inspired the spirit of the Milton Mustang in others," Doyle said.
The criteria of the award is that the recipient be an outstanding female or male athlete who represented Milton District High School in at least two sports in the season, have a high academic average, and be in his or her graduating year with the intention of attending college or university. If there are several student athletes who meet the criteria, the selection committee considers if the student has overcome a personal adversity, illness or injury, and if the student demonstrates talent in art, music or poetry. |
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| PAULA |
October 26, 2006 02:42 |
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Lesley
Dahn unda |
)
I miss the sound of your name.
I can't really speak of you here, people 'don't know' and I can't expect them to, can I?
But it hurts not to say "Paula" and to speak and hear of all the funny crazy amazing stories that follow your name.
I'm not very good at being silent. You know that! hee hee.
I tattoo my dreams of you in my memory; I close my eyes and listen to the music we shared; I read your letters and emails and cards - spreading my fingers across your scripts and drawings; happy to touch the same places you have touched.
So until I'm ready to "return", I guess I better get used to the silence. What am I talking about? What do I want? Nothing. I just want to say your name and talk about you for a long, long time. PAULA PAULA PAULA
When I am asked in Australia if I have any brothers or sisters...
I don't hesitate anymore.
"Yes" (of course I do). "My sister and I are very close. She's the best sister in the world." This gives me the opportunity to talk about you as much as I want. I don't feel as though I'm tricking anyone. Hope you don't mind.
Nah, didn't think so.
Besides, like I said before, the people here 'don't know' and I can't expect them to, can I?
PAULA PAULA PAULA PAULA BUMHEAD FARTFACE PAULA PAULA STINKY PAULA PAULA POOPY PAULA PAULA PAULA PAWA PAULA PAULA PIGGY PIGGY OINK OINK PAULA PAULA PAULA PAULA PAULA MY HERO PAULA MY SISTER PAULA PAULA PAULA |
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September 30, 2006 00:24 |
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| Still thinking about you |
September 17, 2006 21:05 |
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Dawn Miller (GIBBER)
Milton, ON now Cambridge, ON |
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There has not been a day that has gone by that I don't think about you since you left Milton. Truly one in a million. I miss you. |
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September 14, 2006 05:34 |
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les
oz |
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“Don't worry about what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and do that. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.”
~ Robert Thurman, Director of Tibet House, NYC |
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