Rea Kirklin Ashley ’45

Kirk Ashley died July 21, 1996, of heart failure in his native San Francisco. Kirk entered Princeton with the large Lawrenceville contingent and lived in Hill Dorm. Kirk's undergraduate days at Princeton were cut short by his acceptance to the Navy's V12 program, but he found time to join the Nassoons and over the years kept in contact with fellow members.

He earned his degree from Temple in 1946 and interned at San Francisco General Hospital until his call to active duty in the South Pacific, where he spent three years on a Navy repair ship in China. He returned to a residency in Philadelphia and married the former Elizabeth Lawler. He began his medical practice as an orthopedic surgeon in San Francisco. He was on the staff of Shriners Hospital, and from 1981-91 he was chief of staff and then chief of staff, emeritus, until his death.

Kirk and Betty were interested in the San Francisco Symphony, Opera, and Ballet. Kirk went every year to New Zealand to fly fish. Kirk remained devoted to Princeton, and he and Betty enjoyed our 50th reunion.

In addition to Betty, Kirk is survived by a son, Rea, a daughter, Elizabeth Hope, a brother, William '43, and a sister, Ann Kidney. To them the class extends its deep sympathy.

The Class of 1945