William Whitley Ashley ’43

Bill, who practiced internal medicine for 60 years, first in San Francisco, then in Eureka, Calif., died of cancer Aug. 6, 2006, in Santa Rosa, Calif.

A San Francisco native, Bill prepared at Lawrenceville, where he was known for his acting talent. At Princeton he was active in Theatre Intime and belonged to Cannon Club along with his brother, the late R. Kirklin Ashley '45. After graduating from Johns Hopkins Medical School in 1945, he served as a Navy lieutenant junior grade in the Pacific.

In San Francisco he was an instructor in medicine at the University of California and assistant in medicine at Stanford Medical School. Bill served on the boards of Califor-

nia State University, Humboldt; St. Joseph's Hospital in Eureka; and Eureka General Hospital. He is remembered as a compassionate physician and superb diagnostician.

In his 50s, Bill designed and built a cabin in California's Trinity Alps, where he spent his happiest hours with his family. He was a skilled storyteller, expert carpenter, and voracious reader of Chinese and British historical novels. He belonged to the Bohemian Club of San Francisco, where his quick wit was well appreciated.

Survivors include Ann Cleary Ashley, Bill's wife of 44 years; his first wife, Joan Taylor Ashley; seven children; and six grandchildren, including Elizabeth Cobb '99.