Robert A Ashey

Lt. Colonel Robert Arthur Ashey, callsign “Romper,” passed away peacefully during the early morning on January 5th, 2019 with his sons, Brandon and Bryce, his wife, Ineke, Brandon’s wife, Allison and best friends, Tom and Donna Horner in attendance. He lived a life of generosity, perseverance, honesty and integrity. Bob was an avid outdoorsman with favorite activities including flying, backpacking, skiing, hunting, and sailing with family and friends. Being the epitome of embellishment, Bob was the life of any party or gathering with his plethora of stories.

Bob was born May 28th, 1948 in Lebanon, NH to Placide Ashey and Carol Esper Ashey. He graduated from Lebanon High School in 1966, the University of New Hampshire in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and the University of Northern Colorado in 1977 with a Master of Arts degree. Bob married Elizabeth Mikesell (m. 1969-1993) and entered the U.S. Air Force as a commissioned officer in 1970. In 1972 they had their first son, Brandon Robert Ashey, while stationed at Mountain Home AFB, ID. Their second son, Bryce Earl Ashey, was born in 1976 at Nellis AFB, NV. During his Air Force career Bob served in South East Asia flying F-111 Fighter Bombers and was an exchange pilot with the British Royal Air Force in the early 80’s, flying Hawker Hunters and Buccaneers. Bob and family returned to the U.S. in 1982, stationed in Ft. Leavenworth, KS, where he attended the Army Command and General Staff College; graduating with honors. Bob was stationed to Langley, VA in 1983, as a Joint Staff Officer to develop Joint Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures. His efforts were utilized in the first Gulf War, providing for a quick and decisive victory. From Langley, Bob returned to Mountain Home AFB, ID to once again fly F-111’s as squadron commander of the 391st “Bold Tigers” Tactical Fighter Squadron. He retired from the Air Force in 1991 with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

Bob continued his career as a pilot with UPS, beginning as a flight engineer on Boeing 727’s, upgrading to First Officer flying Boeing 757/767’s and then on to upgrade to Captain. Bob met Ineke, a fellow UPS pilot and Captain in 1993. They were married in Idaho’s beautiful Bruneau Canyon, Bob’s favorite hunting place, in August of 1994. He retired from UPS in May of 2008 as a Captain flying Boeing 757/767’s based out of Ontario, CA. During retirement, Bob and Ineke built an award-winning RV-10 experimental airplane. Their RV-10 has made several cross-continental journeys including out to the Bahamas. Bob was also a founding member of the Perseverance scholarship; a program that has helped several talented young scholars achieve their educational dreams.

Bob was a member of the St. Josephs Catholic Church in Idaho City, ID. He was preceded in death by his parents Placide and Carol Ashey. Surviving are his wife, Ineke, brother Skip and two sons, Brandon and Bryce.


Blue Skies and Tailwinds!