International Sanctuary Donations in Memory of Tom Ash

Donate to International Sanctuary in memory of Tom Ash, who passed away in the early morning on April 13, 2020. We welcome you to leave a comment to share a memory or favorite trait of Tom.

We’re so sorry for your loss, Tom will be so missed. Such a great father, husband, and friend. We are sending you guys love and strength during these tough times.
Love, Tyler and Karli

In memory of Tom, an inspiring and generous friend.

- Suzanne

Tom and Lynn Ash became our very close friends. Our visits were filled with honesty, sharing, openness, laughs, and much love. I already miss Tom immeasurably, but I can see and hear him so clearly. I can't wait to hug Lynn, but until then, she and Michael are in our hearts.

- Ellen

With heavy hearts, we honor a great man. Tom was so loved and will be so missed. His inspiring kindness and joy will never leave us. All of our love, thoughts, and prayers, always.

Love, Justin & Alexandra 

Tom filled our lives with joy and an appreciation for all living things. He found fulfillment in more simple pursuits and taught us to live our lives with kindness. His smile and laugh will be missed as will his green thumb! We will certainly help you celebrate him soon (and forever)! Alex and I are thinking of you and all your family.

- Marybeth & Alex

Tom was a mentor to me on topics he was passionate about: water budgets and conservation. I will be forever grateful for his wisdom and inspiration.

- Peter

In memory of Tom, a friend, at teacher and all inspiring in those things that were important to all of us. He will be missed but not forgotten. Our prayers are with you.

- Dave and Sharon

Lynn, I am reaching out from a distance to hug you. I loved Tom Ash. He was a mentor and a friend to me. His sense of humor, and his delight in storytelling, will be a lasting memory. He loved YOU so much, and he wasn't ever shy about telling me how lucky he was to be married to you. I will miss him, but I will never forget him.

- Ben

I had just recently had the pleasure of meeting Tom. He taught so much in such a short period of time. I will be forever grateful for the short period our two paths had crossed.

-Kevin Tulp

Such energy and positivity he added to this world. A hole will certainly be left where he once filled. Our hearts go out to all the family. He "lived" until the very end in spite of the challenge. Certainly an example to all on how to stay in the ring.

- Hank & Cindy

When I tell my students when they are considering what sort of job/career to choose, I tell them, choose one you will love. When they express concern about being successful, I tell them if they are passionate out it they will succeed. Tom is the truth behind such advice. I hope that I can both achieve and maintain the energy, enthusiasm, excitement, purpose, and passion for my work as he did -- he certainly set the bar high.

- Kurt

\Tom's vision was large... as was his humbleness . His passion was equally contagious - as was his humor. His legacy and memories will live on !
- Charles and Kohar Zaher & Family

Dear Lynn and Micheal, our deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved Tom. Loving Husband, and Dad. Our prayers are with you both at this sad time.

Love, Kim and Kirk

Our hearts sank even deeper after we learned about Tom’s passing. He will forever be remembered for the sparkle in his eyes, his love for life and his family as well as the pure joy he found with all things green. And, let’s not forget how much fun he had cruising up and down the Balboa Peninsula on July 4th followed by more than one cocktail at the American Legion. He handled his health with dignity and grace and reminded us how lucky we are for every healthy day on this planet. Thank you Tom for letting us be part of your precious life. You are forever in our hearts.

With love and sympathy, Cindy and Brian

My sister’s wonderful husband, an important member of our small and close family.

- Jane

"CousinTom" 's visits , especially when Brian and James were young, added so much joy to this branch of the Ash family.

-Patricia

Tom and I worked together at Irvine Ranch Water District. He gave me four little Calliandra (Red Powder Puff) plants when I moved into my house in 1992. Today they are still growing and blooming every year; when I trim them I think I'm giving Tom a haircut. I remember his great personality and rapport with customers about water conservation. He would say, "Water your roses less as when they get thirsty and stressed they bloom to be able to reproduce. And don't we all do that? I know I do!" I am saddened to think of Tom leaving us, but I smile thinking of his stories.

- Steve Malloy

A charming man and a pleasure to be in his company.

- Mary Aileen

Tom did many acts of kindness for all of us on Calico Trail. There are many beautiful trees and plants behind our homes because of him. We were very blessed to have him as a neighbor.

- Laurel and Stan

From all of us at True Health Partners, we are saddened by Tom's physical death. We miss his physical presence. We know that this is not an easy transition for those who knew him. We hope that through shared grieving we will find courage and peace, and be comforted by the love of family and friends, including all of us at our office.

Tom was the life of a party. He was such an uplifting, helpful and loving friend, father and husband. He will be greatly missed. We are sending all of you love and prayers during this difficult time.

- Tom and Missy Rakestraw

Tom & Lynn were neighbors, who we met by accident a number of years ago. They became good friends, and we always had such a great time whenever we could get together. We had planned a trip to Maui together last Fall, but unfortunately, his health would not allow traveling at that time. He was such a loving and generous man and I continue to be inspired by his life, and positive attitude right to the very end. We were so lucky to be able to spend a few moments with he and Lynn and he will be in our hearts forever.
Love & Blessings to Lynn & the family,
- Pam & John

Lynn, We were saddened to learn of Tom’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you, your son Michael and family. Tom was always full of energy and fun comments. May Tom Rest In Peace.
- Rick and Loretta Velazquez

What a loss for all of us. Tom has been a close friend and part of our family for 50 years. During that entire time Tom has been one of the most positive, friendly, and energetic people we have ever known. He was committed to making the world a better place through his water work. He would take our kids aside and have a "talk about life" with them. He was an inspiration, a true friend, and we will miss him forever while keeping him always in our minds.

- Craig, Lisa, Alayna and Andrew Thompson

I've had the distinct pleasure of working with Michael for the last several years. Michael is a friend I feel lucky to know and privileged to work with. I didn't have the honor of meeting Tom, but it shows through Michael how great of a man he was. Our hearts are heavy for the Ash family.
-Brock and Heather

I extend my deepest sympathies to Lynn and her family during this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Molly

In memory of Tom and heartfelt sympathy for your loss from a Calico neighbor.

- Lois

I will always remember Tom's boundless energy, enthusiasm and humor. At Irvine Ranch Water District, he would love to tell audiences for our tours and landscape workshops that "I get paid by the word." What a great communicator he was! Lynn and family: so sorry for your loss but how lucky you were to have him in your lives. We are all richer for having known Tom.

- Marilyn & Jim Smith

In memory of Tom our friend and neighbor since arriving in the States 25 years ago. Such a positive and optimistic person he was always quick to laugh and great to be around. We will miss him dearly. Lynn we are thinking of you and hope to see you soon

- Martin, Kay, Jack and Emma xoxo

I am so fortunate to have known Tom and Lynn Ash. Tom was an incredible human being. I will miss him very much. I hope to see Lynn and give her a big hug.

- Alex

I only met Tom briefly but could feel his light and positive energy. I know he is a beautiful soul and will always be with Lynn. He will surely remain in the hearts and minds of his loved ones.
- Debbie

Of course Tom Ash was a horticulturist!

What better way to make the world a more beautiful place than to plant bountiful flowers everywhere you can, including the cities and deserts all over the West. And, he taught us how to do it ourselves, in a way that saves enough water to make the blooms last—for generations.

We also know Tom was a coach, whether it was volleyball, water conservation, or just life in general. A great salesman can talk you into doing something you don’t need to do and that you may regret later. A great coach talks you into doing something you do need to do, and that you are proud of later. Tom was not a salesman. Tom was a coach, a great coach.

He coached me in so many venues of our lives: Cal Poly, IRWD, Newport, and the water industry.

I’ll be thinking of Tom every time I look into one of our matilija poppies (“fried egg plants”—a Southern California native). And, I’m sure I’ll see him smiling back! With that sort of “now didn’t that work out well?” kind of look only Tom could give.

Thanks Tom, for 42 years of friendship and encouragement! And, thanks Lynn, Michael, and family for sharing him with all of us.

- Norris

Tom was a person I respected and admired. I knew him in the context of water resource management where he was a fearless advocate and change agent. He made a difference. He will be missed.

- Joe

My sincere sympathy for you and your family at this difficult time

- Kandy Petillo

My heart sank when I heard the news. Tom was one of those people that you will never forget. Someone who was truly genuine and always made you smile. Heaven gained a great one on Easter, gone too soon but never forgotten. Rest easy buddy 

- Dr. Charlie

Always Kind. Always a gentleman. With an intense enthusiasm for life. Someone who wanted everyone else to be at peace. His love of life was contagious. He picked his time carefully, slipping away with only two days till taxes were due. He got the last laugh.
- Joyce & Paul

Tom was an inspiration to me with his amazing talent and love for plants! The blooming Poppies will forever have me thinking of him and grateful to have had him as a neighbor who made a difference!

- Kim

Tom was such a fun and positive guy. He was always smiling and never in a bad mood. We will always remember his humor and fun-loving spirit. Who can't forget the "Jack in the Box" costume? What a class act. Tom will be missed and we pray Lynn and Michael can eventually find peace.

- With love, John & Suzanne Wenger

Tom was the ultimate optimist!  There was never a time where he wasn’t upbeat when I was around him!  Let’s face it ladies, he was a hunk!  And to top it off, sweet as could be!  Tom & Lynn lived with me when they were renovating their Orange home.  It was at that time that I really got to know Tom and saw, though I always knew it, the bond Tom and Lynn had.  It was strong…..it went both ways.  Being the optimist, in February of this year, Tom called me from Hawaii (was vacationing with Michael and Lynn) and said “Donna, your car key remote busted in half at the hotel valet, but don’t worry, we glued it back together”.   In early March of this year, before Tom passed, I put the key in the ignition and the remote busted in half.  I had to laugh because I heard Tom’s optimist voice!  Little did he know, that remote was broken before.  I will miss this sweet man and ask that God give him a big hug from all of us!

- Donna

We were so saddened to hear that Tom passed away. He was a member of our extended family. We did not get to spend much time with him and Lynn but thoroughly enjoyed each visit. He inspired us in many ways with his warrior spirit of saving each precious drop of water, his obvious love of his family, his thoughtfulness of living each day, his humor and wit, his intelligence and joy of sharing knowledge with others. The world is a better place for his well lived life.

Big hugs from Tricia and Darlene

With our deepest honor and respect for Tom and love for Lynn and our dear Michael who is a tribute to his father’s strength and character !

- Susan & Lee

We're so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 

- Jeff and Monica Younger

We will dearly miss "Cousin Tom." He carried himself with a spark and with passion, no matter the situation. He wore the Ash family flag proudly, while acknowledging the quirks that went with it. He maintained a family bond across many miles and consistently throughout the years. He will not be forgotten, and his legacy lives on.

- James

I met Tom at a Water Conference in Anaheim in 2011. Soon after that meeting, we became business associates and friends. Tom was someone that I instantly liked. He was kind, friendly, open, accessible, and excited about life, particularly his work in water.

I think of Tom as the father of water budget rates. In the 1990’s while at IRWD, he with a few others came up with the concept and in many ways, this became his mission in life, how to manage our water in California equitably and in a fiscally responsible way. Tom was deeply passionate about water.  He was an excellent presenter who could be very compelling while being funny and entertaining. He really encouraged many to think more deeply about water and water management. 

Tom inspired me to look at ways my business could help our water management in California.  He introduced me to many others who are also looking to make a difference to the water world in our state. 

On a personal note, and more importantly, Tom was a good friend. We could talk at length about water, not because it was our common business connection but because we both found the idea of using water in better and more creative ways extremely interesting and vital. Tom really wanted to make clean, pure water available to everyone.

I am going to miss Tom in many ways. He helped give me hope for humanity. Given that water is the second most essential element on the planet for life, Tom was on a worthy and  noble path.

I’ve come to realize these past few days, reflecting on Tom, our business connection and our friendship that Tom’s secret to his infectious enthusiasm for life, people, and his work is that he was fully engaged in a purposeful endeavor. He will be deeply missed.

- Wayne

Tom was a man of strength and courage. He showed me that nothing is too challenging to get through and remain positive and loving.  He was a visionary, a man ahead of his time, a way shower and mystic, supportive of the divine feminine. He is a beautiful soul-angel.   I’m sorry I won’t be seeing him when I return to California but I see him in the higher dimensions and he’s in total bliss and surrounded by light.  It was an honor to share this earthly plane with him at such a deep and intimate soul-level.  - Kristi

 Tom was an inspiration to me. Upon moving to California from Connecticut in 1992, Tom noticed the new kid on the block and took me under his wing. Over the ensuing years he shared his marvelous wisdom and joie de vivre with me and with many others who greatly benefited by knowing and working with him. He is sorely missed in the water conservation world. I can only imagine Lynn and Michael's sense of loss. My heart goes out to you both. - Mary Ann

Tom was brilliant, passionate, relentlessly optimistic, good-hearted, generous and gentle. When talking about budget-based water rate structures he was irrepressible, absolutely impossible to contain, as I remember moderating numerous panel discussions where Tom would say, "oh, and just one more thing." But what Tom shared was truly important: a pathway for water agencies to generate reliable revenue while significantly reducing water waste and rewarding the most efficient water users -- frequently low income households -- with the lowest water rates. Those agencies who had the courage to work with him and changed their rate structures now sing his praises. Like MWD's Mike Moynihan before him, Tom offered our water world a transformational vision for how we can better serve our communities. I miss him so much. - Martha

International Sanctuary is a non-profit whose mission is to empower girls and women escaping human trafficking to embrace their true identity and worth. Since 2007, they have worked to provide survivors with access to income, education, health care and a safe community. The art of craftsmanship through their social enterprise, PURPOSE, paired with holistic care through their program ensures that every woman gains hope, dignity and freedom for the future.