1935–2019

John Michael Ashton was born in Hindley, near Wigan, on April 16, 1935. He was the only boy of the family; the elder brother to his four sisters. Whenever John spoke about his parents and sisters he always did so with great warmth and love. He was especially grateful to his family for the sacrifices they made in order to support him in his journey to becoming a Salesian priest. His family was always very precious to him.

In 1946, aged 11, John had high hopes of beginning his secondary school education at Thornleigh Salesian College, Bolton. He sat for the scholarship examination and failed it. Instead, he went to St Benedict's School in Hindley. However, in the 18 months which followed, John's piety and diligence impressed both the parish priest and the headmaster and they both wrote warm letters of recommendation on his behalf to the Rector of the Salesian House at Shrigley, near Macclesfield. In September 1948 John became a boarder and pupil at Shrigley. John would reminisce on how much he loved those years at Shrigley, especially the opportunities for playing football, for walking, for music and drama, for the celebration of feast days. All of these activities were a real part of his preparation for life ahead as a Salesian of Don Bosco.

After leaving Shrigley and completing his novitiate in Burwash, John became a Salesian of Don Bosco on September 8, 1955. The reports from those in charge of his training show that he applied himself to his philosophical studies with hard work. John was the first to admit that he was not a natural student. Studies were often difficult for him. At times his health was not good and whilst teaching at the Salesian school in Cowley, Oxford he was diagnosed with Tuberculosis. This meant that he had to be away from the Salesian community for many months at a sanatorium. It was something he found very difficult as he enjoyed community life very much. It was during those many months, with very little to do, that John learned how to weave baskets. Gradually his health improved, allowing him to make his Final Vows in 1961. Further studies in theology followed at Messina in Sicily and there John was ordained as a Salesian priest on March 19, 1965.

In September 1965 John was appointed to be a member of staff at Thornleigh Salesian College; an appointment that lasted for 25 years until he felt that he could not continue in the classroom as he was having serious problems with his eyesight. However, he remained in school, spending a further 17 years working in the Thornleigh Chaplaincy. The final 5 years of John's life were lived in the community at St Joseph's, Bolton. From there he became a much loved presence at Holy Infant's school and parish, continuing to make friends with young people, teachers, people of all ages. Of the 54 years of his life a Salesian priest, 45 years were spent in ministry as a Salesian priest in Bolton.

In August 1975 I came with my mother from where we lived to find out where exactly Thornleigh was. Fr Ashton was the very first Salesian of Don Bosco I met. He was cleaning out the fishpond near the playground. Dressed in a shirt, shorts and wellies, I thought he was a workman and I remember being really surprised when he told us that he was a priest! I remember his warm smile and the very kind and gracious way he spoke to my mother. He assured me that I would very much enjoy coming to school at Thornleigh. He was right! The next time I saw him was on the opening day of term. This time he wasn't dressed so casually, nor was he at the pond. He was playing football in the playground in his cassock and collar. I had never seen a priest play football before. I had never seen a priest in the midst of so many young people. The happy atmosphere of the Salesian playground was both an audible and tangible experience.

John thrived as a Salesian of Don Bosco throughout his ministry in Bolton. He taught Geography and RE. His classes were always very well prepared and usually involved copious notes, all of which had to be copied down from the blackboard. He was always in the playground at breaktimes; sometimes playing football, often walking up and down the playground with groups of students talking and joking. He ran an arts and crafts club. He organised hikes and walks all over the local moors and valleys. He led cycling trips to Southport. He could yodel and was able to do fabulous impressions of bird song. He had a very good voice and enjoyed singing.

When Thornleigh became a Comprehensive School in 1979, he began a fantastic youth club, every Friday evening, encouraging a great team of helpers to join in. These were made up of his confrères, parents, staff and Salesian cooperators. Although a somewhat shy and private man he made many firm and lasting friendships with people from this particular time of his Salesian ministry.

Legendary among former students of the school are the regular discos that were organised as part of the youth club. John was an excellent DJ and had all the latest releases of the times. Having taught in the classroom all week he would organise trips at the weekends, which usually involved a swimming pool at some point. Bigger outings included trips to the Alton Towers theme park, or a week's summer camp based in the Cottage at Savio House, Bollington. He initiated the 'Youth Week', which was directed at the new intake of pupils and their families at the end of the summer holidays before the new term began. As well as his teaching commitments, John also had responsibility as Head of Pastoral Care in Year 7. John was a very calm, reassuring and cheerful presence for young people coming to Thornleigh from primary school. In the classroom and in the chaplaincy, his gentle and kindly presence was a real blessing for his colleagues and the pupils entrusted to his care. Everyone who met John sensed how deeply he loved his Salesian vocation. John loved being with young people and he dedicated his whole life to their wellbeing and service. He was always at his happiest when he was with young people.

John was untiring in generously spending his time and talents in the service of young people. He did all of this because it was his way of being like Don Bosco. Like Don Bosco, he saw the face of Jesus in young people. Like Don Bosco, he loved young people so much that he wanted them to become friends with Jesus; a friendship that would deepen with love and meaning throughout life.

From 2008 to 2014 John had a completely different experience of Salesian ministry by spending 6 years working as an assistant priest in the Salesian parishes of Oxford and Chertsey. John found a whole new ministry by visiting the elderly, the sick and the housebound. His kindness, compassion and good humour were deeply appreciated and he was very much loved by a whole new group of people. He would also visit the local Catholic primary school, happily spending time with the children and whoever needed his friendship or support.

In all of this activity and zealous apostolic work it is essential to remember that John was a man of deep, personal prayer. John was a true priest. The centre of his day was the celebration of the Mass: the opportunity to hear the Word of God and to reflect upon it and the grace to receive Jesus in Holy Communion. Every day he would pray the Rosary many times. It was in these moments of prayer and communion with Jesus and Mary that he found the strength to do all that he did each day as a Salesian priest. Indeed, John was a holy man of God.

'Blessed are those who die in the Lord. Let them rest from their labours for their good deeds go before them.' In the last year of his life John knew that his illness was terminal. He faced death with great serenity and courage. In those final days when he had great difficulty in finding the words to speak, he would say the Our Father and the Hail Mary without hesitation or difficulty. Prayer was deep within him, at the centre of his being. John died very peacefully on May 4, 2019, strengthened by the Sacraments and in the company of one of his Salesian confreres. His Requiem Mass was celebrated at Thornleigh Salesian College and he was laid to rest in the Salesian graves in Astley Bridge, Bolton just a short walk from the Salesian House.

John's numerous good deeds in this life have certainly gone before him and we thank God for the life and death of Fr John Ashton which has had so much influence for good among so many people. We commend his soul to the loving kindness and mercy of God in whom John fervently believed and trusted.

Fr Kieran Anderson SDB