Malcolm Ashby

Malcolm Warren Ashby, age 97, formerly of Hershey's Mill in West Chester, PA, passed peacefully on August 13, 2013. Born in Radnor, PA on March 20, 1916, he was the son of the late Warren Hollie and Ella Ashby (nee Fowler).



Malcolm attended West Chester High School. While in high school he became the youngest flight instructor in the United States. He was listed in Ripley's Believe It or Not for this accomplishment and for his solo flight after two hours and fifteen minutes of instruction.



Malcolm and his wife Mary E. (nee Field) were together for ten years prior to their marriage in 1940. The enjoyed sixty-five years of marriage.



Prior to World War II, Malcolm joined United Airlines where he flew passengers in many different aircraft, the last being the Boeing 747. He eventually became Eastern Regional Vice President of Flight Operations, a position he held until 1976 when he retired.



In 1987, he and his wife moved to Hershey's Mill where he was an ardent golfer and accomplished wood crafter.



He was predeceased by his wife Mary in 2005 and his son William Hollie Ashby in 1985.



He is survived by his daughter Bonnie, his sister Lee Lacy, his daughter-in-law Jo-Ellen Ashby, his step-grandchildren Mick and Kevin, close friends Betsy Kennerly, Zandre Alexander and Sharon Haniebnik and many nieces and nephews. He had many friends, but due to his advanced age, many of them have predeceased him.



All those who have known him truly loved him.