4800 E Indian School Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018
ASH, STEPHEN SCHMERLER
Stephen S. Ash, distinguished attorney, has announced his retirement and is using his frequent flyer miles to take an out of this world, first class trip. He is going where the miles don’t expire and he can continue his many world travels wining and dining in only the best five star restaurants in the Heavens. As a Ferrari owner and Ferrari Club member for forty years, he plans to fly and drive the journey. Steve attended Texas A & M University on a swimming scholarship, after being a Texas State champion at Midland High School. He graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1972. He served in the Vietnam-era U.S. Army as a Captain and in the Pennsylvania US Army Reserves. He began his legal career as an assistant district attorney in El Paso, Texas. He was a Special US Attorney with the Department of the Treasury where he received the Gaitlin Award. Stephen was the son of Jim and Kate Ash of Midland, TX and Phoenix, AZ. He is survived by his sister, Dr. Kathy Ash Hayden, of Tempe, AZ. and two nieces, Jennifer Hayden, Esq. of Denver, Co and Stephanie Hayden-Hammond of Golden, CO. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the ACLU or KBAQ 89.5. Arrangements by Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
Hello. I am very late to learn of this as I just found out about the passing of my friend, Stephan Ash.
For some strange reason, I hadn’t spoken to him for several months and I wanted to call him to wish him a Happy New Year. He and I used to talk about film scores and collecting at least monthly. He would often come to Los Angeles and he would so generously take me out to the finest restaurants. We go to the Hollywood Bowl or some other concert venue to enjoy great film music concerts and tool around town looking for great movie soundtracks at various record stores. Tower in Hollywood and Aaron’s Records was always a favorite pit stop.
We met in 1993 at one of our favorite film composer’s ( Jerry Goldsmith ) tribute. We hit it off and became good friends ever since then. Our love of film music and old and new films made our relationship special and unique, as he often stated that he didn’t know many people who shared this interest or had a passion of this art as I did.
He was a very learned man, with lots of worldly knowledge and life experiences. He drove the finest cars, loved great lodging, good food and knew quite a bit about everything from art, music, photography ( another passion of his ), politics and world traveling. He was great inspiration and taught me so many things. I felt honored that he was my friend and cherished each of our conversations and visits. I only wish I was there towards the end of his life, even if it was just to provide him some nostalgia and comfort.
I am very sorry for the loss of such a great man and I wish to express my deepest condolences to his wonderful family that he so dear and close to and took such pride in.
May peace be with him in the afterlife and may he be surrounded by great music while in the heavens. I’m sure he would settle for no less. I will be playing some of your favorite music, Steve, to remind me about our friendship. Keep listening.
Randy