Harold V. Ashley; 1924-2014: Teacher had love for biology, Oak Harbor

Published: Sunday, 7/20/2014

BY MARK ZABORNEY BLADE STAFF WRITER

OAK HARBOR Harold V. Ashley, a retired high school biology teacher whose interest in the natural sciences and the natural world transcended classroom and laboratory, died Thursday in Otterbein-North Shore Retirement Village. He was 90.

Hed been in failing health, his son Chris said.

Mr. Ashley retired in 1989 from Oak Harbor High School, where hed taught since 1963.

Teaching just came naturally to him, his son said. He loved showing people what he knew about things and trying to improve them.

Once he got established at Oak Harbor, that was his mission and his life calling. He loved Oak Harbor and the school.

He taught biology, earth science, and general science. He played recordings of bird calls and expected students to be able to identify 30 of them. He led students on walks to collect and identify leaves.

He was popular, said son Chris, a onetime student, as were Mr. Ashleys son Charles and daughter Mary. Most kids enjoyed that class. He made it fun.

Mr. Ashleys wife, Virginia, was a popular English and history teacher at Oak Harbor High who later served on the Board of Education. Holiday season conversations often turned to the current happenings of former students.

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Harold V. Ashley; 1924-2014: Teacher had love for biology, Oak Harbor