Harry "Bud" Earl Ashton III

After a year battling pancreatic cancer with grace and dignity, Harry Earl "Bud" Ashton III, passed away peacefully at his home in Cadillac, Michigan, on Monday, March 30, 2026, with his loving family by his side. He was 82.

Bud was born in Decatur, Illinois, to Harry Earl, Jr. and Izy “Pearl” (Polston) Ashton. In 1962, he graduated from Rogers High School in Wyoming, Michigan. He earned an Associate of Arts degree from Grand Rapids Junior College in 1964, followed by a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Western Michigan University in 1966 and 1972. On May 17, 1997, Bud married Lisa Zundel, the love of his life. Together they shared many cherished years filled with love, partnership, travel, adventures, and most importantly, family. Lisa was a devoted wife who cared for him to the end with remarkable strength, gentle grace, and fierce love.

Bud devoted 44 years to a profession in education, first as a classroom teacher and coach, and then as Athletic Director of Rockford High School. He began his first administrative role in 1978 as principal of East Jordan High School. After moving his family out west in 1985, he served for 8 years as principal of East Grand Middle School in Granby, Colorado, later returning to northern Michigan where he was principal of Mancelona High School. Bud culminated his career as superintendent of schools, first of Concord Community Schools in Concord, Michigan, and concluding in 2010 when he retired from Lake City Area Schools. He will be remembered for his professionalism, leadership, and dedication to thousands of students whose lives he touched.

Bud’s life-long passion was skiing–a love he passed along to his sons IV and Aiden, as well as his grandchildren, with whom he enjoyed many years on the slopes in Northern Michigan, Colorado, and Montana. Last season he skied a record 50 days! He was self-taught and accomplished in sailing, golfing, cooking, building, and landscaping. He completely remodeled a 100 year-old farmhouse in East Jordan and was forever improving his homes and creating impressive, ornate landscapes anywhere he lived. True to his character, he left every house better than he found it. Bud owned many Corvettes over the years, and passed his fondness of Jeeps to his son Aiden, who by all accounts was his dad’s best friend. He led his life by quiet example, instilling in IV that progress is not built on grand achievements, but rather by consistent, small improvements over time. He inspired Dana to pursue a career in education, and instilled his love for reading in Elizabeth, his fellow alumni of WMU.

He encouraged and supported his children and was intensely proud of each of them. Bud loved his grandchildren and made an effort to spend quality time with them, often attending their events and always applauding their accomplishments. His children have, for better or worse, inherited his unique sense of humor, which has helped them through this difficult loss. He taught them to be authentic, stand confidently for what is right, and, whenever possible, to extend a hand down. He always rooted for the underdog. Bud’s steadfast love and unwavering support of his children and Lisa has built a bridge between his two families, and together they will carry his life lessons and love forward. He was a true patriarch who they all looked to for advice, direction, or a good laugh. His wisdom, wit, and zest for life will live on in them. His last piece of advice was spoken in a song he dedicated to his family: “It’s your world now–use well your time.”

Bud is survived by his beloved wife, Lisa Ashton of Cadillac; his children, IV (Mary) Ashton of Oak Park, Illinois, Dana (Scott) Pinney of East Jordan, Elizabeth (Nick) Sapoznik of Troy, and Aiden (Jenna) Ashton of Cadillac; grandchildren, Abigail Haney, Harrison Ashton, Anna Haney, Ava Ashton, Mylee Pinney, Wyatt Pinney, Lily Pinney, Charlie Ashton, and Isabelle Ashton; his sister, Connie (Evans) DeVries; several nieces and nephews; and many other dear family and friends. Bud was preceded in death by his son, Thom, his brother, Bob, and his parents.

The family invites anyone touched by Bud’s life to join them at 11 o’clock on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, Michigan, to celebrate his wonderful life. We will have time for gathering and visitation, followed by a short service at noon and an invitation to join us for lunch immediately following. Please bring your best Bud stories and your worst Bud jokes.

To honor Bud's passion for education, please consider a donation to PoWeR! Book Bags in lieu of flowers.  https://www.powerbookbags.org/donate

To honor Bud’s life, memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, whose support meant so much to our family.  https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/GentivaFoundation/GHS.html

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.CremationServicesOnly.com.

The family is being served by Cremation Services Only.

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