Timothy Van Ash, Jr.

Timothy Van Ash Jr., a devoted son, loving brother, cousin, uncle, and caring friend transitioned suddenly after a brief illness on September 29, 2023, surrounded by family and friends at Dignity Mercy Gilbert Medical Center.  He was born April 26,1989 in Kingston, Pennsylvania to Timothy Sr. and Debra Ash.   Timothy is survived by his parents Timothy and Debra Ash, siblings Alesia (Justin), Joseph (Hannah), girlfriend, Andi Wagner, nephew Joshua and a host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends.

Timothy grew up in Sierra Vista, Arizona and was active in St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Youth Group.  He graduated from Buena High School in 2007, where he was a member of the Buena Band and ROTC and attended technology courses and Arizona Tech Prep in Avionics. He attended Cochise College and received an Avionic Technical School certification and Aviation Career Academy Certificate.  He also attended Arizona State University Polytechnical Campus, where he achieved the Dean’s List.  

Timothy received his General Radio Telephone Operator License from the USA Federal Communications Commission FCC), Autonomous Vehicle Trainer Certificate from Cruise Automation, the Basic Rider Course, the Rider Coach and the Preparation Courses from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Tim is a certified Scuba Diver and obtained a Black Belt 2nd Degree from Jae Kim’s Martial Arts and belonged to the Toyota Tundra Club, Motorcycle and Mountain Biking organizations. He is passionate about the sport of archery, the stars and astronomy and flying drones.  He established careers as an Incident Analyst at Cruise Automation, he excelled in his Drone Business, and as a Dirt Bike and Motorcycle Instructor with Team Arizona Motorcycling. He also volunteered his time as often as he could.

Tim was passionate about many things and had a beautiful knack for turning his passions into professions. Whether it was autonomous cars, drones, mountain biking, motorcycles, the night sky, or off-roading, camping, shooting, archery, playing guitar.  One of Tim’s many accomplishments is his work with the Tempe Town Lake Tourism drone shoot. Those who knew Tim will remember him by the way he unwaveringly honored his calling and supporting his family and friends.  We will cherish his memory.

The family would like to thank the staff at Dignity Mercy Gilbert for the care and support they provided Tim and the family.  The family would like to also thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers, hugs, expressions and online messages during this time.  We would like to extend an invitation for visitation at Hatfield’s Funeral Home, 830 AZ-92, Sierra Vista, Friday October 13th, 4:00pm-7:00 pm.  Funeral Service is scheduled for 12:00 pm on Saturday, October 14th, at St Stephens Episcopal Church, 2750 East Cardinal Drive, Sierra Vista, Arizona 85635, followed by a reception for family and friends at Manda Le Restaurant, 3455 Canyon De Flores B, Sierra Vista, AZ 85650.

In lieu of flowers, the family is establishing a Memorial Scholarship in Timothy’s name.  The scholarship will support continuing education in the areas of technology and automation.  Donations can be made to the American Southwest Credit Union P.O. Box 370, Sierra Vista, AZ 85636-0370, Account/Member # 171926, Routing # 322174588, or Venmo @Tim-Ash-12.

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