Lasting Memories

Michael Derek Ashworth
Jan. 19, 1945-July 16, 2011
Palo Alto, California

Longtime San Francisco Giants fan Michael Derek Ashworth of Palo Alto lost his battle with complications from non-Hodgkins Lymphoma on July 16, 2011, at the age of 66.

The outdoor enthusiast also followed the San Francisco 49ers, played golf, was a member of the Palo Alto Lawn Bowls Club and played softball with the Slonkers in the Palo Alto Recreation slow pitch league.

He was born Jan. 19, 1945, in Burlingame and raised in Palo Alto. He graduated from Cubberley High in 1962 before serving four years of active duty in Vietnam as a flight engineer on a Lockheed P3 Orion with Patrol Squadron Nine out of Moffett Field.

He later attended Foothill College from 1967-70 and was graduated from San Jose State in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering. His interest in flying carried him into a career as a flight attendant with United Airlines from 1973 until his death. He was married for 32 years to his wife Marsha, a fellow flight attendant whom he met during an all-night flight to Chicago, and was the father of Christopher and Molly. He is survived by all three.

He was a brother to Janice Cavalla, Toni Doose, Cindy Giffin, Sheri Baker, Larry Hamilton and John Hamilton. He loved life, his family and followed the World Series-winning exploits of his San Francisco Giants last season while actively competing for the Palo Alto Lawn Bowls Club. His name appears on the club's tournament board multiple times as a winner of various pairs tournaments.

He also was an avid soccer coach in the CYSA and was a big fan of NASCAR, even attending the Richard Petty Racing School. He cherished driving his 1962 yellow 356 Porsche around town.