Frederick Galsworthy and Lilly Maude (nee Neville) Ashley came to Calgary and then Banff from England in the early 1900’s. The first child, Ivy, was born in England. The other three children were born in Canada. The family returned to England during the First World War when Fred enlisted in the army. He was stationed in France as a medic.
After the war, the family came back to Canada, settling in Canmore in 1920. Fred worked delivering parcels by horse and buggy and then became the caretaker at the elementary school that was located on the northeast corner of 8th Street and 8th Avenue. Fred worked there until the school burned down during the night in 1927 – 28. He later worked as a carpenter at the Canmore Mines. Fred was very involved with the Anglican Church in Canmore, his house at that time being next door to the church.
The Ashley children were: Ivy Ethel (married name Baptie) died in 1991; Frederick John (Chick) died in 1982; Alberta Lilly (married name McAffer); Geraldine Barbara (Jerry) (married name Michaluk) died in 1981.
Grandchildren: Ivy – five children: Frances, Gary, Marshall, Lesley and Susan; Frederick, one son Graham; Alberta – four children; Patrick, Sandra, Kent and Daneve; Geraldine – six children; Jill, Jocelyn, Michelle, Neil, Chris and Owen.
In Canmore Seniors at the Summit, ed. Canmore Seniors Association, 2000, p. 7.
