It is with deep sadness that the staff of Technews Publishing heard of the death of our dear friend and much esteemed colleague, Andrew Ashton. Jon (Andrew) Charles Ashton passed away on Thursday, 18 June 2015 following a five-week fight with cancer.
Professional
Andrew’s integrity illuminated everything he did. He never accepted second-best from himself, on both personal and professional levels. His honesty shone through in his journalism and as an editor.
Personable
More than one colleague described Andrew as being 'a true gentleman'. But that wasn’t the only gentleness that we experienced. His genuine concern over the wellbeing of his colleagues and friends was a hallmark of our interaction with him. His smile was infectious and his humour was never at the expense of someone else.
Perspicacious
Andrew was one of the smartest people with whom we have had the privilege to work. He was highly intellectual with a remarkable understanding of extremely complex technical problems across a broad range of subjects. His multiple technical and commercial qualifications combined with a drive to reach perfection in everything he did, made him an unparalleled technical writer that the industry will sorely miss.
Andrew, we will miss you not only for what you did, but for who you were.
Andrew and Christine Ashton.
Andrew’s long association with Technews dates back to his student days when one of his lecturers was Ray Beaumont, the founder of Technews.
In 1990 he became a client of Technews whilst he was MD of Prolocon.
In 2004 he joined Technews full-time as the editor of two of Technews’ publications, SA Instrumentation & Control and Motion Control in Southern Africa.
In 2009 he left full-time employment with Technews but remained as consulting and contributing editor until his death.
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