Bernard Ashen passed away in Sarasota, Florida, on February 26, 2025. His obituary was posted by the South Haven, Michigan, funeral home on March 13, 2025.
Highlights
- According to the obituary post, Bernard Ashen, a former high school athlete, passed away on March 2, 2025.
- Bernard Ashen was also an active musician, serving as lead guitarist in the 1960s American folk-rock band The Lovin’ Spoonful.
- Bernard Ashen was preceded in death by his parents, Abe and Blanche Ashen, and his wife, Carolyn Ashen.
The news of the demise of Bernard Ashen was posted by the South Haven, Michigan funeral house on the Legacy website. The obituary article writes,
Sadly, Bernard Ashen passed away in Sarasota, Fla. He will be remembered as the force of nature that he was.
Legacy
Bernard Ashen was a standout athlete and a talented musician in high school. He represented his alma mater during high school and competed in regional and state championships.
Furthermore, Ashen was part of the popular American folk-rock band, The Lovin’ Spoonful.
He was the lead guitarist for the group around 1967 after the former guitarist, Zal Yanovsky, left the group and started his solo career with the debut single,
“As Long As You’re Here”.
Moreover, Bernard Ashen was an avid music collector and a good piano player. Over the years, he collaborated with and helped his father in the vending business, Ashn Amusements and Refresher Vending Company.
Apart from his career as an athlete, musician Ashen loved to read, and legend has it that a book he wrote was in the library at the University of Michigan.
Bernard Ashen Is Survived By His Family And Preceded In Death By His Parents And Wife
The demise of Bernard Ashen has sent waves of profound grief to his family, friends, and close ones. His family is currently mourning the loss and is praying for Bernard’s eternal peace.
As of March 14, 2025, his family had barely published any obituary posts on social media. However, one of his close friends posted an obituary and updates on her social media.
On her Facebook post, she writes,
Godspeed Bernie…see you again someday …ox
Theresa Marie Harry
Moreover, as for his family, it might be that the devastated family chose to maintain silence and protect their privacy in the moment of grief.
Furthermore, Bernard Ashen was the loving son of his parents, Abe and Blanche Ashen, and grew up in the Michigan and Flordia neighborhood.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Carolyn Ashen. Bernard got married to his love of life around the 1980s.
Together, Bernard and Carolyn raised their children and ran a business. However, after the demise of his wife, Ashen left his business ventures and transferred his work interest in involving in nature.
Furthermore, Bernard Ashen was close to his brother, Sammy Ashen, and often got influenced by his work and interests.
On one of the obituaty post it is stated that,
After his brother Sammy took a little speed boat across the lake to Chicago, Ill., Bernie copied the exploit a year later, at age 15.
Legacy
Moreover, Bernard Ashen’s celebration of life was conducted in a funeral ceremony on March 1, 2025, at Whittaker Park, Sarasota, Florida.
Additional Information
- Bernard Ashen ran a construction company with his cherished wife, Carolyn, while he resided in Berwyn, Illinois.
- Bernie loved horses and nature, especially the lake. He would get up at dawn for his hikes along the shoreline.
