BELFAST — Walter “Bub” Ash, 55, of Belfast, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 17, 2025, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was born on February 3, 1970, the beloved son of Walter and Joan (Webber) Ash.

Bub grew up in Belfast and graduated from Belfast Area High School in 1988. As a teenager, he worked alongside his father at the family business, East Side Garage, where he began pumping gas and learning the value of hard work. His natural talent, dedication, and determination led him to become an exceptional mechanic. In 2015, following his parents’ retirement, the family business was entrusted to Bub and his wife, Norma.

Known for his work ethic, honesty, and integrity, Bub not only carried on the family legacy but grew East Side Garage into a cornerstone of the community. His knowledge and expertise were unmatched, and his willingness to help others earned him the respect and gratitude of countless customers, coworkers, neighbors, and friends. Though his passing leaves a tremendous void, his values will continue to guide the business and those who carry on his work.

In the early 1990s, Bub moved to Bucksport to begin raising a family, welcoming his son, Philip, and daughters, Rebecca and Kristy. In 2009, Bub married the love of his life, Norma (Flanders) Ash, and together they welcomed two more blessings into his life – a son, Brody, and a daughter, Baylee.

Beyond his work, his happiest moments were with his family. He and his father treasured the experience of building two Mustangs side by side, a project that blended his love of cars with lasting family memories. A true homebody, Bub took great pride in his yard and home, keeping everything beautifully trimmed, organized and tidy. He had a true love for animals, and a huge soft spot for a big, slobbery dog. He also loved cheering on his children at their sporting events, never missing an opportunity to support them. Family time meant everything to him, whether it was trips to Disney, Santa’s Village, Story Land, or simply sitting around a fire pit with family and friends. Those moments, big and small, were the ones he cherished most.

Bub was predeceased by his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins Paula Jones and Mark Webber.

He leaves behind his wife Norma Ash of Belfast, and their children, Brody and Baylee. He is also survived by his daughter Rebecca Ash of Kentucky and her daughter Abigail; his son Philip Ash of Bucksport; his daughter Kristy Ash of Bangor and her children Theo and Lily. In addition, he is survived by his parents, Walter and Joan Ash of Belfast; his sister, Dottie Snider and her husband, Winston, of Texas; and his nieces, Kylie and Maya.

Those closest to him included lifelong friends Mike Vellaro, Steve Clements, Shawn Merrill, and Mike Bailey, as well as Ralph Flanders, Jennifer and Kendra Lindsay, Jarrod Cook and many others. Bub will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the entire Belfast community. His memory will live on in the lives he touched, the lessons he shared, and the legacy of hard work and kindness he leaves behind.

There will be a graveside service Sunday, August 31, at 10 a.m., at Grove Cemetery in Belfast. Directly following the service, there will be a gathering at Bub and Norma’s home, 34 Searsport Ave in Belfast. All are welcome to join in celebrating the life of an amazing man, sharing memories, laughter and tears with friends and family. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com