Brian Chester Ashland

BELGRADE – Brian Chester Ashland passed away peacefully on Oct. 18, 2025, at the age of 64, after a brief battle with cancer.

He was born in Augusta, on Nov. 6, 1960. He grew up on Belgrade stream where he fished his entire life. If he wasn’t around Belgrade, you might find him away at “camp” in Lexington Township, near Flagstaff Lake; trips to camp were a go-to. Camp is, and will forever be, a favorite spot for so many of Brian’s family and friends.

He was a bit of a wanderer, you never knew where he might show up. He had friends all over and could always find someone he knew to chat with. He loved to play cribbage with anyone and taught many along the way how to play. Brian loved coffee, always had a cup in hand or was looking for a fresh one.

He had a big soft spot for all children and so many that referred to him as “Uncle Brian” or “Uncle Bung”, whether you were family or not. He wore his big heart on his sleeve, was a free spirit and could always find a way to make you smile. He was so proud of his four beautiful girls and would do anything for them. He was a great “Pop” to his grandchildren.

Brian leaves behind four daughters, Melissa Reynolds, Abby and Larry DiPietro, KayLee and Ryan Abbott, Courtney Ashland and fiancé Ricky McEachern; seven grandchildren, Raven and Xavier Bilodeau, Wyatt and Jaxx DiPietro, Dylan Abbott, Seth and Jazmyn McEachern; a great-grandchild on the way; seven siblings, Pamela Prescott, Raymond Ashland, Patrick York, Thomas York, Amy York, Julie Ashland and Karen Rhyne as well as their spouses and children; stepmother, Patricia Ashland. Brian will be missed by his large extended family and many lifelong friends.

He was predeceased by his father, Victor Ashland, his mother, Arlene “Sawyer” Ashland; and his infant brother, Mark.

“And with a final, silent grace, the leaf lets go and settles low, returning to the earth’s embrace. A quiet end, where all things go.”

– author unknown

The family invites everyone to join them for a Celebration of Life Saturday Nov. 1, at the North Belgrade Community Center at 1 p.m.

Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, where memories, photos and condolences may be shared at dsfuneral.com.