M. John Ashton

Marvin John Ashton was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 11, 1942.

He passed away at the age of 84 on October 17, 2026.

The son of Marvin Jeremy Ashton and Norma Berntson Ashton, he was the eldest of four children, followed by Jonne (Wheadon), Stephen and Janice (Sorensen).

John grew up in an era when children were free to roam, make up heroic stories and form lifelong friends. His family lived near a gully where he could chase deer and have mighty adventures. Sticks became their weapons…plants, weeds and dirt clods their treasures.

When their mothers called to them in the afternoon they would return with stories of their heroic deeds…ready for a hot supper and a comfortable bed.

When John was 13 his family purchased a cabin in Holladay Park with a name already attached…“Aw Come On Inn.” John was surrounded by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, many of whom had second homes similar to theirs in the adjacent area. They had access to an unlimited array of hills to climb, streams and lakes to fish, and mountains too numerous to name.

He played football at Highland High and basketball in the Parleys 1st Ward. He enjoyed golf when he could find the right course and a lot of sunshine.

Serving the LDS Church in the Southwest British Mission from July 1962 to July 1964 provided many positive experiences and broadened his view of the world. Upon completing his mission, he and his companion traveled throughout England and Norway before heading back to the states and their families.

John married Patricia (Patty) Plant Loveless on June 12, 1968. They later divorced.

After graduating from the University of Utah Law School he joined the Ray Quinney & Nebeker law firm, where he practiced transactional law for many years.

He met and subsequently married Linda Cornish Briggs (Ashton) on September 24, 2005. They travelled the world together.

John was the Alumni Director at the University of Utah from 1988 to 2018. He played a significant role from concept to completion of the Cleone Peterson Eccles Alumni House.

John had an all-consuming thirst for knowledge and was constantly engrossed in a book with many titles at the ready.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Cleone Peterson Eccles Alumni House from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026.

John’s children include: Mike (Jenn), Dave (Amie), Steve (Jen) and Annie.

He also includes as family: Marc (Becky) Briggs, Tami (Steve) Bergen, Steve (Rebecca) Briggs and Sarah (Fred) Humiston.

We request that rather than sending flowers, please send a donation to the Utah Food Bank.