Ashby Snow Decker

Ashby Snow Decker, our dear old Dad, finished his time on Earth March 7th. He gave that rare gift, unconditional love and constant support, to his adoring wife of 65 years, to his three sons, and to his cherished friends who enriched his life. A student of history with great business acumen, he loved opera, chamber music, art, ballet and theater, but also sports, hunting and fishing, food, wine and travel. He enjoyed the widest window on the world from his stable vantage in the Salt Lake valley where his family history was deeply rooted. He was proud of his Pioneer heritage.

Son of Wayne & Evelyn Snow Decker, he was born in Salt Lake City on May 13, 1933. He attended Lowell Elementary, Bryant Junior High, and East High public schools where he served as class Valedictorian at both Junior High & High School graduations. In 1955, he graduated magna cum laude from the University of Utah’s College of Business (Accounting). Awarded the Alpha Kappa Psi scholarship for highest scholastic average, he also received the Utah Association of CPAs Gold Key as the outstanding graduate in the college. Elected to Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and Beta Gamma Sigma honorary scholastic societies. Member of Beta Theta Pi social fraternity. He earned a second degree in History from the University of Utah graduating with his BS, magna cum laude.

Served in the U.S. Air Force as accounting officer, stationed at Blytheville AFB, Arkansas and Shaw AFB, South Carolina. Discharged as First Lieutenant.

Married Anne Cullimore Decker; had three sons, Steven Ashby Decker, Spencer Cullimore Decker, James Franklin Decker. Remained a close and happy family.

Worked at Decker Jewelry before being employed at Lincoln G. Kelly Co. as CPA; later employed as Comptroller at Portland Cement Company of Utah, eventually becoming Vice President and member of the Board of Directors. Negotiated merger with Lone Star Industries, Inc. Remained with the company until his retirement in 1988.

Served as member of Board of Governors and President of the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce; member and President of the Utah Manufacturers Association; member of the National Board of Manufacturers; Chairman of the Board, Utah Citizens for Free Enterprise; member of Save Classical Music on KUER; officer, Chamber Music Society of Salt Lake.

Ashby served as Bailli for more than 20 years with the international gastronomic society, Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. In that capacity, he worked with local chefs to plan menus and pair wines as well as conducting food and wine tours to San Francisco, France and Italy. Member of Les Amis du Vin, Alta Club, Salt Lake Country Club, Salt Lake Swimming and Tennis Club, Fort Douglas Hidden Valley Country Club.

Season subscriber to Utah Symphony, Utah Opera, Ballet West, and the Chamber Music Society of Salt Lake City for over 65 years. Attended multiple cultural events locally to the very end. Internationally he attended music festivals (Schubertiade, Austria), museums, theatres, opera and wine academies. As a youth he traveled extensively through East and Southeast Asia, and introduced his own children to world travel and culture.

An avid reader (mostly history), he loved to swim, play bridge, tennis, basketball, and over-the-line. He regularly enjoyed duck and pheasant hunting as well as fly fishing on the Weber River in Holiday Park. A lifelong Running Utes fan. He especially loved a good party with great friends.

He lived an exemplary life as husband, father, friend and contributor to his community.

Preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Jack Richard Decker, Herbert Wayne Decker (LaVon), Mary Decker Bott (Victor). Survived by his wife Anne, sons, Steven (Stephanie), Spencer (Melissa), James (Theresa); grandchildren, David Ashby, Daniel Krieder, Dessa Kathryn; sister, Marjorie Decker Horton (Duane); inlaws, LeJeune Decker, Kathleen Wallace, and multiple nephews and nieces.

Funeral service honoring Ashby will be held on Saturday April 5, 2025 at 2pm, at Larkin Mortuary 260 East South Temple. Visitation: Friday April 4th from 6-8pm and one hour prior to service. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Chamber Music Society of Salt Lake City, or Utah Symphony/Utah Opera.