Paul John Ashback

Paul John Ashback, 67, was suddenly called home to be with the Lord on September 13, 2025. He was a resident of Yacolt, WA for the past 27 years. Born September 16, 1957, in Portland, OR to parents Eugene and Agnes Ashback, Paul completed all of his schooling in Portland and graduated from John Adams High School.

He worked in various trades throughout the years, including warehousing, manufacturing, aluminum smelting, and several more, where he made lasting friendships and was well respected by his supervisors, team-leaders, and peers alike. He took pride in helping train others and also in being an effective and caring Safety Team Lead.

Paul met his wife, Debbie, in 1979 at Allied Plating (Portland) where they were both employed. They married in 1981, and enjoyed a short 44 years together, camping and hiking, taking impromptu road trips, gardening, and watching Nascar Races (Dale Sr and Jr were his favorite drivers). For a time in the 70’s and 80’s, he enjoyed being a part of the #47 pit crew for race car driver Art Roth at the Portland Speedway.

He loved spending time on his beloved Guemes Island where he helped build his parent’s retirement home that was completed in 1980 and is still enjoyed by family members today. Paul’s step-son, Steve, fondly remembers that, as a family, they enjoyed going out in the boat with Uncle Bruce to fish for crab, and digging for clams on the beach with the crab boil that followed. Paul enjoyed attending activities with Steve, from preschool plays, to car races in Portland, to school sporting events throughout the years while Steve played baseball and soccer.

Paul took an active role as a member of Freedom Community Church and will be remembered for his kind and generous servant's heart. He also greatly loved spending time with all of his fur babies, of which there have been many.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie, step-son Steve, step-grandson, Tyler, and many other beloved family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Agnes; and his brothers, Dale and Bruce.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 16th at 12:30 pm, at Freedom Community Church, meeting at Firm Foundation Christian School, 1919 SW 25th Ave, Battle Ground.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Donald D. Trunkey Center for Civilian and Combat Casualty Care, OHSU, Portland, OR.