City councillor’s son killed in ATV accident
Ron Ashmore says his son, ‘had such a great future ahead of him’

Kawartha Lakes City Councillor Ron Ashmore has lost his second-eldest son, Michael Ashmore, 29, who was killed in an ATV accident on the evening of Jan. 18.
Local OPP reported it has a “serious ATV collision” on Snug Harbour Road at around 7 p.m. in which police, fire, and paramedics all responded. The area was closed for several hours while OPP members trained in collision reconstruction measured and documented the scene.
Ron said he had “no idea what happened,” other than there was an accident as his son made his way from Pleasant Point to Thurstonia. “He was a highly skilled ATV driver though.”
The councillor heaped praise on his late son, noting he had multiple trades certificates, including as a licensed automotive technician and crane technician.
On his Facebook page, Michael is listed as “Owner/Technician at Sturgeon Lift Trucks Ltd and Heavy Equipment Mechanic at Stanmore Equipment.”
Michael was one of four children in the Ashmore family. He is survived by his brother, Charles, 31, and his wife Samantha, as well as his younger brothers, Nicholas, 25 and Jonathan, 23.
“He was so disciplined, so dedicated. He gets that from his mom,” said Ashmore, referring to his wife, Cathy.
Ron said he has been overwhelmed with expressions of support from the public, from family and friends, and from council.
“We always have our differences on council, but it’s heartening to have everyone reach out. It really does help,” he said.
The investigation is ongoing. The OPP is requesting that if anyone was in the area during the time of the collision and has any information, dash cam or surveillance footage that may assist investigators, to call Kawartha Lakes OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Ron said Michael had “so many possibilities.”
“I wish it was me that this had happened to, not him. He had such a great future ahead of him.”
What a terrible tragedy. Michael was a very talented individual. He travelled all over the world to work in his trades. He will be missed in the community. Deepest condolences to the Ashmore family.
I am so very sorry. My condolences to you and your family.
I pray for your family and know that such a loss will never heal in time but hope that your son is in peace and looking over all of you and always in your hearts and thoughts. We never know what tomorrow will bring but sounds like your son brought very many great things to this world and to your life’s. My deepest condolences to all of Michael’s family and friends.
This photo of my good friend Michael captures how kind of a soul he truly was. Driven, intelligent, funny, compassionate, and dedicated are some words I’d use to describe him. He was a young man who worked hard, played hard and was always so optimistic. I myself as so many will miss him dearly. The pleasure was all mine knowing him and being able to call him a friend and neighbor. My heart is with his family, friends and all that knew him at this difficult time. A parents worst nightmare sending all my love to them🩷
I’m sorry for your loss and it’s very sad to see a very valuable young man lost in the community. I pray for the family at this time of loss 🙏
My condolences Ron and Cathy..
My heart Grieve’s for the loss of your son Michael who’s passing affects so many people. Condolences to his Mom,Dad and siblings and so many who had contact with him.
There really is no perfect words to express and relieve your pain and clearly your grief at this time.
All the emotions of his loss will stay for a time then God gives you much needed relief from your pain. I prey that your family will feel his presence. God Bless, Jennifer
Hello Ron. My Condolences to you and your family on this tragedy.
Truly sad. Met him at one of my rides and he was incredible talented at running his ATV in any conditions. My condolences to his family, friends and community. He will be missed.
It’s extremely hard to write this. Michael was more than a friend to me, he was my brother. I spent almost every single day on the phone with him and almost every single weekend together for the last 20 years. I still remember when we were around 12 years old, I showed him how to take apart his first carburetor and clean it. Later on in life, he surpassed me by miles in the mechanical industry. Even though we were in the same career trade, he just had that special talent that I’ve never seen matched before. I often bragged to all my other technician friends about Michael. If we got stuck on something and couldn’t figure it out, I’d call him just to prove the point of his incredible talent. We shared more than just work life though. We shared so many other hobbies from diesel trucks, dirt biking, sea dooing, sledding, quadding, riding bikes, skate boarding and pretty much anything adventurous. we’d do it all together. We even had big plans to build your 2017 cummins. All these fond memories did not just include me and him, our other bestfriend Sean plahuta shared all the same hobbies and passions along with the amazing 20 plus years of friendship. Some of the best memories I have are of the three of us doing the things we loved most and competing against each other while we did them! I’m beyond thankful I got to spend the last day with you doing what you loved- sledding and quadding. We spent the morning driving to pick up a sled. We shared a laugh and memories when we realized the sled was actually your old sled. It came full circle back to me . The sled is now in my garage where it will forever stay-running strong and shredding pow for you brother cause I know you wouldnt want anything less. But most of all I’ll always turn wrench’s for you and continue to use all the knowledge and wisdom you shared with me. Rip to a son, a brother, a bestfriend and a legend. You’ll be missed forever- love you erk.
I’m really sorry to hear this Ron.
Heartfelt condolences to you and your family and friends.
Anne Yorke
I am truly saddened by this news, I don’t have many words at all. My DEEPEST condolences to family, friends and everyone impacted.
Life is precious,
Jesus Saves.
So very sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you and your family. I pray you can find some peace in wonderful memories of all the years you had together.
I’m so so very sorry for you’re loss. Praying for family and friends. God bless. 🙏🙏🙏
So very sorry for your loss Ron. Sending our deepest condolences to you and your family at this time. May you find comfort in the fact that others care and are thinking of you.
Dear Cathy and Ron,
We’re sad that we never had the opportunity of meeting Michael and even sadder now that he is gone.
We sent our deepest condolences for this tragic loss.
Jules and Fran Sobrian
It’s terrible loosing your child I as well lost my son Michael August 5 2022 cancer. My heart goes out to you and your family Ron you have been a great counselor I actually called Emmett and they were waiting for you for a conference they didn’t know so he was going to call the mayor he was devastated but glad I called the families pain is a nightmare many people are praying for all of you. Sharon
Ron
My sincere condolences to you and your family. I am so sorry to hear of this sad news.