Dr. Neil Hazen Ashdown Obituary (1970 - 2016)

Dr. Neil Hazen Ashdown, our beloved father, husband, son, brother, colleague and friend, passed away on May 22, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Andrea, and three children: Roman, Siena and Bella. Neil is also survived by his parents, Laurence and Diane Ashdown, of Cedar City, Utah, and his siblings: Greg (Robyn) Ashdown of Houston, TX, Dr. Boyd (Kristin) Ashdown of Tucson, AZ, Nola (Reed) Erickson of Cedar City, UT, and Clay (Laurie) Ashdown of South Jordan, UT. Neil had an engaging personality, sharp intellect, and kind heart. He was a friend to all who knew him. Neil was passionate about education and public service and was a wonderful advocate for the less fortunate. He accomplished a great deal during his mortal life, but the source of his greatest happiness and pride was his wonderful family. We are all better for having known and loved Neil. Neil was born in Lander, Wyoming, and lived there until graduating from high school. During his early years, Neil excelled academically, athletically and musically. In 1990, Neil began his missionary service for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in northern Italy. Following his mission, he attended the University of Utah where he later graduated with a degree in Political Science. During one school term, Neil studied abroad in Siena, Italy. Andrea Zullo participated in the same program, and that is how the two of them met. They were ultimately married in Salt Lake City, UT, in June of 1994. Neil later received his Masters of Public Administration from the University of Utah. During the same time period, Andrea received her degree in Accounting and MBA from the University of Utah. Neil and Andrea moved to Albany, NY where their son Roman was born. Neil studied at the State University of New York and received his PhD in Political Science and Economics. His dissertation was on the impact of banking policy on trade and global stability. Although it was well researched and skillfully written, many joked with Neil that the book was a surefire cure for insomnia. Following their time in New York, the family moved back to Utah where Neil went to work for Governor Mike Leavitt. Neil subsequently worked for Governors Walker and Huntsman. Neil and Andrea had their second child, Siena in September of 2003. Neil served as Governor Huntsman's Chief of Staff until the governor was asked to serve as the Ambassador to China in 2009. The family moved to China so that Neil could continue his service as Ambassador Huntsman's Chief of Staff. While living in China, Neil and Andrea adopted a little girl, who they named Bella. The family moved back to Utah in 2011. Neil's most recent professional role was as Vice President for Government Relations at Rocky Mountain Power. Neil accomplished a great deal in life, but he did not seek credit nor notoriety. If you had the opportunity to visit with him in a casual setting, he mostly wanted to talk about his children or his beloved University of Utah athletic teams. We miss Neil greatly but are greatly comforted by the knowledge that he has returned to his heavenly home and the open arms of a loving Savior as well as dear ancestors that passed before him. We wish to express our sincere appreciation for the kind wishes, thoughts and prayers on behalf of the family. A celebration of Neil's life will be held Saturday, May 28, 2016 at 11:00 am at the LDS Stake Center, 5980 South 1300 West. A viewing will be held Friday, May 27, 2016 from 5:00-8:00 pm at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway (10600 South), South Jordan, Utah and on Saturday from 9:30-10:30 at the church. Interment at Murray City Cemetery on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at 1:00 pm. Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe South Valley 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway South Jordan, UT 84095