A REDLANDS resident who recently celebrated his 99th birthday has packed more into his life than many could imagine – both on the ground and in the sky.
Allan Ashton, born in 1926 in Newcastle, New South Wales, began his career as an electrical fitter at BHP in his hometown.
Over time, his path took him far from his origins.
In 1957, Allan married his wife, Marion, and the couple relocated to Ontario, Canada, where Allan took on a leadership role overseeing a large manufacturing company.
However, the escalating tensions of the Cuban missile crisis in 1962 convinced the couple to return to Australia with their three children, fearing the possibility of war.
Before returning to Queensland, Allan set off on an unforgettable four-day road trip across the US with a Canadian friend.
Starting in Washington D.C., their journey took them all the way to San Francisco, where they shared a meal with none other than Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, now rebranded as KFC.
Although Sanders was famously known for his fried chicken, he surprised Allan by choosing fish for the meal instead.
During their conversation, Sanders even encouraged Allan to open KFC franchises in Australia, but Allan ultimately decided against the offer.
Throughout his life, Allan’s passion for aviation has been a constant.
As a young man, he flew planes as a hobby in Newcastle.
After returning to Queensland, he turned his love for flying into a career in his 40s, becoming a pilot for Bush Pilots – Air Australia.
Based in Cairns and Longreach, Allan flew regional routes across Queensland, even surviving 10 engine failures while piloting Douglas DC-3 planes.
His skill as a pilot allowed him to safely land each of the aircraft despite the challenges.
He retired from aviation in 1986 at the age of 60, marking the end of his career in the skies.
Since then, Allan has flown as a passenger just once.
His influence in aviation didn’t end with his own career.
His daughter followed in his footsteps, working as a flight hostess for airlines such as Qantas.
Allan and Marion, both Carinity Home Care clients, are now living in the serene Bayside, where they continue to enjoy their golden years.
