Decades of Memories Larry and I were in the same cohort of new instructors and professors hired in the early-1970s as part of SUNY Cortland’s transition from a normal school to an arts and sciences college. We—Larry and I and our families—go back a long time. Here are a few of my fondest recollections. Mid-1970s—Probably while playing racquet ball, Larry and I decided to do a two-day hike along a portion of the Finger Lakes trail—a section somewhere between Watkins Glen and Ithaca, I think. Just before time to stop and set up a camp for our overnight, we came across a bed of wild garlic. Picking it, cooking it, smelling it and eating it fixed in my mind just how good academic conversation with a kindred spirit can be. Mid-1970s—Our families—the Ashleys and the Littles--were sitting by the fireplace in our house at 11 Harrington Avenue one evening when young Chris told us about the legends associated with the Greek mythological characters (one was Mercury, I believe) on the fireplace andirons that my father had cast at his foundry decades earlier. That night was when I first imagined Larry’s son as destined for greatness. 1980s—Somewhere, sometime Larry told me, with totally typical Ashley enthusiasm about how he and son Chris had discovered that it was possible to start riding a bicycle atop the hill by the dirt road to Mary Kelley’s house off Old Stage Road and coast all the way to Cortland without additional peddling. The image of Larry and Chris urging their bikes on—peddling-free, to make it to Cortland-- was forever fixed in my mind. 1980s—Somewhere (probably in Moffett after a squash match) Larry told me about the books that he and Chris were reading aloud together. When Larry recounted his and Chris’s shared adventures with Sherlock Holmes, I simply marveled to myself: “What a Dad.” 1980s and 1990s--Squash—Bob Lear, Henry Steck, Larry Ashley (occasionally others) and I—for years played two or three time a week, mid-day, in the basement of Moffett. Larry bested every one of us regularly. On the very rare occasions when I won a game (never a match, as I recall), my sense of accomplishment sustained me for weeks. Funny how people on the left of the political spectrum can be such fierce competitors. 1980s and 1990s—Larry had a powerful commitment to General Education and Modern Western Thought that, for me, was always at the core of his professional identity. An important aspect of his professional life was advancing the loftiest goals of higher education. Into the 21st Century—Larry Ashley’s dedication to UUP service—in numerous, various roles, but ultimately as UUP President at SUNY Cortland—was a great gift to his colleagues. His leadership was distinguished by intelligence, humanity and integrity. His selflessly motivated service was priceless and truly in accord with our most cherished academic values. Chris and Pat—Thank you for sharing Larry’s life with us. I am deeply grateful for the ways in which he enriched my life. He will be sorely missed and most affectionately remembered.