Man of Avon: Ashby B. Allen '70

ALLEN, Ashby Bridgforth Jr. "Bridg," 66, of Richmond, Va., died at home on January 31, 2018, after a courageous struggle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne Gray; and his father. He is survived by his mother, Mary Lee Link Allen; his stepmother, Sara Allen; his siblings, Becky Allen, Charles Littlepage Allen (Carol), Mary Frances Allen (George Cogan); his stepchildren, Kirsten Gray (Ramzi Hossaini), Eric Gray (Lynne), Erica Gray, Charity Baker; and numerous nieces, nephews and stepgrandchildren. Bridg attended Thomas Jefferson High School before graduating from Avon Old Farms. He earned an undergraduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master's degree from Georgetown University. Bridg's life-long love of music led to training as a classical guitarist. He considered Italy his second home, Rome his favorite city. He always enjoyed visiting Hatteras Island with his family. Passionate about art and architecture, Bridg served on the board of the Antiquarian Society, and was a member of the Palladian Society and the Alliance for a Progressive Virginia. He was vocal at city council meetings, most recently opposing efforts to build a baseball stadium in historic Shockoe Bottom. In quieter moments, Bridg enjoyed long friendships, poetry, refurbishing antique pens, and observing a Red-tailed Hawk living outside his apartment window. Services will be held at St. James's Episcopal Church, 3 p.m., on Saturday, February 3, 2018, followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mary Ann Rennolds Chamber Concerts Series at VCU.