Update: Fire victim called kind, loving husband, father
12:36 PM Fri, Nov 13, 2009 | Permalink
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NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. -- The man who died in a burning pickup at the park-and-ride on Boston Neck Road early Wednesday morning has been identified as Terence W. Ashworth, 37, a member of the Narragansett School Committee. Meredith Ashworth, his wife of 11 years, talked about his love and kindness as a husband and father, and how much he cared for children in town. The couple have two sons, ages 4 and 8, with whom he was very close, she said. Ashworth coached Little League and was formerly the director of the Ocean Tides program in Narragansett. He ran for the School Committee seat because he wanted to make a difference in the schools "He was the best man on earth," she said, through tears early Friday afternoon. "There wasn't a better dad out there." Police Chief Edward Charboneau said Ashworth had burned to death in the fire, even though passers-by had tried to save him. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the state fire marshal, who said Wednesday the cause is not believed to be suspicious. Ashworth's Ford F150 pickup was in the lot at the park-and-ride off Boston Neck Road just before 6 a.m. when people in two passing vehicles saw it engulfed in flames, Charbonneau said. Three people called for help and then pulled the man out of the burning truck cab, he said. But Ashworth was pronounced dead at the scene. Ashworth had been elected to the Narragansett School Committee last year, and served on the subcommittees for Parks and Recreation, and Health and Wellness, according to the Narragansett school system. Meredith Ashworth is a teacher at the high school. They have two sons in the elementary school. The flags at the schools in Narragansett have been lowered to half-staff in his memory. In a statement issued Friday morning, Superintendent Katherine Sipala said the school community mourns Ashworth's death. A Narragansett resident for many years, Ashworth was very involved in the community and was committed to the improvement of the schools, Sipala said in a statement. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to Terry's entire family and join in their sadness at this time, as we have also lost a colleague, a good friend and a steadfast supporter of education," Sipala said in a statement. 
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The flags at Narragansett schools should have ALREADY BEEN at half-staff for the soldiers killed at Fort Hood, by order of the President.
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EMT, I think that mandate was for city, state and federal offices, not schools. Doesn't mean it couldn't have been at half staff, but it didn't have to be.
Both, of course, are terribly sad stories.
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EMT, the flages were to remain at half staff through Veterans Day. All families involved suffered great loses, and you worry about a flag.
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I had the chance to work with Terry at Ocean Tides when I was younger and can say he was the most kind and generous person I have met. My heart goes out to Terry's family and friends. The world has certainly lost a very special person.
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Don't worry EMT, flags have been at half-staff at our school. We are simply acknowledging that now they fly at half-staff for another reason. Thanks for your concern.
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I had the chance to work with Terry at Ocean Tides when I was younger and can say he was the most kind and generous person I have met. My heart goes out to Terry's family and friends. The world has certainly lost a very special person.
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Counselman,
Surf's up! We'll keep 'em surfing. Ocean Tides, nice Kevin! Teacher, thanks for filling in EMT, who must live in madville? That's two stops past Mudville on the local. Bryan and scorpio, thanks for clarifying the law and all. 'Gansett has lost a great host. I almost said gracious, but let's face it...not so much. hahaha. Yes he was. Meredith and the kids will be well supported by the locals.
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Our family is hurting so deeply right now and this fella EMT you're talking about the flag????? You are a disgrace! I pray that your family doesn't have to go thru the hurt we are going thru right now. I love you cousin!
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I am a current student of Mrs. Ashworth, I am also in her advisory. I have known Mrs. Ashworth and Terry for three years now and They have been nothing but nice to me. I would always see Terry come into with the kids to say a quick hi and everyone would be so excited to see him. They are the nicest family I have met. My heart goes out to Mrs. Ashworth and family. Terry will forever be in our hearts and minds, we love you.
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My heart goes out to your family tonight. I pray they find the answers they need to carry on.
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