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Monday, July 07, 2008

Here's Why Mike Ash From Bay Fireworks Chose To Retire


Hello Joe,

Thanks for the props about the show in Willards. I could not have asked for a better retirement show. Bob did one hell of a job putting that together.

I have attached a copy of the 8" shell that exploded on me that made me decide to retire before my luck ran out. I was in the middle of the white light and saw God. This was shot by my wife at last May's 400th anniversary show in Jamestown VA. She was fortunate to catch this as it happened. She has had this photo win one contest and has been published in 2 photo compilation books.

Thanks,
Mike Ash

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dam thats a shame. I know Mike Ash personally and he is good at what he does no matter if its fireworks, parts store manager or building replica nascar stock cars. He and his people put on the best shows. his work will be missed. p.s. Is this the bank?

Anonymous said...

OMG, I'd retire too - he's one lucky man!

Anonymous said...

Wow! That's some blast and he is lucky to survive it. Almost looks like a roadside bomb in the war zone. Saw enough of this in Korea to last a lifetime.

A. Goetz

Anonymous said...

where are all these fireworks made?
let me dare quess.

Anonymous said...

The Chinese have been making fireworks for 3000 years!! They make the best product out there. I have used US made as well as Italian made product. Trust me, when you stand inches from these when they fire I trust the Chinese product. Every once in a while you get a bad shell. It happens. But having fired millions of shells in my life,product failures such as this are fairly rare. Most fireworks accidents are human error.
Mike Ash

Unknown said...

I think Mike should share say his top ten fireworks stories!

Chip Carper
Hey Mike!Long time no see!

Anonymous said...

Hey Chip, it's been a while.
I have too many stories to bore people with. I am sure Joe doesn't want to clog the blog with those.
Lets just say they go from working with Aerosmith indoor to screaming obscenities at Cal Ripkin(until I realized who he was.. nice guy though) outdoor. It has been a fun ride but all rides must end.
Mike

Anonymous said...

I have too many stories to bore people with

Yes and lets not talk about salutes *wink wink*

Tim Chaney said...

Nice, good luck to you Mike.

Anonymous said...

Mike and Kathy

Happy Retirement...well deserved.
Its been great working with you both over the years. Your work has always been top notch.

Thanks for the memories

Melanie

Anonymous said...

Mike and Peach

I'm glad I wasn't there to see that happen. I've been lucky enough to see what great work you've done so many time.

I'm lucky enough to still have you guys in my life. Sure don't want either one of you leaving me that way!

K

Anonymous said...

my husband and I know Mike and his family and they do an awesome job with the fireworks-he has such a good head on his shoulders and I am sure he wants to keep it that way-he is a very smart man. We miss you Mike and are thankful that you are ok.

Rick & Gail Prouse