David Lee Asher, Jr. passed away March 30th, 2022 after a valiant struggle to survive after a lifesaving surgery caused complications and required several months of hospitalization. He had the will to live but his body could not handle the stress any longer. He was called to heaven to begin the next chapter in his life. His spirit lives on in all those who had the fortunate pleasure to know and love David and become his friend or acquaintance.
David, born March 9, 1961, was the eldest son of Eula Asher (a retired Arizona Public Service Manager) and David Asher, Sr. (a retired U.S. military veteran). Eula and David, Sr. also welcomed another son, Kevin Asher, born just a few years after David. David was raised and spent his elementary, middle, and high school years in the Phoenix area. The family lived near many of his family members and would interact with them frequently; so David had an extended network of aunts, uncles, and cousins nearby from both sides of his family. His mother was an avid church attendee which helped to foster David's life-long love for God and appreciation for gospel music. He also developed a love for jazz music from his father and had a deep appreciation for the classics like Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole.
David had a passion for life and sharing a hug or smile with everyone. His handsome good looks, wit, humor, smile and charm will be missed by all. David was a man of faith and not afraid of death. He knew that God would take care of him now that his spirit is free of pain and suffering. He loved hummingbirds believing they were spirits of family members and friends now past.
Anyone that knew David knew that he had a keen sense of style. His clothes and accessories matched both in color and style. He was always meticulously dressed and had to apply "smellums" (his cologne). The word talent should have been his middle name. David had a special gift for interior and exterior home detailing and design. He had a passion for vintage items, bling jewelry, anything with animal print, and Louis Vuitton. He loved vignetting displays at home and at work.
David's favorite pastimes were listening to contemporary music, watching television shows and movies on cable television surrounded by Bob (his life partner of 22 years), the three dogs, and a bowl of popcorn. A lot of time was spent in Northern Arizona at the cabin the two of them shared at Munds Park. It was David's favorite place for taking in views of the pine trees and the lake. He also enjoyed taking the dogs for walks in the summer grass, fall leaves, and the winter snow. Sitting by the fireplace and enjoying the warmth of the fire was something he always looked forward to during their time there.
David had a love for animals. He and Bob shared their homes with some of the most amazing dogs. Bella, Sara, and Emmie are now reunited with him at the "Over the Rainbow Bridge" dog park in heaven.
David co-owned with Bob their resale store Home Again Furnishings & Antiques. They owned the store together for seventeen years. He was the store manager and always offered a pleasant hello and his assistance whenever needed. He enjoyed working on displays of furniture, art, and accessories. David made the shop so inviting and comfortable. Customers would frequently stay longer or come around simply to hang out and talk with him.
David started his working life in men's clothing, then in the family-owned soul food restaurant, Mama Eula's Barbeque. David was responsible for the Mama Eula's Barbeque menu design. The restaurant, due to its popularity, was often frequented by celebrity entertainers and athletes. He then became a regional store manager for the Salvation Army and went on to manage a resale vintage dealer mall. Finally, after meeting Bob, he joined him at Home Again Furnishings & Antiques. He also worked with his dear friend Mae Sinclair helping manage her business Consign N Design.
David is preceded in death by his father David Lee Asher Sr. He is survived by his life partner Bob Van Riper, their beloved dog Sadie, his mother Eula Asher, his brother Kevin Asher, his sister-in-law Ellen Van Riper (her husband Allen Malanowski), his nephew Eric Malanowski, his niece Vanessa Asher, and his nephew Kevin Asher, Jr. Also left to cherish his memory are a host of extended friends and family members.