Asher, David

David Asher Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Scanlin Cremation & Burial - University Place on Jan. 31, 2025.
Dave was born in July of 1948 and grew up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

He graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a degree in Business Administration and the Florida Institute of Technology with a master's degree in Logistics Management.

He joined the Army in 1971 and rose through the ranks to that of Lieutenant Colonel. From an Infantryman who qualified as Airborne and a Ranger, he became an Aviator (helicopters), and Logistician with command and staff assignments in the continental US, Asia, and Europe. He retired after 21 years in the Army. He then joined the University of Washington as a budget analyst and subsequently became the Chief Financial Officer for UW educational outreach. While serving as a finance officer for UW, he Chaired the Rose Hill Neighborhood Association and was Vice Chair for the Kirkland Alliance of Neighborhoods. Dave's constituents elected him to the Kirkland City Council in November 1999 where he served for two decades. In August of 2012, Walt Krueger enticed him to join Kiwanis Club of Kirkland where Dave was recognized for his skill in recruiting new members.

During his tenure on the Council, Dave was well known for his philosophy of 'promises made, promises kept.' He championed a shared vision of enhanced public safety, walkability, fiscal responsibility, and environmental sustainability. He was also committed to quality of life for residents through his commitment to Kirkland's diverse collection of neighborhoods.

In addition to his dedication to transportation infrastructure improvements, Asher was a legislative trailblazer, identifying key issues and working in concert with the City and state lawmakers to serve as Kirkland's voice in Olympia. He facilitated this important work through his role as chair of the City's legislative committee.

In 1993, Dave and his wife joined LWUMC in Kirkland and decades of Dave's faithfulness to this church and its mission were also part of his story.

He was a devoted husband to Hae-Sun for over 40 years. Their relationship was a beautiful testament to partnership, respect and supporting each other through every milestone and challenge. Dave had a close relationship with his mother-in-law, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law. To his nieces and nephews-in-law, he was a caring and fun uncle who never missed a chance to make them laugh and feel special.

After a few years of a long series of illnesses, Dave passed away on 1/15/2025. He was preceded in death by his beloved older brother, Cpt. Samuel Earl Asher, who lost his life in the Vietnam War in 1970. Sam's death deeply affected their mother Helen who passed away soon after. In 1990, he lost his father, Earl, and his last and youngest sibling Kenneth in 2022.

Though his family is heartbroken by Dave's passing, they take comfort in knowing that his love will continue to guide them as a family. They value Dave's lifelong dedication to serving people and believe his impact will continue to inspire and live on in the hearts of all who knew and cherished him.

His memorial service is at

Lake Washington United Methodist Church in Kirkland, WA

7525 132nd Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98033

03/01/2025(Sat) 3 PM.

In remembrance of Dave's legacy of compassion and service, donations may be made to LWUMC with 'Safe parking or Pastor's Discretionary Fund' in the memo line.

(https://app.aplos.com/aws/give/LakeWAUMC/Donate).

Or to the Kirkland Kiwanis Foundation (https://kirkland-kiwanis-foundation.square.site/donate).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Posted By: Administrator - 04-10-2026
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