David Asatani Obituary

David Iwao Asatani, DDS, MS

Resident of Covina, CA

12/1/1931 - 9/29/2010

David passed away after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his brothers, Herbert and Robert, nephews Herb Jr., Steve, Paul, Dan, and niece Lisa, as well as five grandnephews Alan, Ryan, Andrew, Zachary, and Nicholas, and grandnieces Brittany and Lexie. Born in San Jose, Ca., he attended Santa Clara High, San Jose State University, and graduated from Loma Linda University with a DDS degree in 1959, followed by an MS degree in orthodontics in 1968. He practiced for 51 years in Covina, Ca., and was a member of the American Assn. of Orthodontists, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, and San Gabriel Valley Dental Society. David loved fishing and was the consummate fisherman whose skill and passion for the sport were known to many.

A memorial service will be held Oct. 16, 2010, at 5:00pm at the Mountain View Central Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1425 Springer Rd., Mountain View, Ca. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to his home church, Mountain View Japanese Seventh Day Adventist Church, 195 N. Rengstorff. Ave., Mountain View, CA 94043.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Oct. 5, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for David Asatani

12 Entries

Julie Millman

May 4, 2022

I worked for Dr Asatani as his assistant about 1977/78 at age 20/21. He treated me so very well! I would let him know I was going to drive to northern CA to visit my family. He did not seem to like that idea. Next thing you know I would have plane tickets in my hand for the trip. One time my teenage sister was coming for a visit for a few weeks. He gave me $500 to help us have a good time. Always so kind to me. He truly had a good heart. We would often talk through the day about spirituality and philosophical ideas as we worked. I recall taking a nutrition class and he would quiz me before tests. Wishing I could thank him for his kindness toward my 20/21 year old self. Few people in the world have been as kind to me as he was. Always remember to be kind to others!

Julie Frank

February 26, 2019

I learned of your passing several years ago I did not know about this site until today. My nephew and I came to 4 our braces and headgear for many years. You are always kind and gentle not like the Dentistry I had experienced in the past. We shared a lot of laughs and I still remember reading in an outdoor magazine about your fishing Adventures. I still live in the area and every time I drive downtown San Bernardino Road and see your old office I have fun thoughts of you. I have even been in to see if the place look the same and talk to the new owners about you. I told them that someplace I have a picture of you and they said that if I could find it they would put it up in the office. I'm still looking but have not found it as of yet. If any of your family has a good picture please send it to me at [email protected] and I will see that they get it. I too would love to have a picture. David you are never far from our thoughts thank you for all you did for so many people and their smiles both physically and emotionally. Very sincerely Julie Frank

JEAN REYNARD

February 18, 2019

I was Dr. Asatani & Dr. Okada & Dr. Paynes dental assistant (with Sharon Laviolette & Pam)) in 1970. He was a great guy and loved to come to San Clemente (where I live now) and get fish & hear about my husbands fishing trip to Mexico. He was so kind to my family & fixed my sisters teeth at no cost. He treated all us girls so well and had a great personality and we all had so much fun. Rest in peace Dr. Asatani. God Bless his family.

Terri B.

July 23, 2011

He was my children's orthodontist. I remember his kindness and dedication.

Thanks to him my teeth are nice & pearly!

brooke hernandez

December 21, 2010

Dr. Asatani was the best orthodontist ever. He made my me smile even when my teeth were crooked. Ill always remember his playful little punches that he gave me every visit.Every time i look at my shiny pearly whites ill think of him! He corrected almost all of my family's teeth for years and we will never forget him. We miss you Asatani, rest in peace.

Shelly Corso

November 30, 2010

Dr. Asatani had the most remarkable deband cases. When they smiled it was obvious who did their ortho. I worked for Dr Asatani from 1991-1994 until I moved up north to his old stomping grounds. My heart broke when I found out he passed away, but my memories of his fishing stories will always keep me smiling. He said when I moved, that I wouldnt keep in touch because "they all say that" but I did, for the next 16 yrs. If his bday card wasnt in the mail, the office fax machine always received my bday wish. He was the most respected man I know, and the best orthodontist, and I will miss him. I still sent my fax becasue today would have been his 79th bday. See ya in heaven 032 :o)

Judy Hanson McDonald

October 10, 2010

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Asatani"s passing. I worked with Dr. Okada in the late 60's. We shared the office. I remember him as a gentle and kind man, and always had a laugh when he would reclean things after we assistants had done the job. My sympathies to all of his friends and family.
Judy Hanson McDonald
Atlanta Ga.

Michelle,Miranda Teran

October 10, 2010

October 10, 2010
Dr. Asatani you will be truly missed. I am forever grateful to you for Michael and Miranda's beautiful teeth. I will miss the conversations we had about your fishing trips. Miranda will always remember you telling her to wear that retainer. Because of you, everytime they smile I will think of you and the hard work and care you put into those beautiful smiles!

Michelle and Miranda Teran
West Covina, California

Leslie Rivera

October 8, 2010

Dr. Asatani was responsible for a smile that I still get compliments on at least once a day. He was extremely gifted and exceptionally great with teens like me at the time! I'm sure he'd be happy to know that I now work for a dentist! He will be missed, but his legacy of beautiful smiles lives on.

Sharon Laviolette

October 6, 2010

I was Dr. Asatani's first dental assistant and was there when he saw his very first patient in his practice. We kept in touch off and on through the years. I am sad to hear of his passing but the memories are there forever. He was a truly remarkable man.

Andrew Vieyra

October 4, 2010

Dr. Asatani,
We are still a team. I know it will be hard without you. Thank you for helping me believe I will have a normal smile someday. I will miss you.

Andrew

Laura Vieyra

October 4, 2010

What a special man and gifted orthodontist! Dr. Asatani's way with children was like no other. Truly the gold standard in Covina, CA. Dr. Asatani will be missed.

The Vieyra Family

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