Robert Lee Asher Jr.

1951 - 2017

Robert Lee Asher, Jr.
A Loving Tribute
May 24, 1951 - October 23, 2017
It is with profound sadness, we announce the passing of Robert Lee Asher, Jr., A Great Guy! Robert "Bob" passed away in his home on Monday October 23, 2017, following a brief, but valiant battle from Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML).
Always smiling and eager to help anyone in need, Bob was a positive influence in so many lives. If you needed help with anything …. an auto repair, moving furniture, whatever the need, he always stepped up to help, and never expected anything in return …. he just loved helping others.
Born and raised, and a retiree of the City of San Jose, California, Bob was proud of his native city and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1969.
As a boy, Bob loved playing sports and being with his friends; friendships that endured through five decades. It was during his younger years that he acquired the nickname "Asher" by his life-long buddies.
Asher had a love for the great outdoors. He was so proud of the fact that he had finally reached an age when he could acquire the Golden Age Passport, which he referred to as the "Old Geezer Pass", for America's National Parks and State Beaches..
As young men, he and his buddies started camping in various locations across America. Bob loved Yosemite, and in his later years, began an annual tradition, camping with his closest friends in Wawona, in Yosemite.
His early experiences in camping, awakened the explorer in Bob. He and his buddies eventually graduated to back wilderness hiking and camping in the wild. His long time buddy, Hans, said it like this, "the world's problems were quickly solved sitting around a warm campfire"
Upon their return to civilization, the guys faithfully got together for their weekly card games … spades and hearts. This lasted for many years, and always brought them closer together.
Bob had a love for cars, trucks and mechanics, beginning at a young age while tinkering in the garage with his Dad. Early on in his career, he worked as a mechanic for a local Catering Service, where he met his wife Sue. Bob was hard working and always put 100% into everything he did, regardless how big or small the task.
Because of his knowledge and strong work ethics, climbing the ladder was a seamless endeavor for Bob. He was highly qualified, and a bonus to any company that hired him.
In his early 20's, Bob went to work for Coast Counties Truck and Equipment Company (in San Jose) as Parts Manager for Peterbilt Trucks …. he knew auto parts and was dedicated to providing exemplary service!
In 1990 Bob landed his dream job ….. Parts Manager for the City of San Jose Police and Fire Fleet. He loved this job, and was a dedicated, upstanding employee for 20 years until his retirement in June of 2010.
After retirement, Bob discovered a passion for cooking … and what a cook he was! He educated himself through PBS programming, his favorite being America's Test Kitchen, Cook's Country, and Lidia Bastianich (Lidia's Kitchen). He became quite the culinary artist, and was proud of his collection of All-Clad cookware!
Because of his desire to give back to his community, in September 2014, Bob began working as a volunteer at Kaiser San Jose Medical Center. This gave new meaning to Bob's life and he "Thrived" in his new environment, helping the sick. He was highly admired and looked up to by his team members, and they are heart-stricken by his loss.
Bob, you will be missed more than words can express ….. your smile, your positive outlook, your annoying lectures about money, your eagerness to help others, your loyalty to those who love you ………… Your Cooking!!
You left us too soon, and will forever be in our hearts.
Eternally Yours Susie aka "Pork Chop" - Arlo and Jane, Tom, Hans, Pete, Rod, Mike and Lisa, Alex and Weston.


View the online memorial for Robert Lee Asher, Jr.