David (Dave) Carlos Asay

Dave was born in Provo, Utah, to Ellis Egan Asay and Shirley Black. From the earliest days, it seemed there was always a ball nearby, and anyone who later watched him play would say he was simply doing what he was made to do.

Dave graduated from Provo High School in 1978, where he helped lead his team to a state basketball championship title. The court was one of his first classrooms, teaching him discipline, teamwork, and determination that carried into every season of his life.

Dave later served a mission to London, England for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Known to many as “Elder Ace,” he carried both his love of the game and his love of the gospel with him. Sharing his testimony of the Savior and His restored church was one of the great privileges of his life, and that faith remained a steady anchor through every season that followed.

Dave met his future wife, Michelle at a BYU dance and was immediately smitten. Their love story moved quickly and after just three weeks they were engaged. Six months later, in May 1981, Dave married Michelle Marie Lindsay in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they built a life grounded in faith, laughter, and devotion to family.

After years of hoping and praying, Dave and Michelle were blessed with two daughters, Adelyn JoAnn and Megan Marie (C.J. Davis). Family quickly became the center of his world. Though he once imagined his life would be spent watching players on the court, he traded that view for hours spent watching ballet performances, music recitals, and cheerleaders on the sidelines.

Becoming a grandfather was one of Dave’s greatest joys. He adored his granddaughters and grandsons and treasured every chance to be with them. He loved watching them grow into their own personalities, discovering what made them light up, and cheering them on in whatever they chose to pursue. He wanted each of them to know that what they loved mattered and that he believed in them completely.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and later his Master of Social Work (LCSW) from the University of Utah. As a licensed clinical social worker, Dave made a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals and families. He especially loved working with troubled youth and used his love of basketball often as more than a just a game, it was a bridge, a teaching tool, and a way to connect. Through it, he taught life lessons about perseverance, accountability, and believing in yourself.

Golf was one of Dave’s lifelong joys. He first learned the game from his dad, and while his older brothers were taught to hunt, Dave being 11 years younger, was taught how to swing a club and read a green. Those early days on the course became the start of a lifelong love for the game. Over the years, some of his favorite memories were made golfing with friends, enjoying the camaraderie, the competition, and the simple pleasure of being out on the course. He was proud of his several hole-in-ones, but even more than the score, he loved the game itself.

A lifelong devoted BYU fan, Dave cared deeply about every season, every game, every possibility. Even as his health declined, he considered postponing hospice because BYU had a promising season ahead and he believed they could make the Final Four. His hope extended all the way to the final whistle.

In later years, Dave faced prolonged and debilitating illness with remarkable resilience. Even as his body weakened, his humor never did. He was known for sayings like, “No colon, still rollin’,” and for wearing T-shirts that read, “I lost my leg, not my sense of humor.” His ability to laugh, even in the hardest moments, inspired everyone around him.

Dave was a fighter. He met every obstacle head-on and overcame more than most could imagine. For many years, he faced those challenges with the constant love and care of his devoted wife, who faithfully stood beside him as both partner and caregiver. While his family grieves his passing, they are grateful his long battle is over and that he is reunited with loved ones who have gone before and with his Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he loved so dearly.

The Asay family would like to thank IHC Homehealth (especially Melissa) and Sunshine Home Health and Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion that was shown to Dave. Over the years, Dave was cared for by countless nurses, doctors, therapists, home health aides, and hospice workers who walked alongside him through emergencies, recovery, and long seasons of illness. He cared deeply about each of them. What began as medical care became a genuine cherished connections- he cared deeply for each of them.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Shirley Asay; his sister, Mickelyn Christensen; brother-in-law Leon Christensen; and sister-in-law Diane Ludlow Asay.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Michelle; his daughters, Adelyn and Megan (C.J.); his grandchildren (Lindsay, Kaylee, Ryatt, Brynlee, Egan, Audrey) and his brothers, Ken Asay (Joyce) and Doyle Asay (Susan).

Dave’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the laughter he carried with him.

There will a viewing on Sunday, March 8, 2026 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the Falcon Crest Ward, 6710 W. 4145 S. West Valley City, UT 84128.  The funeral service will be held Monday, March 9, 2026 at 11:00 am at the same chapel.  There will be an additional viewing on March 9 from 10-10:45 am.  Interment will be at the Paradise City Cemetery, Paradise, Utah that same day.