Terrill K. Ashker

About

Colorado College University of Denver

Terrill Ashker Obituary

Terrill K. Ashker (77), of San Diego, California, was born in Brush, Colorado. He attended North High School in Denver, where he was a stellar student who participated in football, ROTC, and Outward Bound. He majored in Political Science at Colorado College. He then attended the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law and earned his law degree in 1972. Terry embarked on a distinguished career working for the Small Business Administration, where he served as District Counsel. He retired in 2014 with 42 years of government service.

Terry is survived by son Ryan and grandchildren Joey and Hudson; daughter Regan (Luis Jose); and sisters Jalene, Jolene (Willie), and Janet (Rick). Terry was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joline; parents, Joseph and June; and sister Sherry.

Terry enjoyed coaching youth baseball and soccer teams for many years. Coach Terry mentored many children in the Rancho Penasquitos recreational leagues. Years after retiring as "Coach," he was often recognized and greeted by former players and parents. Terry was a voracious reader and also enjoyed family camping trips, solving crossword puzzles, watching Jeopardy, and delivering epic toasts around the dinner table. He was a character who will be truly missed.

A small gathering to remember Terry will be planned for a later date.

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

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune from Jan. 6 to Jan. 7, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Terrill Ashker

12 Entries

Dave Munson

February 14, 2025

Hey Ter...Miss ya Bud!

Jolene and Jalene Ashker

January 9, 2024

"To the outside world we all grow old, but not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other´s hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time" - Clara Ortega

Our brother´s passing is hard to fathom. There´s no other love like the love for a brother. There´s no other love like the love from a brother.

There are so many memories growing up in Colorado. Not many high school boys who have a 1955 Chevy get to take their New Year´s Eve date ice skating with three little sisters. There were sledding adventures, water skiing weekends, going to North High School and Colorado College football games, Lakeside and Elitches Amusement Park outings, backyard landscaping projects, and barbecues. We had fun going up to a cabin we had in Pinecliffe - picnics, hikes, staying in around the old pot-bellied stove to stay warm in the winter, and cutting fire wood to bring back to the house. We took a road trip to Rapid City to visit and explore while he was on disaster relief duty. The simple things, like pinching Bierocks with the family, that´s what we were all about.

More memories were shared with visits to California. Joline and Terry took us to places we had never been and to good restaurants. We shared many fun times playing cards or board games. Thanksgiving at his house was a feast - Terry grilling the turkey outside while Joline fixed all the sides and readied the table inside. We remember Terry and Joline hosting Navy personnel on holidays. Their house was always open to friends and family.

He was available at the drop of a hat if any of our family needed him. He was also very protective and cheered us on when we were growing up. We develop a support system that each of us knew we could count on. Terry was also sentimental. He always made sure our mother had flowers from him on her birthday. He cherished Joline and we don´t think we ever saw him cry until her passing. His life without her was incomplete!

Losing Terry leaves a big void for us and we´ll hate never getting another phone call, hug, kiss, or just walking hand in hand. There is a big hole in our hearts growing old without him.

Sharon DeMacelli

January 7, 2024

So sorry to hear about Terry's passing. May he rest in peace. I was a coworker of his at SBA for many years and considered him a friend. He was someone who I admired and could trust to give me good advise. I remember that his favorite holiday was St. Patrick's Day and he didn't let us forget to celebrate it. He will be missed.

Dave Munson

January 7, 2024

A friend of 40 plus years, Terry was a real character that I enjoyed thoroughly! Our families grew up together, living just steps away on our two streets in Rancho Peñasquitos. I can still recall back in 1977 while pushing a baby walker up Guadalimar Way, when the Ashkers came out to introduce themselves and point us in the right direction for a baby sitter we so desperately needed. (Karen Hunter across the street from Terry & Jolene's house) When Terry wasn't coaching soccer, we'd often camp together up near Julian at Wm. Heise County Park or meet at the beach near lifeguard tower #5 at Torrey Pines State Beach to munch on Roberto's Mexican take-out and watch the kids play. We'd often meet at the Ashkers for a card game or two, they were both very competitive! Terry and Joline shared quick wits and humor...a fun couple to play a game with. Terry, a voracious reader always provided me with a favorite paperback book when I was looking for a new "read". His mind was keenly sharp and always able to recall names, dates and events better than myself...I suspect his constant reading and crossword puzzles attributed to that. After Jo passed, I would sometimes wander up and knock on Terry's door to share a beer, a tale and joke or two. I'll miss his jokes, his toasts and his humor.

Paul & Wenda Benavidez

January 7, 2024

We're really going to miss Terry. Moving here, we didn´t expect to find such a warm and welcoming community, and Terry was a big part of that. He was the first to welcome us with snacks and drinks when we moved in, making us feel right at home. Inviting him over and heading to his place for breakfast or a late lunch was always a highlight. In just a little under two years, we felt more like friends than just neighbors. We loved our chats and learning about his life. He brought so much joy to our neighborhood. Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Terry will be dearly missed.

Marcia Weir

January 7, 2024

I had the privilege and pleasure of working for Terry in the Legal Department for many years at the SBA. He was a great teacher and mentor and his teachings carried me throughout my career in the SBA industry. He had a great sense of humor and was well respected by many. I'm sure he will be dearly missed by Ryan, Regan and his grandchildren and family. May he rest in eternal peace.

Judy Piercey

January 7, 2024

Dear Regan and Ryan: I am so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of our neighborhood families getting together for ice cream socials, picnics at the campground in Julian, BBQs at various homes and so much more. No matter how old we are, it's never easy to lose a parent. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Judy

Patti Clark

January 7, 2024

It was an honor to work for him - he had high standards, but he was generous with praise when those standards were met. I will never forget his kindness and support when my husband Rick died. Terry was a man of great integrity.

Teri Hudson

January 6, 2024

I am sorry to read this. I just saw him at the Celebration of Life for Tony Vigil. My heart goes out to all of Terry´s family members. He was a brilliant attorney with a wicked sense of humor.

Paul Kalfa

January 6, 2024

Please accept my deepest condolences. Praying that peace and comfort fills your heart.

Bonnie Valentine

January 6, 2024

Rest In Peace Terry. You will now join your beloved wife Joline, in Heaven. Together again forever. It was a pleasure working with you!

Jeanette pollard

January 6, 2024

So sorry to hear this about your dad!!! May he rest in peace!!! Sending you and the family prayers and hugs!!

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