ASHER, Tommy H. (Age 65) 

Passed away July 18, 2007, after a courageous battle
with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Tom was born in 1942
in Phoenix, AZ., to Clarence H. and Kathryn (Davis)
Asher. He was their third child and only son. In 1948
the family moved to a farm in Lost Creek, WA. Tom
loved to roam the fields with his horse, Tony, and his
dog, Ripper. After five years in the Ione area, the
family moved to Spokane where Tom attended Roosevelt
Grade School and Lewis and Clark High School,
graduating in 1960. After attending one year at Walla
Walla College in College Place, WA, Tom met Carole
Bagley, and they married on Feb. 9, 1963. They had one
daughter, Janice, in 1965. Tom was a lather in Local
93, where he worked side-by-side with his father,
learning the trade. He worked in the construction
industry for about 25 years, most often for contractor
Carl Hofseth. He returned to school and graduated from
Spokane Community College in 1990. Tom worked for Best
Products for seven years until the store closed. He
went to work for Principal Financial Group in 1998.
The company was very supportive of Tom as he became
increasingly disabled, and close friend Charlene
Douglas helped organize a company ALS fundraiser.
Tom's interests included stock car racing, which he
did in the 1970s at the Spokane Fairgrounds circle
track, and RV camping. He had hoped to spend
retirement visiting the Oregon coast and traveling
throughout the Northwest with his family. When they
learned of his diagnosis in September 2006, his
daughter's family planned a November trip to New York
City. It was an exciting and memorable week and Tom
appreciated the time to bond even more closely with
his grandson, Ethan. They especially enjoyed riding
Tom's flame-painted scooter around Central Park. When
Tom's hands tired from operating the controls, Ethan
took over, earning the nickname "The Thumb." As Tom's
mobility decreased, the two enjoyed watching animal
programs and auto racing together. Tom's 18-year-old
Siamese cat, Mud, was his constant companion and a
crucial part of the care that Carole provided at home
throughout Tom's illness. Tom was preceded in death by
his parents, stepmother Ann Asher, and sister Donna
Drewery. He is survived by his wife of 44 years,
Carole, at the home; daughter Jan, son-in-law Cliff
Dolph, and grandson Ethan Asher Dolph of College
Place, WA; sister Peggy and brother-in-law Jim Hamm of
Dolan Springs, AZ; and several nieces and nephews.
During the last months of his life, Tom and his family
received tremendous support from SALSA (Spokane ALS
Association); Cathey Priddy showed her love in
countless ways. Hospice of Spokane provided valuable
medical care and support; nurses Sherri Fulton and Pat
Campbell always treated Tom with dignity and respect.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in
Tom's memory to Spokane ALS Association, Evergreen
Chapter, 19110 66th Ave. South, #G-101, Kent, WA
98032, or Hospice of Spokane, P. O. Box 2215, Spokane,
WA 99210. A visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to
8:00 PM, Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at HAZEN & JAEGER
FUNERAL HOME, 1306 N. MONROE ST., SPOKANE, WA. The
funeral service will be at 4:00 PM, Wednesday, July
25, 2007 in the Sunset Chapel at Fairmount Memorial
Park Cemetery, 5200 W. Wellesley, Spokane, WA.
Interment will follow at Fairmount.


Jul 22, 2007
Spokesman-Review