John Kenneth “Ken” Asher

Published 8:39 pm Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Nov. 6, 1931 – June 23, 2014John Kenneth “Ken” Asher, beloved husband and cherished father, peacefully left this world on June 23rd, 2014, surrounded by his family.

Ken was born November 6, 1931 in the family farmhouse on Grand Island, Oregon where he spent his childhood before entering the Navy. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Wiltsie (DD-716) during the Korean War and was a radioman on the admiral’s staff, serving multiple tours to Far East waters. He met the love of his life, Shirley Bauwens after his service in the Navy and they married in 1954. Ken worked for Pacific Northwest Bell for 15 years. He “retired” from the phone company and started several businesses. He published the Old Bottle Magazine for 20 years, owned a rock shop and Maverick Publications. He was an avid rock hound, old bottle and relic collector and an ardent bibliophile.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his four siblings. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley, his children Kathy (and Jeff) Timm, Gary (and Chris) Asher, and Carol (and Tom) Healy, all of Bend. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Andy, Ryan and Allie Timm, Lisa Timm Sanders, Eric, Katie, Kevin and Daniel Healy and Michael and Matthew Asher. He also had 8 great-grandchildren, Kenedi, Kalvin, Mili, Cooper, Beckett, Noelle, Kinley and Micah.

A private family service and burial will be held at Hopewell Christian Church, near Dayton, Oregon. The family would like to sincerely thank all the staff at Aspen Ridge Memory Care and Partners in Care Hospice for their wonderful and compassionate care. Memorial donations may be made to Aspen Ridge Memory Care or Partners in Care Hospice. Please visit the online registry for the family at www.niswonger-reynolds.com