With heavy heart I have to announce the passing of our wonderful friend and neighbor, Arlen Asher. He passed away peacefully around 10:00pm Friday. A sweet, kind and gentle person, incredibly talented and intelligent, he was loved by all that knew him. He was 91.
He was a cameraman at KNME when the station first started in the 1950's, performed in many Jazz bands over the years and taught hundreds of children how to play and love music as he did, including my son Phil who received his BA in music from UNM thanks to Arlen. Many didn't know it but Arlen was a licensed pilot! When we first met he was talking about a spot on his land where he could have a runway so he could fly to gigs further away! He was also an excellent photographer.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Joetha and beloved son Terry. He's survived by his son, Kelly; daughter in law Donna and granddaughters Melissa and Kathleen. I wish them comfort in knowing that he led an incredibly full life. He will remain indelibly in the hearts and minds of all of us who loved him. He made the world a better place. I'm betting that his only regret was not being able to cast his vote against Trump!
We love and miss you Arlen!
Philip F. Taccetta
Editor's note: born Milton Arlen Asher, he is a lifelong musician who joined the United States Army Band, toured the world and is a recipient of a New Mexico Music Award. An interview with Maestro Asher is linked here. ip photo captured at Arlen's 90th birthday celebration at SITE Santa Fe.
3 comments:
so glad we got to meet Arlen, Our thoughts are with his family, You and Donna Marie, your neighbors and Arlen. May we all find peace and love. a-woman. kw
Thanks Kim. I dug his grave yesterday in the family cemetery and met with his son and daughter in law. Arlen was truly the last of his kind.
A remembrance of Arlen in the Santa Fe New Mexican is linked here.
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