"I was always happy to see him," Baffert wrote.

©2020, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WLKY-TV. And although Asher is no longer trackside, his presence still looms large at the iconic racetrack and throughout the state of Kentucky. John's devotion to his work, complemented by his broad smile and unbridled enthusiasm for the sport that he loved so much made him a genuine giant in our game and a remarkable ambassador for horse racing. A section of Highway 259 in Asher's hometown of Leitchfield now bears his name as well; the John Stephen Asher Memorial Highway was dedicated in June.Asher was honored at the winner's circle between races at this year's Kentucky Derby, and Churchill Downs plans to have a statue of Asher erected in the paddock area by Opening Night 2020.Few people are as important to an event as Asher was to the Derby. "I was always happy to see him," Baffert wrote. after walking away after an interaction with him. Churchill Downs will light the famous Twin Spires Hilltopper red in honor of Asher on Tuesday night. Rip dear John - I know you are having a chat with Secretariat and Barbaro now- enjoy paradise! ", Breeders' Cup Limited said in a statement, "John's devotion to his work, complemented by his broad smile and unbridled enthusiasm for the sport that he loved so much made him a genuine giant in our game and a remarkable ambassador for horse racing.". He was chairperson for the 2003 WLKY Bell Awards program. "They called an … Nola Harris. Published in Courier-Journal from Aug. 31 to Sep. 1, 2018. John Asher Kinnaird's Geni Profile. I am sending my deepest sympathy to the Asher family. He also loved to spend time boating on Lake Michigan with his family. Before that he worked at a couple of Louisville radio stations, including WHAS-AM, and won five Eclipse Awards for his reports on horse racing. Cardinals football coach Bobby Petrino opened his news conference by expressing condolences for Asher's family and adding, "Everybody here obviously knows him as a great guy, a great man. He was 62 years old. Would you like to offer John Asher’s loved ones a condolence message? Truly sorry for your loss. Flanery cited Asher's passion for the Derby, horse racing in general, music, Western Kentucky University and especially his family, calling it "genuine and infectious." With his booming baritone voice and deep knowledge of horse racing, Asher presided as emcee for the pre-race draw that determined each Derby horse's starting position and over post-Derby news conferences featuring the winning trainer, owners, and jockey.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Dolores Asher, and beloved aunt, Jennye Beeler - John's 1 and 1A. Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, said: "Over the past 20 years, no single person was more closely associated with the Kentucky Derby than John Asher. You may also light a candle in honor of John Asher. He is survived by his adored wife of 53 years, Elizabeth May Asher; three children Marty (Tracie) Asher, Michael (Cally) Asher, and Mary Pat (Lee) Peterson; nine grandchildren Haley-Marie and Orion Asher, Sladon, Shylee, and Shaylyn Asher, and Luke, Savannah, Miles, and Sarah Beth Peterson; one sister, Sue (Frank) Carmody, one brother Steve (Donna) Asher, and one sister-in-law, Barb Asher; and a host of extended family and friends. Serving as the vice president of racing communications at Churchill Downs, Asher was often the face of the track throughout the year, but especially during the weeks leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs will light the famous Twin Spires Hilltopper red in honor of Asher on Tuesday night.Asher left behind a wife, Dee; three daughters, Heather, Erin and Emma; and two grandsons, Cameron and Caden. Together, they were a perfect example of true love that lasted 53 years. Asher and his wife, Dee, were vacationing in Orlando, Florida, at the time of his death, Asher's brother, Tim Asher, told the Courier Journal.

I never met John but always seen him on tv at Derby time...there was the ''larger than life'' personality with him and his love for the sport and the love for horses made him a very special human being whom we will all miss...our world needs more people like him in it. Asher was a Western Kentucky University alumnus and huge fan of the Hilltoppers. According to various accounts, Ashes death occurred just five days before he was set to stand trial on corruption charges; Ashes cause of death was initially misreported as a heart attack, but subsequent news accounts attributed his demise to a weightlifting accident: He lead by example, remained humble and although he was a quiet man, his few words spoke volumes. "I also know him as a strong community leader fighting for those who have little.

Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. "The world knows John Asher as the voice of thoroughbred racing and its #1 fan - and he was the best," Fischer said in a tweet. The track called Asher "an irreplaceable ambassador" in confirming his death. John Asher 1874 1943 John Asher in England & Wales, Death Index, 1837-2005 John Asher was born circa 1874. He participated on the final selection committee for the WLKY Bell Awards for more than 10 years.

Flanery said the track would await word from Asher's family on arrangements and a memorial. As word of Asher's death spread throughout the thoroughbred racing world, two-time Triple Crown winner and five-time Derby winner Bob Baffert referred to him as "the warm, human face" of Churchill Downs. John Asher, 62, died this morning of an apparent heart attack while on vacation with his family in Orlando, FL. Together, they were a perfect example of true love that lasted 53 years. John was born in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin on March 29, 1944 to the late William and Vivian Asher. Send your deepest condolences with fresh flowers. He was a man with a quick wit, full of perfect advice. ", Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, said: "Over the past 20 years, no single person was more closely associated with the Kentucky Derby than John Asher.". pic.twitter.com/E5TdztCeMh. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — John Asher's devotion to the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs and horse racing were obvious anytime he was asked about those subjects, often weaving them together in entertaining tales. "Dee said he wasn't feeling well . "John Asher was the soul of Churchill Downs," track president Kevin Flanery said at a news conference. Asher, who was an award-winning radio journalist before becoming a widely respected fixture at the Louisville racetrack, died after having a heart attack while on vacation with his family in Florida, Churchill Downs said in a release. Prayers for your family. Asher joined Churchill Downs in January 1997 and had served as the track's vice president of racing communications since March 1999. John Robert Asher entered eternal rest on Sunday, June 16, 2019 at Flowers Hospital in Dothan, Alabama surrounded by his loving family. Asher was 62. He graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School, class of 1962, and married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Elizabeth May Asher on July 30, 1966. In the year since his death, a road in front of Churchill Downs was renamed John S. Asher Way—fittingly, just days before Kentucky Derby 145—to welcome horse racing fans to the sport's most iconic venue. Funeral arrangement under the care ofSunset Memorial Park Funeral Home & Crematory LLC. "He was as Kentucky as the Derby and the bluegrass, bourbon and hot browns, and I can't imagine Derby week without him.". Local and national elections & political news, delivered to your inbox. June 16, 2019 John passed away in month 1943, at age 69 at death place . It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of John Asher (Dothan, Alabama), born in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, who passed away on June 16, 2019, at the age of 75, leaving to mourn family and friends.