Thomas Carl Asper

Thomas Carl Asper (December 29, 1937 – January 31, 2024) Our Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and friend to many passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on the morning of January 31, 2024, on his way to a game of pickleball.

Tom was born in Compton California to Vida (Johnson) and Dwain Asper. Together with his older sister Elizabeth (Betty) and younger brother Edward (Ed), they were raised in a loving household. Dwain passed away while the family was still very young. Paul Asper, Dwain’s uncle, stepped in and helped care for the young family, and soon Vida and Paul fell in love and remained married until Paul’s passing in 1989. The family remained in Compton, and Tom graduated from Compton High School in 1956. There, he played Bee football, participated in track, and met Nancy Sprouse with whom he wed in 1957. Tom and Nancy moved to Torrance, CA where they raised three children. Tom was popular with the older kids in the neighborhood, with pick-up basketball and touch football games played several days a week. Tom Joined AirResearch (Honeywell) in the late 1960s as a draftsman and attended night classes at West Coast University where he earned his degree in electrical engineering. Tom would work on a variety of technical projects, from designing and operating test equipment for mass transit systems in San Francisco and Boston, to being the lead designer on electrical cable and connections for the International Space Station. Tom’s supervisors noted that he possessed a good instinct for understanding the customer's needs, and delivered results that consistently outperformed customer requirements. Tom and Nancy amicably divorced in 1978, they remained good friends until Nancy’s passing in 2013.

Tom was active in racquet sports all his life, and this lifestyle would connect him with Marguerite (Maggie) Adams, with whom they would share their life together. Maggie, Tom, and close friends would travel to St. George, Utah each fall and participate in the Huntsman Senior Games, where they would dominate the competition in both tennis and later, pickleball. Tom and Maggie moved to Fallbrook in 2002 and built a beautiful house to spend their retirement. Several citrus trees provided fresh juice daily, and they were members of the local avocado grower’s co-op. During these years, Tom always had a box of avocados to present to whomever he visited. Tom was passionate about his family and especially loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. During his later years, he took great joy in learning about their accomplishments and attending graduations, dance competitions, and other functions.

Tom was preceded in death by his Mother, Vida; Stepfather, Paul; Sister, Betty; and Brother, Edward. He is survived by his companion of 40 years, Marguerite (Maggie) Adams; his three children, Brenda Brown (nee Asper), Cary Asper, and Shelli Asper, along with four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Tom was laid to rest at Green Hills Cemetery, Rancho Palos Verdes, in the company of his immediate family on February 26. A celebration of Tom's life will be held on April 20 at the Cheesecake Factory in Redondo Beach, from noon to 4:00. All who knew Tom are welcome, and his family looks forward to sharing stories and catching up.