Derrek Arthur Ashe

It is always heartbreaking when we lose a loved one and loosing Derrek Ashe so soon has been devastating. Not only to his family but to a large community.

Derrek was not shy about telling anyone about how he was making a comeback in and with his life. He would happily share his story with you especially if he thought it would help you.

He started one step at a time and he started with establishing and building his own painting business, Perfect Painting. He threw himself into his work, his craft. He posted several positive and satisfied reviews from his customers. Derrek would always give a shout out to the guys he hired to assist him. He shared before and after pictures of his projects. He had a "Get-er" done attitude that appeared in the quality of his work. He did everything he could to be a success in the business community and took great pride in his business.

Derrek also followed his family's love for bowling! Some would say he was raised in a bowling alley since before he was born and it was here he was reunited with childhood friends. In a way I think it brought him back to the memories of his beloved grandmother, Peggy Smith. Who we know he missed and loved dearly. Bowling time was family time that's for sure. When he returned he started
purchasing equipment that would help him with his game. He returned to taking part in multiple tournaments locally, in Las Vegas and most recently he traveled to Reno with friends to bowl Nationals. He was excited about and loved the sport of bowling. As many have shared recently: "I'm going to miss that laugh you could hear across the whole bowling alley!"

Derrek attended 12 step meetings as well. With his infectious smile, positive attitude and compassionate heart he made many friends. He attended many of their events, he went places and gathered with his clean and sober family. He knew what the problem was and was eagerly seeking a solution. It was here he learned he simply had to do life one day at a time. The rooms will definitely be different without him there.

Let's talk about the one thing Derrek was most passionate about, his pride and joy and I'm sure he'd tell you his biggest accomplishment. His little daughter, Holland!!! There is NO love like the love of a parent and we all know Derrek loved her with all his heart and soul. He would do anything for her and did. He treated her like "Daddy's lil princess." He shared her and them with us on social media. There were pictures and videos of them in their alone times, family gatherings at grandpa Kelly's house, precious times with them and grandma Barb and the numerous times he took her to community events. You could hear their laughter together and see the love in their eyes for one another. She helped change his life and he wanted to be a better person and father for her. In his voice, the expressions in his face and the love in his heart all appeared when he was with or spoke about his baby girl. It is a bond that will never be broken no matter what and I'm sure his family will make sure she remembers her daddy always.

This is still unreal to everyone and we can not phantom the fact that Derrek is no longer with us.
Derrek’s family is grateful to everyone and anyone who has reached out to them during this tragic time in their lives. He touched so many people. The void he has left in many lives are numerous and will be greatly missed by all of us.