I was living in Vermont when I heard the news about Doc. I fell apart. He was the reason I didn’t drop out of school. He knew when I needed to talk instead of play in our lessons. We’d often just talk Michigan football. He was the bright light that I so desperately needed. I had plans to introduce my kids to him (I was pregnant with my first when I last saw him) and grab a beer with him like old times. I’m back in Greensboro after five years of being gone (just a short trip then back to Connecticut) and today I’ll go over to the school of music to sit by his tree and talk to him again. Michigan had an amazing season and I wanted to let him know. 🥹

Dennis Askew was my colleague at UNC Greensboro for many years.  We worked together on the leadership team of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Dennis was an amazing person.  I was always inspired by his honesty and integrity in every interaction or challenge that came his way.  I loved  his sense of human and generous spirit.  The photo below was from our 2015 trip to China. I will miss him so much and my heart goes out to his beautiful family. with deepest condolences, 
Janet Lilly 

Dear Sally and Kim and Children,

I was greatly saddened to hear of Dennis' death. I am so very sorry for your loss. Although we didn't keep close in touch, I always considered Dennis one of my dearest friends, especially at WCHS. I have so many great memories of our time together at church and in high school. Our "cheering on" of the Lady Warriors basketball team and their run to the State Championship provided several moments I'll never forget. These include an extremely foggy return over the mountain from Blairsville, with Dennis driving and trying to see ahead and me looking out the passenger window to make sure we didn't run off the mountain! Also, a wreck in Sally's car in Buford when a guy ran a red light and hit us. My trip to NYC with Albert and Sally is still one of the highlights of my growing-up years.
All your family is in our prayers. May "the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our troubles", comfort you at this time. If there is anything we can do, please don't hesitate to ask.
We love you all.

To the AsKew family:
Vince and I are shocked and acutely saddened by the news of Dennis's untimely death. He was a vibrant educator, an exemplary musician, and a gifted administrator. Dennis loved to play the tuba. His enthusiasm was inspiring.
We were so pleased when Dennis came to UNCG's Department of Music. As fellow members of the international association of tubists,  - under Dennis's leadership, we saw how the study of low brass music, workshops and festivals ascended in schools, in curricula, and on campuses worldwide. 
As colleagues in "the tuba world," we valued Dennis's warm and enthusiastic friendship and professionalism. We treasure our memories of Dennis and the good times we had as event exhibitors  at UNCG, during his joyful administration.
Our hearts go out to Sally, Kim, and the family. May Dennis's warm and fond legacy continue.
Ethel and Vincent Simonetti
The Vincent and Ethel Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection
Durham, NC

I am so very saddened to learn of Dennis's unexpected passing.  
Unfortunately, I know first-hand the shock and sadness for you and your family.

My husband, Dean of the UNCG School of Music in 1992, knew Dennis was perfect for the faculty.  Academically and in performance, they collaborated often.  He, as well as our son Brian and myself, think the world of Dennis.

In any afterlife, Art & Dennis are surely sharing memories and swapping stories.  Kim, you and your family are in my thoughts.

- Brenda Tollefson

We were all shocked and saddened to get the news of Dennis’s sudden passing.  He was beloved by many colleagues whom he served so well and with such integrity. For decades his life was focused on his family and his university. His many contributions to UNCG’s students and programs will resonate long into the future. I always looked forward to seeing him and spending time with him. I will greatly miss having those encounters. Lucinda and I send our love and best thoughts to his family in these difficult times.
Peter Alexander

Dr. AsKew loved and empowered every student that was fortunate enough to cross paths with him. I am a better musician, educator, and human because I knew him.

Love and peace to the AsKew family.

I posted this on my Facebook page when I heard Doc had passed.  I thought someone would enjoy reading this. 

  I was a student in his class and I had to learn how to play brass instruments. I was in his first brass class at UNCG.  Well I was learning the baritone. If you don't know what that is, it's a little tuba. I was given a brand new out of the box baritone. Shinny and new it was so pretty. I went and took it upstairs and practiced and came down the stairs a few steps.....and me and the baritone totally ate it. The case ended up opening and the brand new instrument went falling down the stairs with me. When I stopped falling, I saw the poor baritone. I saw it smashed and hurt. I put it in the case and walked up to Dr. Askew's door.... knocked and I went in and explained what happened. He didn't hollar at me. He asked me several times if I was okay. I kept saying I was. He looked at the poor baritone and looked at me. I told him how sorry I was and he said ......accidents happen. The first valve was smashed. I was so upset.  He said he could fix it. Well a few days latter I had class and walked in. The side of my face was scratched black and blue.....all swollen. I kind of hid in the back of the room. He told the class to be very careful with the instruments. He was lecturing and guess I had turned my head slightly......he said......oh my God! He then kept on going. He dismissed class a few minutes early and asked me to stay. He asked me about my face and if I was okay. I said yes.. .  Is the baritone okay???? He said I could pick it up from his office.  Great kind man. Made music a lot better. Rest in music and love.... Thanks Dr Askew.

On behalf of the Board of Regents of the Society of Pi Kappa Lambda, we send our condolences and prayers for comfort and peace to Kimberly and all of Dennis' family. We were blessed to have Dennis as a member of the board, and I am personally blessed to have know Dennis and call him a friend.
You all are in our thoughts.
Mark Lochstampfor, PhD, Exec. Director PKL

I went to high school with Dennis and he is part of many of my happy memories of this time. He took me to our senior prom and his parents cooked steak dinners for a group of us before the dance.  We had the most amazing homemade peppermint ice cream for dessert.  When I think of Dennis, I remember his sense of humor and his kindness.  He always made life a little more fun for everyone.  While I was saddened to hear of his sudden loss, I feel so fortunate to have known him.   My heart goes out to Sally and the entire family.

I met Dennis when he interviewed for the tuba position in 1992.  He was an excellent colleague and great addition to the Market Street Brass.  The tuba studio quickly improved in quality and size.  Dennis always had a great smile and sense of humor.  He was always willing to take on an additional assignment and worked hard as an important member of the School of Music faculty.  Carol and I are keeping Kim and family in our prayers.

In 2018, Dennis spent a lot of time helping with a celebration for Richard. And Richard had the highest regards for Dennis as a person and musician-"what a great addition to the music school".

I am so sad for you.

Mary Alicia Cox

Doc AsKew was one of the most influential people during my extensive time in college, while I was a music major and after I switched. In Pep Band, he taught me how to play my heart out and have fun. In Brass methods, he taught me patience and the value of solid fundamental teaching. As a brother in Phi My Alpha, he helped develop my leadership capacity and the value of being a person of high ideals. His smile smile lit up the room and made you think that everything in the world is great. I'm so blessed to have known him and some of his family. It should be our life's work to live for others as Dennis 'Doc' AsKew had. He inspired me to do as such.

Dennis was *filled* with light. He was a friend to everyone he met. He lived with integrity and joy. 

He loved helping people. He loved his family and communities. He spoke up for those too long dismissed. He stood for education and the arts, especially when it was hard. He was warm. Humble. Fun. 

He was who, and how, we hope to be.

Robin and I send our love and are so grateful to your family for sharing Dennis with us all. 

Dr. AsKew's office was just down the hall from my piano professor's studio at UNCG, and so we passed each other all the time in the hallway. No matter what, he always had a smile and a friendly greeting for me. Dr. AsKew truly cared about the community at UNCG and made an unforgettable impact on my life and on the university. I'm so grateful to him for his years of service. Alex and Emily and the AsKew family, I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a genuine, wonderful person.

Doc Askew's absence in our lives only reveals how truly wonderful this man really was. I was lucky enough to have him as my brass instructor when I attended UNCG, and with his encouragement this flute player can play some low brass! (No amount of encouragement or alcohol could help with high brass.. Doc was amazing but not a miracle  worker!) I dated/married one of his students, so the amount of Doc stories my husband has shared is just astounding. He was such an amazing teacher, and musician, and will missed by so many. Sending so much love to his family and plenty of music when words fail us *Hugs*

I will never forget how you inspired music within me, at a young age and on  through today. A true legend in the world of music. Thank you Dr. Askew.

When I think of Redcoats or the UGA School of Music, Dennis is one of the first faces that comes to mind. I remember how he would always wear running shorts to outdoor band rehearsal in the freezing weather. As a freshman, it took me a while to get accustomed to this strange, yet empowering family of musicians, but Dennis was friendly and welcoming.  I never remember him angry or in a bad mood. He always just had a great joy of life. Dennis always seemed to be able to make the most difficult things so easy. He was laid back and in charge. Dennis touched so many lives in such a positive way. The world would be a much better place if there were more people like him. Even though I haven’t actually seen or spoken to him in 30 years, I will miss him.

Dr.  AsKew always had a smile and a hug for me when I would see him. He had a profound impact on music education and all of us who came in contact with him. Thank you for sharing him and his amazing light.

Life is so very fragile. We are profoundly saddened by the passing of Dennis AsKew. We were such good friends and colleagues for more than 28 years. I was on the search committee back in 1992 that brought Dennis to UNCG. He was a gifted musician, a tireless worker, a superb administrator and a great leader. He has departed this earth far too soon and he will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Kim and the entire family.   May God comfort all of you as so many of us grieve his passing.  John & Susanne Locke

My deepest sympathy to Dennis' wife and children,

I worked with Dennis at UNCG for several years but really got to know him about 8 years ago when he helped me put together a number of trumpets I wanted to donate in memory of my late husband.  He was incredibly kind, thoughtful, and sensitive to me which I so appreciated.  My hearts breaks for you since I know how difficult it is to lose such a loving family member so unexpectedly.
I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers,
Susan Dennison

We remember Dennis as such a kind young man.  He took my daughter to the sweetheart dance after a terrible car accident left her unable to dance.   We remember him with much love.

Dear Sally and Family, 

My heart breaks for your unthinkable loss. When Albert, Dennis and Sally moved to Mossy Creek UMC, Dennis and I immediately became friends. Many of my happiest teen memories include him. All of you will continue to be in my prayers. 

With sincere sympathy, 
Alice Morgan Cholaj 

Our fondness for Dennis is exceeded only by our love for his wit and kindness. He was clever, gifted, warm, and simply a good friend to all. He had more numerous admirers than he might have realized, and we all share in his loss. 

I was a freshman at UNCG in 1992, the same year he joined the University Faculty.  Dr. AsKew was more like a big brother or a father figure to many of us, myself included, rather than a teacher.  It’s truly very hard to know what to say at times like this, but his loss is immeasurable and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to know him.   He will continue to live on in the hearts of his students and through the many lives he touched.  I’ll miss you Doc.  

Sally and family, 
We are so sorry to hear about Dennis. 
You all are in our thoughts and prayers. 
Landry and Cindy Crumley
Mossy Creek UMC

We are so sorry to receive the news on the passing of Dennis Askew.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.   

OBITUARY

Dr. Dennis Weston AsKew

July 18, 1964 – January 28, 2021

Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home & Guilford Memorial Park

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