Per Olov Asander

Per Asander, 56, went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 28, 2020, surrounded by his family at their home in Houston, Texas, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was a loving husband and father and his devotion to his family is his powerful legacy. Per is survived by his beloved wife and best friend Isabel Salem Asander, and their two wonderful children, the lights of his life, Sebastian Olov and Sara Linnea. He also leaves his brother Olov Asander, his nephews, Matthias Olov Asander and Mikael Olov Asander and is already greatly missed by countless colleagues and friends.

Per was preceded in death by his parents, Stig and Maj-britt Asander of his hometown of Umeå, Teg, Sweden. Per was born there on June 17, 1964 and attended Härnösands Gymnasium high school, graduating in 1982. He studied at Mittuniversitetet, Luleå tekniska universitet, and completed his education at Chalmers University of Technology in 1992.

Per had a successful career in the maritime and shipping industry, working for Laurin Maritime, Northern Marine Management, and Sonagol Marine Services before capping his career with British Petroleum. He lived all over the world but called Texas home, although sometimes his affection for all things Swedish made his friends think he lived in Ikea.

Per became an American citizen and loved his adopted country and especially his adopted state of Texas (and his pickup truck). No adventure or vacation was too far for Per to drive or fly to with his family and friends and he was always in search of the next adventure even if it involved alligator farms! Wherever he was, he had a relentless thirst to see and do, making sure everyone enjoyed all that any city had to offer. He passionately rooted for his Astros and Texans and seemed to have a screen ready to watch them wherever he looked. He was always in search of the best in life for his family and friends, often “upgrading” Isabel’s car without notice -- one of many ways his love for her showed through.

Per was an amazing and loyal friend. If you needed anything, he was always there and he always had the right tool or technology ready to help. No problem was beyond his ability to solve! He loved a good meal, good spirits, and good company and he always told great stories and punctuated those of his friends with witty observations. He was the undefeated champion of every board and card game he played. Per was often the last to go to bed, staying up late with one of his children to watch the end of just one more movie and then was first up so he could get to Starbucks and make sure to bring back coffee for Isabel and breakfast for all.

The month before he died, Per was so excited to take Sara to buy a Paddle board and get her out on the water in it. Despite not feeling well, he lit up like Santa Claus when she told him she wanted one and surprised everyone with his sudden cheer and energy in pursuit of making his little girl happy. The day before, he had been out and about in Galveston looking for a jet ski for Sebastian with identical joy and focus.

A funeral service will be held in Houston on Tuesday, December 8 at 1 p.m. at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive.