Obituary of Asa Javier Bara
Asa Javier Bara, known to many as “Jav”, let go of his physical being in his own way at his own time on Monday; December 18, 2023. Born to Walter and Rose (Bednarz) Bara on August 7, 1941 in Hamtramck, Michigan, he grew up in Detroit. Asa explored every corner of the city on his bicycle. A graduate of Cass Tech High School, he proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corp. Stationed in Hawaii, Asa served from January 1961 to November 1963. He later continued his formal education at Monteith College, Wayne State University, and the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and Chinese Studies.
With a gift for fine detail, Asa’s work life evolved from mechanical design to the design of the human as a Holistic Health Practitioner. A peaceful warrior and a champion for exploration of the self, he devoted his life to expanding his knowledge and utilizing it to assist others in many and varied ways including CranioSacral Therapy, Holotropic Breathwork, Applied Kinesiology, Manual Medicine, Acupuncture, and Clinical Nutrition.
A quintessential “Renaissance Man”, Asa was dedicated to perpetually learning new skills and was always open to new ideas. As a member of the U.S. People’s Friendship Association, he was among the first Americans to visit a newly opened for trade China after President Nixon’s historic visit in 1972. Asa had learned to speak Mandarin Chinese to facilitate his visits and further his exploration of Chinese culture. He also studied Aikido, eventually obtaining a black belt and teaching others in the Japanese martial arts style. He was a lover of moving quickly whether on foot or in a vehicle and was a skilled micro-photographer.
Asa’s passing was preceded by his parents; infant twin sisters; his sister: Janice (Tim) Dudgeon; and his stepdaughter: Ardis “Nikki” Torres.
To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife of twenty-nine years: Lynne Goldsmith of Monroe, Michigan; his son: Erik (Shawn) Bara of Downers Grove, IL; and his brother: Jeff (Colleen) Bara of Hinsdale, IL.
Asa’s care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. In keeping with his life’s work, Asa has chosen to help and educate others by becoming a donor to the Anatomical Donation Program at the University of Michigan, “the place where death delights to help life.” His family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Elara Caring Skilled Home Health and Elara Hospice for their compassionate care.
Memorial contributions in honor of Asa may be directed to Doctors Without Borders or the Parkinson’s Foundation. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.