AYRES, Gerald James at his residence on September 24, 2026. Jerry Ayres of Sauble Beach in his 91st year. Beloved husband of the late Dianne Ayres (2017). Cherished father of Sheri Hazzard (Brian) of Guelph, and Jon Ayres (Sarah Fowler) of Victoria, BC. Much loved grandpa of Jeff (Tara), Kristyn (Curtis), Kaitlyn (Micah), Ian (Hilary), and Ramona and great grandpa of Micah, Ari, Cooper, Mason, Joey, Lexie, Mylo, Lucas, and Logan. Dear brother of Peter Ayres and Tom Ayres (Wendy), and brother-in-law of Tom Johnston (Doris), Jim Batzold, and Dianne George. Predeceased by parents Phyllis (nee Bachus) and Lind Ayres, sisters Linda Johnston and Lucinda Batzold, sister-in-law Henriette Ayres and brother-in-law Robert George.
Jerry participated in a number of sports growing up, with football and basketball being the highlights of his high school years.
He met the love of his life, Dianne George, while they were students at Wallaceburg District High School. They were married on June 25, 1960, and enjoyed 57 beautiful years together, until her passing in 2017.
Upon his graduation from high school he apprenticed as a mechanic at the Dominion Glass factory and then spent another 15 years in the tablewares division. From there he spent the next 25 years as a purchaser for Ontario Hydro at the Lambton Generating Station near Corunna, Ontario.
Jerry spent a number of years as an Officer in the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet branch, was a distinguished member of Wallaceburg’s Optimist Club, and served on the board of managers for Knox Presbyterian Church of Wallaceburg.
After many years of dedicated work, Jerry and Dianne retired to their beautiful home in Sauble Beach, Ontario, where Jerry worked alongside friends helping to build and renovate cottages and homes. He also found a new favourite pastime in the sport of lawn bowling. He was a longtime member serving as President, Secretary and Chairperson of many committees with the Allenford Curling Club. He was a committed member of the Sauble Sandpipers and a dedicated member of the Zion Amabel United Church and later the Sauble Beach United Church.
He was not a man of many words but he always had an ear and time for anyone who needed it. Throughout his life, his favourite pastime was spending time outdoors, whether it be snowmobiling, canoeing, camping, fishing, or gardening, all of which provided him a sense of peace and satisfaction.
If Heaven has a lawn it will now be the most fabulous, immaculate lawn in all of creation, free of dandelions for all of eternity.
We are thankful you can now rest and are at peace Dad; and together again with Mom. You will continue to be loved and missed by your family and all who were fortunate to have known you.
The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff at the Sauble Family Health Team, and to all those who provided our dad with a variety of in-home care and services over the years. What began as professional care often grew into meaningful friendships, and we are so grateful for the kindness, compassion, and genuine care you showed him.
To Dad’s many friends who gave him rides, brought him meals, stopped in to check on him, and continued to care for and support him over the years, your kindness and friendship meant so much to Dad and to our family.
And a very special thank you to Cheryl and Pat. The love, care, companionship, and friendship you gave Dad were truly extraordinary. You became such an important part of his life, and we will forever be grateful for the comfort and happiness you brought to him.
A funeral service will be conducted from the Sauble Beach United Church on Thursday October 1st, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior. Interment at Riverview Cemetery, Wallaceburg, at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the DOWNS AND SON FUNERAL HOME, Hepworth. Expressions of remembrance to the Sauble Beach United Church or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family through https://www.downsandsonfuneralhome.ca/obituaries/Jerry-Ayres?obId=49703170
