George Robert “Bob” Ayres born on December 9th, 1924 in Norfolk Virginia, died peacefully on May 16th at the Vernon Hospice House, at the age of 86. Bob’s love of 62 years, Mary, passed away in May of 2007 and he is survived by his son Robert Ayres of Coldstream B.C. and nieces, nephews and cousins in B.C. Alberta, Ontario and England. Bob has joined his Mary, sister Betty, brothers Bill and Roger and parents Harold and Gertrude.
Bob started his flying career with his private pilot’s license, soloing at age 16 in 1940. He joined the RCAF in 1943 instructing on various aircraft until the end of the war. After 3 years of bush flying he rejoined the RCAF in 1949 and enjoyed a 25 year career in the RCAF and retired from the service in 1972. His military career included a total of 9 years at 3 wing Germany. Two years in England attending the Empire Test Pilots School and two years at Edwards Air Force Base in California. He was also stationed at Cold Lake and Namao Alberta and retired from the Air Force at Trenton Ontario. Bob continued with an 18 year civilian flying career until 1990 when he and Mary retired again in Blind Bay, B.C. Bob could not stay away from flying and spent another 10 years flying float planes and testing.
Bob Ayres flew as a professional pilot and test pilot for over 60 years and accumulated over 34000 flying hours and loved what he did and never flew a plane he didn’t like. He will be missed by those who knew him as a friend and comrade and for his humor, compassion, and joy of life. He will be dearly missed by his loving son, nieces and nephews.
Thank you to the caring, kind, thoughtful and supportive staff at the North Okanagan Hospice House who made Dad’s final days peaceful and comfortable. At Bob’s request there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make a memorial donation in Bob’s name to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to FISCHER’S FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORIUM LTD., Salmon Arm, (250) 833-1129. EMAIL condolences and share memories at www.fischersfuneralservices.com.