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Harvard University

William Ayer Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Dec. 4 to Dec. 6, 2005.

AYER, William Alfred, F.R.S.C. (1932 - 2005) On December 2, 2005, Dr. William Alfred (Bill) Ayer of Edmonton passed away at the age of 73 years. He leaves to mourn his loss, his loving wife of 51 years, Dorothy; six children, Susan (Marc) Barylo, Dr. Stephen (Roxanne) Ayer, Judith (Ken) Koncur, Andrew (Ruth) Ayer, Dr. Katherine (Timothy) Lazaruk, and Carol (Kelly) Beringer-Brown. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Genevieve, Alisha, and Carolyn Ayer, Nicholas and Shannon Koncur, Rachel Ayer, Justin and Alison Lazaruk and Christopher Beringer. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles Frederic Ayer and Elizabeth Main Harper, his three brothers, one sister, and one grandchild, David James Anderson Ayer. Bill was an accomplished chemist and teacher. Born in Middle Sackville, New Brunswick, he studied chemistry at the University of New Brunswick and Harvard University where he was involved in the first total synthesis of chlorophyll. Beginning in 1958, he was a professor of chemistry at the University of Alberta, and he was appointed "University Professor" in 1992. Bill was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, a former Editor of the Canadian Journal of Chemistry, and past President of the Canadian Society for Chemistry. He taught and mentored many undergraduate, postgraduate, and postdoctoral chemists by combining ingenious creativity with infectious enthusiasm, joy, and genuine caring. He passed away suddenly, yet peacefully. His gentle manner, sense of humour, esteem of principle, and love for his wife, family, and friends will be greatly missed. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, December 7, 2005, at 1:00 p.m. at St. George's Anglican Church, 11733 - 87 Avenue. Reverend Greg Lynn and Archdeacon Kathy Bowman will officiate. Cremation has already taken place. Parking arranged South of 87 Avenue on 117 or 118 St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the Centre for Lung Health, Caritas Health Group, 11111 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5K 0L4. Foster and McGarvey Ltd., 428-6666.

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Recent Activity

December 9, 2005

Alan and Elaina Godfrey posted to the memorial.

December 6, 2005

Mary Paraszczak DeJordy posted to the memorial.

December 6, 2005

Heather Perro (Ayer) posted to the memorial.

12 Entries

Alan and Elaina Godfrey

December 9, 2005

My sincere condolences to Dorothy and family for your loss.

I remember very fondly spending many a pleasant afternoon or evening at the horse tracks of Calgary and Edmonton in the company of Bill and Dorothy and occasionally Andy as well.

I remember Bill as always being happy and amiable even when the horses we owned or the bets we made didn’t turn out as we had hoped.

It was especially rewarding to me to strike up a friendship with a man who was a childhood friend of my fathers and the best man at my parent’s wedding.

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Mary Paraszczak DeJordy

December 6, 2005

Dorothy, Susan and family

My deepest sympathy in the passing of Bill. He was a person I admired so much; he was so kind and always had a smile! I enjoyed serving him at Northlands, and will truly miss this great "gentleman". My deepest sympathy and prayers to you and the family

Heather Perro (Ayer)

December 6, 2005

So very sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of everyone.

Cliff Soper

December 6, 2005

Bill was a great mentor, teacher and motivator who contributed to the success of so many. I feel very fortunate to have been part of his research group and to have witnessed his patience, empathy and kindness. My deepest sympathy to Dorothy and the whole family.

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Bernadette Glenn

December 6, 2005

Condolences go to Judy and Ken Koncur & Family.

It was with great sadness to hear Judy of the passing of your father. Both your families have suffered great losses this year. God does not give us more then we can handle and we all have to remember that both your father and Wayne are at peace now and looking down on us and guiding us threw time.

Linda Manning

December 6, 2005

Deepest sympathy to Dorothy, Susan and family. Know that the loving memories will stay with you always.

Audrey & Rufus Reid

December 6, 2005

Bill and I went to school together at Sackville High School, Sackville, NB. He was the Class President and I was the Secretary. During that time we were the best of friends. We have kept in touch at Christmastime over the years and we will miss his happy notes. Rufus and I extend our deepest sympathy to Dot and their family.

Madeleine Cottrell

December 5, 2005

I knew Bill as a very sweet, kind and gentle man. He had warm eyes and a wonderful smile. He will be missed. It is very hard to lose a dear & loving husband & parent anytime, but so close to Christmas is difficult.

My condolences to Dorothy and the entire family.

You are all in my prayers.

Love,

Madeleine

Anna Szenthe

December 5, 2005

The most caring, and considerate person I have ever met. I feel very lucky and extremely fortunate that I had a chance to work for such a genuine, caring, and talented person. My thoughts are with Dorothy and the Ayer family.

Doug Ayer

December 5, 2005

Even though we never met, Bill was one day older than I and will always be remembered.

Jamie Harper

December 5, 2005

I am shocked and saddened to hear of Bills passing. You are all in my thoughts and in my prayers.

Karen Gallant

December 4, 2005

I will always remember Bill's huge smile and sense of humour. We will certainly miss him at the center. My thoughts are with you and your family Dot.

Love Karen

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