Arthur Ashley Ayres passed away Thursday, July 29, 2021 at his Port Angeles home. He was 87.

Art was born in Palo Alto, CA to Elliot and Mary Ayres (née Swigart) on January 28, 1934.

He was predeceased by loving wife of 50 years, Veronica Ayres (née Murray), and his sister, Elizabeth (Betsy) Simmons.

Art was an avid swimmer, skier, and surfer in his younger years, showing his zest for life.

Art was outgoing and adventurous, a Master Gardener and a teacher of the English language. He had a joke for every soul he came across in life.

Art married Veronica - the love of his life - in May 1970 at the Stanford University Chapel. They met while he was going to college on his GI Bill studying Engineering. They were married for the next 50 years until the passing of Veronica in July of 2020.

Art used his degree and worked for Motorola as an Engineer. He also worked as a realtor in Carlsbad-Oceanside, CA, a handyman at times, and working the trails at Donner Pass during the most snowfall ever recorded at that time. Art worked many jobs as he and Veronica traveled to many locations in their life.

While in China, Art taught English as a second language and felt this was his favorite of all places.

Veronica's strong faith had finally brought Art into the Catholic Church while they lived in Port Angeles.

Art loved to attend all the church's events and socialize with all ages. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and attended most events helping in the community as they lived their faith.

Art assisted with the RCIA program and also sponsored children going to Queen of Angels School.

Art was a devoted husband to Veronica as her sight failed early in their retirement years. He made sure their home was safe and Veronica's needs were always met.

Although Art was dealing with the increasing effects of dementia, his dry wit remained!

Art was a character until the very end. He and Veronica were able to stay in their home until the end because of the many friends, staff that were hired, and help of Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County.

He is survived by two cousins, Susan Dutra and Jeff Brown.

Rest In Peace Tad!

Drennan & Ford Funeral Home in Port Angeles was entrusted with his arrangements. Please sign the online guestbook for his family at www.drennanford.com .