John Ayer

John Alvie Ayer of Lynnfield, MA and West Newfield, ME passed away at age 76 on March 3, surrounded by his family. John was the beloved husband of Margaret (Burdon) Ayer for 46 years.

Born in Merrimac, John was the son of the late George and Dolores Ayer. John joined the US Air Force in 1954, supporting the Thunderbirds throughout Europe. John then began a long successful career as an engineer and inventor. He was regularly recognized during his time at Raytheon and NASA for his work investigating and advancing microwave technologies. During his work at M/K Systems, John designed a diverse collection of instruments that transformed the paper industry. In 1991, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own company, Sherwood Instruments, where he continued to invent and manufacture innovative testing equipment for the paper and other industries.

In addition to his passion for engineering, John was an avid boater and built his own 32 foot power boat which he and Margaret named Amerish. He shared his love of boating and Maine with his family, spending summers at their cottage on Balch Lake in West Newfield, ME.

John is survived by his wife Margaret, his two children; Andrew M. Ayer, wife Lisa and their daughter Elizabeth of No. Reading, and David J. Ayer and wife Donna of Burlington. He is also survived by his sister, Roberta A. Ayer, sister-in-law Shirley Ayer and brother-in-law Dr. Laurence Bouchard, numerous nieces and nephews, and predeceased by George A. Ayer and Ninette Bouchard.

His memorial service will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave. in Wakefield, MA, on Saturday at 11am. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 9am. In lieu of flowers, contributions in John's name may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St. Framingham, MA 01701.

March 08, 2014
11:00 AM

McDonald Funeral Home
19 Yale Ave
Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 245-3550

March 08, 2014
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

McDonald Funeral Home
19 Yale Ave
Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 245-3550