Richard Bartholomew Ayer

He was born on Thanksgiving, November 24, 1932 to Ralph and Beulah Ayer in Colorado Springs. Richard graduated from Falcon High School in 1950 and then attended Colorado A & M College in Fort Collins before joining the Air Force. He was accepted to attend Cryptographic School, which led to a career with the CIA. Richard married Shirley Smith from Manitou Springs in September 1956. His career took them to Arlington, Virginia where their son Michael was born and then to Santa Monica, California where their daughter Susan was born. They returned to the family ranch in Black Forest and had a son, Patrick, in Colorado Springs.

Richard ranched for a few years before starting several businesses (Chainsaw Sales and Service, Firewood, and Tree Clearing). Richard served on the Board of Mountain View Electric for many years and they enjoyed traveling all over for meetings. He also served on District 49 School Board as well as Falcon Fire Department Board. His pride and joy was managing Eastonville Cemetery, which his dad did before him. Neighbors loved seeming him raking at the cemetery up until he was 88! They always stopped and visited with him!

Richard lost the love of his life Shirley (He always affectionately called her Schatz, which is "Sweetheart" in German) in 2012 after 56 years of marriage. His heart never fully recovered.

Richard is survived by his sister Persis Eberhart, niece Stacy, and nephew Eric, all of Salem, Oregon. He is also survived by his son Michael, Daughter Susan Gordon (Robert), son Patrick, grandson Luke Tayler (Rian), granddaughters Kelley Baca (Andrew) and Emma Lange (Robert), 8 great-grandkids plus 1 on the way, as well as step-grandkids and great-grandkids in Utah. Richard is also survived by his best friend and partner Irene Wittmann.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, June 9 at Black Forest Community Center, 12530 Black Forest Road at 11 am for friends and family. There will be a reception immediately after service, and then proceed to Eastonville Cemetery (Meridian and Latigo Blvd) where Richard will be laid to rest with his wife Shirley.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Falcon Fire Department.