Richard W. Ayers

Father, husband, educator and philosopher Dr. Richard W. “Dick” Ayers died on March 24, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Dick was born in 1944 in Winchester, Massachusetts, the son of Gleason and Marion Ayers. He grew up in Waterbury, Vermont, and graduated from Norwich University with a bachelor’s of science degree in education. After a year in the classroom, he served his country in Vietnam with the 93rd Engineering Battalion where he was awarded a Bronze Star. He returned to education, eventually earning a doctorate of education from the University of Colorado. He was a celebrated school administrator, working as a superintendent of schools in Laconia and Hopkinton, before leading the Southeastern Regional Education Service Center, and teaching doctoral level courses at Plymouth State University and Southern New Hampshire University. 

Dick was deeply connected to the natural world, which he expressed through his devotion to fly fishing and hours spent building trails, harvesting firewood, and enjoying the solitude of his two woodlots in New Hampshire and Vermont.

Profoundly optimistic and warm, Dick’s love for his family, his students, and his community defined him. His example and his instruction inspired countless people to live a life of service to others. He is very deeply missed.

Dick is survived by his wife Mina Ayers, his daughter Erika Ayers-Badan (Yvain Badan), son Ben Ayers (Lisa Conlon), nephew Eric Limouze, grandchildren Cannon and Turin, his sister Betsy Shapiro and brothers Robert and David Ayers and their families.

A memorial service will be held at the Sanbornton Old Town Hall at 19 Meeting House Hill Road on Sunday, June 23, at noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Dick Ayers Educational Fund at Southern New Hampshire University online via tinyurl.com/3tu88zzp, or checks sent to Dick Ayers Educational Fund, c/o Office of Institutional Advancement, 2500 North River Road, Manchester, NH 03106.