Rufus A. Ayers, Jr

Wry Sense Of Humor

Rufus A. Ayers, Jr, of Del Ray Beach, Fla., died September 14. Mr Ayers was born on February 19, 1918, in the Bronx, N.Y., son of Florence and Rufus A. Ayers Sr. He grew up in Redding.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 40 years, Denys Ayers. His survivors include one son, Rufus A. Ayers III, and his wife, RuthAnn, of Newtown; a daughter, Ahwren (Gailyn) Ayers and her partner, Charles, of Ferndale, Wash.; two brothers, Walter Ayers of Redding and Richard Ayers of Branford. Three stepchildren, Greg Welsh, Gail Fisher, and John Welsh also survive him; as do eleven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Florence Ayers McQuade.

Always interested in nature and fitness, he loved running and horseback riding. He never missed a single day of Sunday school. A graduate of Danbury High School and New Haven College of Business, Mr Ayers began his career in the trucking industry in 1947 at Seabord Freight. A year later he went to Lombard Brothers’ main office in Waterbury, where he served a distinguished career as vice president and general manager of the firm until his retirement.

His even-handed manner and calm demeanor enabled him to bring the company through the difficult times of government deregulation and rising energy costs as well as almost constant labor negotiations with the Teamsters Union. He served as mediator between national management and Jimmy Hoffa to arrive at fair negotiations. Always a gentleman, he knew all of his drivers by name, and would take the time to talk to them as if they were one of his many business associates. His unbounded sense of fairness toward his employees was reflected in the way he always championed fair wages and good medical coverage for their families.

In addition, he served as president of the Waterbury Lions Club where he was an active member. He was also involved in the Elks and served as president of the American Trucking Association. While living in Woodbury, he became involved with the heart and cancer fundraising; was instrumental in getting the first tennis courts built in the early 1960s (tennis was a sport he loved and played regularly); served on the building committee for Nonnewaug High School; and loved coaching the Little League Red Sox.

In later years, Mr Ayers split his time between homes in Florida and Heritage Village. Here he enjoyed many friends and a good game of bridge or tennis. A nature lover at heart, he also enjoyed long walks with family, friends, and a couple of Labrador retrievers. He had a wry sense of humor, and the ability to listen to people to make them feel at ease. He was a man with enough love and patience for two extended families. He will be missed.

There will be a private memorial service for Mr Ayers, held by family. The family requests that memorial donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Fairfield Connecticut Chapter, 96 Oak Street, Hartford CT 06106.

The Newtown Bee     September 29, 2006