Theodore M. Ayres, Jr.

Theodore M. Ayres, Jr., a Lancaster builder, completed his life’s journey of 73 years on Sunday, November 20, 2016 , succumbing to cancer. A builder of relationships, Ted was a devoted son, a loving husband and father, a doting grandfather, and a loyal friend to many. A builder also of structures with a strong work ethic and sense of fairness, he exercised these attributes in his construction career as VP of Toews, Ayres, and Huber, Inc.; as a self-employed consultant; and as a project manager for companies like Horst Realty. Ted was a leader on the Hempfield High School basketball court, baseball and football fields, and on the student council serving as Class President for 4 years and recently Reunion Chairperson. His leadership skills were also displayed on the Holy Spirit Lutheran Church Council and committees, and as secretary on the Municipal Authority of East Hempfield Township Water Authority Board for 26 years. Ted was a tireless worker on his Christmas tree farm, and used his skills as a father figure in the Shared Holiday Program. A champion of those who experienced an uphill climb, he supported them emotionally and with his resources. Ted derived pleasure from the simple things in life: deer and cardinals in his woods, sunsets on island beaches, the majesty of the Grand Tetons and the Matterhorn, whacking a golf ball, riding a horse, traveling to global destinations to learn of new cultures and histories, theatre and dinners with good friends, and especially family gatherings and celebrations. He was the son of the late Theodore M. Ayres, Sr. and Viola K. Ayres. Ted will be lovingly missed by his wife, Terry Ayres of Lancaster with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage on June 18, 2016. Other family members are son, Antony Ayres and wife Susan; daughter, Amy Sherman and husband Christopher. Ted was a doting Paw Paw to AJ and Lauren Ayres and to Olive Sherman. Ted’s life journey was enriched by the love of family and good friends. The family extends their deepest appreciation to all of the many persons who offered so many acts of kindness during Ted’s illness. If these innumerable acts of kindness could have cured Ted’s cancer, he would not have been on an exit journey. Special commendations to the 8 Lime staff and medical personnel at Lancaster General Hospital and at the Suburban Campus, Emergency responders, the staff at Luther Acres Manor Care Facility, and the staff of Hospice of Lancaster County……. what caring gems we have in this community!!! A visitation with the family and with Ted at peace will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, 3131 Columbia Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601. The visitation will be followed by a funeral service conducted by The Rev. Clifton Eshbach at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. A luncheon in the church social area will immediately follow the Funeral Service at 12 noon. Those who wish may support the family for the Interment at Conestoga Memorial Park leaving the church at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ted’s memory to : INQUIRY Charter School, Attention: The Ted Ayres’ Memorial Fund, C/O Mrs. Amy Sherman, 1301 Belmont Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104.