Obituary: Ayers, Gary
Age 85
Gary received an honorable discharge from the Navy and moved to Spokane after his service career.
Paul was the first to die and is survived by his two daughters Linda Biko of Sacramento California and Paula Whitmore of Spokane, Washington.
Alice died in 2001 and is survived by her two children Stephen A. Lovejoy of Lincoln City, Oregon and Kathy J. Loshbaugh of Overland Park, Kansas.
Ralph lives in Newburyport, Massachusetts and is 91 years old.
Ralph has four daughters, Susan Lovejoy, Nancy Watkins, Joanne Barron and Barbara Gehres.
Gary was a well-known figure in Spokane and Sandpoint, Idaho with an abundance of friends.
In Spokane he worked for many years as a window designer for The Crescent.
Although the Crescent is long gone, those old enough will remember the animated corner window display every Christmas which Gary was famous for.
While living in Sandpoint, Gary who was an avid and talented downhill skier, worked for years at the Alpine Shop at Schweitzer Ski Resort.
Gary Ayers and Derald Drinkard were life partners for more than 40 years.
As a couple, they lived their lives together to the fullest, enjoying gardening, traveling, their many Scottie dogs and above all each other.
Derald died on January 1, 2011.
His death left Gary devastated and his life empty.
However Derald’s two daughters Lisa Carothers and Dawn Toelken quickly stepped in to fill the void.
After their father’s death, they provided Gary with love, companionship and the support that he needed to transition beyond the death of his lifelong partner.
Gary was a kind and gentle human being and the type of person that the world needs more of.
He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and anyone who knew him.
Donations in Gary’s name should be made to his favorite cause and charity, the Human Rights Campaign seeking equal rights for gay, lesbian and transgender people.