BOSTON, MASS. – John Arnold Ayer of 36 Grist Mill Lane, Yarmouth, passed away at the Lahey Clinic on March 22.

John was born Sept. 14, 1949, in Portland. He was predeceased by his parents, Milton. S. Ayer and Helen Ross Ayer, also of Yarmouth.

John was a lifelong Yarmouth resident and businessman. He attended Yarmouth schools, graduating from Yarmouth High School. He operated the Yarmouth Mobil Station on Route 1. John subsequently opened Yarmouth Auto Servicenter in Yarmouth, which he ran for 22 years.

He was a former member of the Yarmouth Town Council and a member of the Casco Lodge Masonic Order. In later years, John built a vacation home and developed property in Rangeley, where he was the current president of the Russell Cove Association.

John and Carol traveled extensively throughout the world, enjoying trips to China, Africa, the Caribbean and many other places. He loved Rangeley, looking forward to his Friday departure for weekends at the camp.

John made significant contributions to the growth and development of the Yarmouth business economy. He represented the traditional Yankee entrepreneur whose community roots ran deep and wide. He was a canny businessman with a well respected reputation for honesty and excellent work, a concerned employer whose employees worked for him because of “who he was” – a quietly generous friend, a caring brother and uncle, who modeled the essence of Down East virtues. John’s dry sense of humor and a singularly engaging smile accompanied a quiet reserve.

John is survived by his siblings, Milton S. Ayer of Auburn, Peter J. Ayer of Andover, Hildegarde Ayer of Boise, Idaho, and his fiancée, Carol Demers, beloved friend and traveling companion of many years.

The family wishes to express profound appreciation to the critical care staff at Maine Medical Center, Portland; Central Maine Medical Center, Lewiston; Yarmouth and Rangeley paramedics and fire departments; and the Lahey Clinic for the wonderful care provided to John.

John, may this final journey bring you rest and peace. You are a lasting presence in many lives.