BOWDOIN — George E. Ayer Sr., 57, of West Burrough Road in Bowdoin died Thursday, Sept. 23, at his home following a long illness.

He was born on Sept. 30, 1952, in Lewiston, a son of Archie and Marie (Hatch) Ayer. He was educated in Lisbon schools and graduated from Lisbon High School.

George was employed for 28 years at the Public Works Department of Lisbon, retiring in 2006 as director. He also retired from the Lisbon Falls Fire Co. after more than 20 years of service.

He was a longtime member of the Slovak Catholic Association of Lisbon Falls. George was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and tending his numerous vegetable gardens. He also enjoyed spending time watching birds that would visit his various feeders, especially the hummingbirds.

George was predeceased by his parents; and a brother, Allen “Buddy” Ayer who died in 1999.

Survivors include his wife of nine years, Darla S. (Kraushaar) Ayer of Bowdoin; one son, George E. Ayer Jr. of Florida; a daughter, Katherine Ayer of Whitefield; two step-sons, Steven and his wife, Lisa McCoy, of Greene, and Kenneth and his wife, Renee McCoy, of Winthrop; a sister, Rose and her husband, Mike Henry, of Florida; three grandchildren, Kyler, Chloe and Caitlyn McCoy; nephew, Michael Henry, of Leeds; and three nieces, Tina Ayer Hebert of Leeds, Tammy Ayer Marshall of Florida, and Amy Tripp of South Paris.

Thoughts, condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Ayer family by visiting George’s guestbook at www.crosmanfuneralhome.com.