Thomas Claude Ayers

December 21, 1955 to February 22, 2025 – Thomas Claude Ayers was born December 21, 1955 on Oahu, Hawaii, the first of five children born to Annette Medeiros and Wendell Ayers.

In 1964, the family moved to Gresham, Oregon where Tom excelled on the wrestling teams while attending Dexter McCarty and Gresham High School. To build muscle and a bit of cash, Tom delivered The Oregonian on foot or by bike for several years. As a Boy Scout, and later, an Explorer Scout, Tom canoed through British Columbia’s Bowron Lake Provincial Park with his brother, father and other adventurers. He remained passionate about the outdoors his entire life.

In 1975, after graduation, Tom enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska. During enlistment, he also received training and tested ordnance at the US Army Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. Upon discharge from the service, Tom returned to Oregon and earned his airframe and power plant certification through the Rock Creek Campus of Portland Community College.

Tom worked as a millwright in Boring, Oregon, and operated his own portable saw mill. He was a skilled craftsman, working with wood from around the world. He incorporated historic designs into modern and artistic products, such as replicating and building of beautifully crafted folding chairs that was designed for portable use during the Civil War.

Tom was a member of the Larch Mountain Country Artisans, and Woodworkers of America. His many interests included geology, hunting, baseball, football, mechanics, reading, and cooking. His remarkable creative talents included carving, oil painting, tying flies, photography, and playing guitar.

Tom died at home in Troutdale, Oregon on February 22, 2025. He was 69 years old. He is survived by his parents, Ruth and Wendell Ayers; brother, David C. (Karen) Ayers; sister, Katherine N. Martin; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his birth mother, Annette; brother, Calvin C. Ayers; and sister, Susanne M. Parrish.

Tom will be buried at Willamette National Cemetery, and the family will hold a memorial at a later date. The family encourages donations to the Larch Mountain Country Artisans or the Crown Point Country Historical Society.