William Edward Ayer

A Passion for Life, Lived to the Fullest

William "Bill" Edward Ayer passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, in Meridian, Idaho, at the age of 92. He was born on July 12, 1934, in San Mateo, California.

Bill lived a full and active life, filled with adventure, community and, above all, family. He was married to the love of his life, Marlene Caroline Berger, for nearly 65 years. They were married on August 13, 1961, at the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley, California.

Bill grew up in Redwood City, California, where his love of the outdoors and athletics began at an early age. He enjoyed playing sports at Sequoia High School and continued his education and athletic pursuits at Santa Rosa Junior College, UCLA and San Jose State. As the years went by, his love of sports evolved into a lifelong passion for golf, skiing, hiking and fishing.

Bill loved to travel and explore the world, creating countless memories along the way. Lake Tahoe held a particularly special place in his heart, providing many wonderful adventures and cherished family memories.

Bill also had a deep commitment to his community. He worked for the City of Sunnyvale and the City of Gilroy and dedicated countless hours to volunteering and serving others. Among his many community accomplishments, he served as the third President of the Gilroy Garlic Festival, founded the Gilroy Foundation and was named Gilroy 'Man of the Year' in 1987. He also was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary.

But perhaps Bill's greatest joy was his family. Family was priceless to him, and he and Marlene were blessed with three children and four grandchildren: Nancy Gritz (Garrett) and grandson Chapton; Susie Kafka (Ron), granddaughter Jordyn and her husband Dillon Mahana, and grandson Riley; and Billy Ayer (Devin Quon) and grandson Brodie.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Anna Kreye; his father, Willis Edgerton Ayer; and his sisters, Barbara Unsworth and Beverly Terry.

The last four years of Bill's life were spent in Idaho, a place he had visited many times over the years for skiing and fishing trips. It was fitting that Bill's journey would end in the Boise area, known as the City of Trees, because he simply loved trees and the great outdoors.

Bill will be remembered for his zest for life, his love of adventure, his commitment to his community and the deep love he had for his family. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the countless memories he created with those who loved him.

He truly lived a life with a passion for life, lived to the fullest.

Published in Gilroy Dispatch · August 18, 2026