Tribute

In Loving Memory of Charles Richard Ayers (1944–2026)

Charles Richard Ayers lived a life defined by curiosity, courage, and motion through the air, across the sea, and always toward new horizons.

Born on September 15, 1944, in Montreal during the final year of World War II, Charles entered the world already shaped by aviation. His father, Roland, served as an RAF instructor, and flying was woven into the fabric of Charles’s early life. After the war, the family returned to England, where Charles excelled academically and developed a deep fascination with flight.

By his late teens, Charles was already training as a pilot. At just 19 years old, he became one of the youngest commercial jet pilots of his time, beginning a remarkable aviation career that would span decades. He flew for BEA and later Canadian Pacific Airlines and Canadian Airlines (which would later become Air Canada) logging approximately 18,000 flight hours across eight commercial aircraft types. His career took him across Europe, North America, Asia, South America, and the Pacific, including transcontinental, polar, and international routes.

Yet flying was only one of his great passions.

Charles was equally drawn to the sea. He became an accomplished sailor, navigating the waters of the Pacific Northwest, the Inside Passage, and beyond. He undertook bold voyages, including single-handed sailing adventures, Atlantic and Pacific crossings, and extended coastal explorations. Sailing was never just recreation for Charles. It was a way of understanding the world, testing himself, and embracing freedom.

After retiring from commercial aviation in 2002, Charles settled in Cowichan Bay, where he continued to live fully and with intention. He remained active in the community, serving as President of his strata council for many years, mentoring others, and embracing family life with warmth and generosity.

Another unexpected passion blossomed later in life. Tennis. Charles became deeply involved with the South Cowichan Lawn Tennis Club, serving as President, tournament organizer, and competitor. Remarkably, he rose into the top rankings in British Columbia for seniors tennis in multiple age categories, winning several titles well into his seventies.

Charles found great satisfaction in helping others and giving back to his community whenever he could. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

He was a devoted father, grandfather, partner, and friend, thoughtful, principled, curious, and quietly adventurous. Whether watching floatplanes skim across Cowichan Bay from his kitchen table or observing the trumpeter swans that gathered along the shore, he remained someone who lived forward, with eyes open and spirit engaged.

He is survived by his daughter Glaucia and his grandchildren Isaac, Jussara, Xzavier, and Jonisah.

He will also be missed by his devoted companion Baloo, who brought great comfort, companionship, and purpose to his days.

Charles’s life reminds us that curiosity does not fade with age, that reinvention is always possible, and that a life well lived is one that keeps moving, learning, loving, and exploring.

A celebration of life will be held on March 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club, 3515 Telegraph Road, Cobble Hill, British Columbia. Light refreshments will be served.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Doctors Without Borders