Obituaries

JOHN CHARLES AYERS

15 April, 1959 - 25 May, 2024

The kindly spirit of John Charles Ayers, born 15 April 1959, having given this world all he could, freed itself from the limitations of an earthly life on a beautiful spring day, 25 May 2024, at the merely ripened age of 65.

A man of vision, John was a premier poet, actor, director, composer, musician, master storyteller, teacher, craftsman, artist, and creative genius - he could blend the profound mysticism of Rumi with the regal beauty of Shakespeare, the down-to-earth folksiness of Dolly Parton, and the witty humor of Robin Williams, with a unique manner of expression that was purely John. And he did all this with extraordinary humility and a joyful generosity of spirit. The soul of a true poet does not merely pour its creativity into its work. John’s poetic brilliance and wit expressed itself in every aspect of his life, in every relationship, in his job with communications, even in the way he prepared his down-home gourmet-style meals, the way he dressed, and the delightfully playful way he decorated his home.

In the fall of 1980, still in his youth, John embraced the Teachings and practices of the Bahá’í Faith, which became the central theme of his life. His deeply profound and beautiful contributions to the programs and events of Baha’i community life, wherever he was, enhanced the standards of artistically delightful and spiritually meaningful programs. It was especially the children that would light up when John had prepared the devotions, or was about to sing or tell the stories. One of the great joys of John’s life was fulfilling his obligation to make his pilgrimage to the Holy Land in October/November 1985. There he paid homage at the sacred site holding the physical remains of the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, Bahá’u’lláh. While In Israel, he was shown great favor by Hand of the Cause of God, `Alí Akbar Furútan, who served as John’s pilgrimage guide, and who frequently and tenderly referred to him as “such a good boy.”

John was an elevator. He uplifted our hearts with the fire of the love of God that he carried in his. In one way or another, all who were touched by John’s magnanimity are now part of his living legacy. The world is so much more because he walked among us, and now feels so much less without his voice offering us one more unexpected jolt of humor, one more inspiring expression of devoted love for God, or one more magical encouragement that called out the strengths and the genius in everyone he met.

John was preceded in death by his loving and devoted first wife and helpmate of 20 years, Linda Sue Ayers, and by his beloved mother, Janet Joan Jones. He is survived by his tenderly loved wife, Lisa Joële.

Many years ago, John took to heart a sentiment expressed by Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, that she cared not what position a person held or what office one might serve. She believed the only people worth their salt on this earth were the ones knitting the hearts together. In lieu of flowers, Lisa asks that we make a conscious daily effort to follow John’s example of lifting up and encouraging others and to plumb the depths of our own souls to find the inspiration and develop the skill of knitting hearts together in our one human family.