Dr. Robert Leroy Ayres of Frederick, MD died Wednesday March 14, 2012 at Frederick Memorial Hospital. He was the husband of Marilyn Ayres. Born July 4, 1941 in Comstock, NE, Bob was the son of the late Leroy and Nellie Ayres. He graduated high school from Albany Union High in Albany, OR. He worked several years as a butcher's assistant, grocery clerk, and heavy equipment operator to earn the money for college. He received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Kearney State and a Doctorate in Radio Chemistry from the University of Nebraska. He went to the National Bureau of Standards (now the National Institute of Standards and Technology) in Gaithersburg in 1973. Over the next two decades he became the nation's chief scientific expert in the measurement of radioactivity for nuclear medicine applications. Together with a colleague, Bob developed the national standard for technetium-99m (the mainstay of radioisotopes for nuclear medicine, used for millions of diagnostic health care procedures) and transferred this standard to the US pharmaceutical industry. He then turned to developing the international standards for radionuclide calibrators used for accurate measurements of nuclear medicine doses in thousands of clinics in the US. He published over 30 papers and, with two colleagues, the definitive textbook Radioactivity and Its Measurement. In the mid-1980s he concentrated on development of automated nuclear instrumentation and a computer control system for a Racetrack Microtron accelerator, an accelerator-based free electron laser. He then worked as a Program Manager at the NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission), where he developed policies and provided oversight to ensure public safety in medical and academic nuclear use. Bob's career at NIST and the NRC in development and promotion of standards for radioactive materials has been a significant contribution to the safe and effective use of radioactivity in US health care. Bob had a lifelong love of aviation, making his last flight on March 3rd. He logged nearly 7000 hours of flying time, over 4000 of which were as an instructor. He gave instruction in single and twin engine aircraft and was VFR and IFR certified. He was a CFII, qualifying him to teach other potential instructors and was a dedicated member of CAP (Civil Air Patrol) for forty years, where he obtained the rank of Lt Colonel. Bob was instrumental in establishing and supporting the annual Maryland Wing Cadet Solo Program. The program just celebrated its 20th anniversary. Over 180 cadets made their first solo flight under his instruction. He spent most of his weekends teaching anyone that wanted to learn how to fly, usually for no more compensation than lunch or just their appreciation. He flew many missions for Life Flight, flying patients to distant hospitals for medical treatment and vital organs for transplant. He held the position of Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator and Mission Check Pilot within CAP, where he directed and flew many searches for missing people,lost airplanes, boats in distress, or illegal narcotics. He helped in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina by flying observation missions and providing vital transportation to the hardest hit areas. In addition to his many positions in CAP, he received numerous awards for his dedication and service. He will be remembered fondly by many friends and fellow pilots in CAP and the flying community. Bob was devoted to his family and especially enjoyed his new role as a grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Marilyn, his two children, Julie Patterson and husband Trent and Brian Ayres and wife Kathleen, his grandchildren, Caleb Patterson, Anna, Sean and Andrew Kilpatric, three sisters Sherrill Adams and husband Ron, Marlene Amos, Linda Howell and husband Errol and seven nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Albert, his nephew Donald Dory and two nieces Brenda Amos and Amber Ransom. Interment will be at Douglas Grove Cemetery in Comstock, NE at the convenience of the family. A service of remembrance will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Frederick on Saturday March 24th at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Life Flight Network Foundation PO Box 99 Aurora, OR. 97002 or Civil Air Patrol Foundation 105 S. Hansell St. Maxwell AFB, AL 36112
