Roger Ayan

Roger W. Ayan was born September 3, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois where he spent his childhood until attending the University of Missouri. As a college student, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II, serving as a staff sergeant and flying over 100 missions in the China-Burma-India Theater. He was awarded several medals of honor, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He finished his degree in business at Culver-Stockton College in Missouri where he met his future wife, Peg. They were married on her birthday, July 29, 1950, in St. Louis and within two weeks were on their way to Boulder, Colorado for Roger’s job with Esquire which later became Neodata. Roger played a prominent role in the success of the business, serving as vice president before retiring in 1989 after forty years with the company. Community service was equally fulfilling and important to Roger. He was president of the Boulder Jaycees and the Boulder country Club and served on numerous boards, including the United Funds, Boulder National Bank, the Chamber of Commerce, Boulder Community Hospital, Boulder Pow Wow, the Rotary Club and the Senior Foundation. He was appointed to many mayor’s committees during the 1960’s when Boulder was booming. As a season ticket holder for over five decades, Roger and Peg were regulars at CU football games. Roger also played golf with the men’s golf league at the Boulder Country Club for over fifty years. Roger knew most in town and everyone knew him. Family was always Roger’s first love, and he was deeply proud of his children. He was quiet, unassuming and loved by all. Roger passed away on January 7, 2019 after a full life as a devoted husband, successful businessman, amazing father and sweet grandfather. He is survived by a family who adored him: His wife of 68 years, Peg; his children, Nancy Cook, Roger Jr. (Peg), Paul (Camilla) and Jack (Christine) and his five grandchildren, Austin, Harrison, Emma, Lukas and Helena.
Private family services will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for research. Please mail payment to: National MS Society at 900 South Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80209. From 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM on February 1 the family will have a short celebration of life at the Boulder Country Club. Casual dress please.