John Richard Aynesworth passed away too early at 58 years old in the home of friends after a stoic struggle with cancer.
John was a man of impressive intellect and encyclopedic knowledge. After graduating as valedictorian and national merit scholar from high school in Winnie, Texas, with perfect SAT scores, he turned down a Harvard scholarship to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
His early career, spent in Texarkana, included significant travel as he stumped nationally for the Libertarian Party. He finally found his vocational passion in the mid 80's when he moved to Silicon Valley to teach and consult in computer aided design and manufacturing with Calma Company, later to be acquired by GE. Called the "Pro from Dover" by his clients and colleagues, he was, in a moment of weakness, persuaded to move to frigid Yankee territory as he came to work for Hillman Consulting Services in West Bend. In this role he traveled widely throughout the US, Europe, and China. He also worked in town with Alexssa Hnet, Cedar Communities, and the West Bend School District.
John was a voracious reader, had a large personal library, and served on the local library board. A true constitutional conservative, he believed strongly in personal freedom and responsibility, and even in the midst of his illness fought passionately against the censorship of library materials.
John (also known as Ricky to his southern family) is survived by a sister Sheryl (Herb) Harper of Rogers, Arkansas, nephew Scott (Jennifer) Harper of New Waverly, Texas, with children Laine and Ethan, nephew Matthew (Kemily) Harper of Rogers, Arkansas, close friends Charlie and Gaytha Hillman, and surrogate children Jessica (Ryan) Gieryn, Katie (Tim) Johanski, and Laura (Nick) Mitchell.
John was best known for his eloquence, droll sense of humor, southern gentility, and undying loyalty. He will be sorely missed by the many who loved him. His friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, December 22th, 5pm at the library to celebrate his life in the place he loved most. Memorials should be directed to the West Bend Community Memorial Library.
A special thanks from the family to Shelley Myhre from the Aurora Visiting Nurses, who helped make John's last days comfortable and serene.