Architect Ayres Dead at 80; Left Mark in Valley

Donald Port Ayres of Encino, designer of commercial buildings, schools, churches and celebrities’ residences, died June 25 of a heart attack at Medical Center of Tarzana. He was 80 years old.

Ayres was born in Iowa. He had been president of the Architects of San Fernando Valley and a faculty member at the University of Illinois and Iowa State University.

After moving to Los Angeles in 1937, Ayres joined the art department at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, where he designed sets.

Ayres opened his own architectural firm in North Hollywood in 1944. Among his buildings are the Sherman Oaks Women’s Club, Starlight Apartments in Van Nuys, Shasta Trailer’s office buildings in Northridge and Whaler’s Village, a shopping center in Ventura.

He designed more than 60 church buildings, including those of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Newhall, St. Jane Frances in North Hollywood and St. Ferdinand Convent in San Fernando. He also designed Fullbright Avenue School in Canoga Park, Dearborn Street School in Northridge and Vaughn Street School in Pacoima.

Ayres designed homes for actors Dan Blocker, Don Defore and Eve Arden, among others.

He is survived by his wife, Jan B. Ayres of Encino; three daughters, Deidra Ann Wilson, Kathleen Ayres Mendoza and Maureen Angela Llewellyn; four grandchildren; a stepdaughter and a stepson.