His father was a quality guy, not a bomb thrower.
Thomas G. Ayers: 1915 - 2007
Utility executive led civic, racial initiatives
Former Commonwealth Edison chief helped develop Dearborn Park and pushed for an end to housing discrimination against blacks
June 12, 2007|By Jo Napolitano, Tribune staff reporter
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Thomas G. Ayers, a longtime civic and business leader, had a vision for Chicago's urban landscape and its minority communities.
In addition to serving as the chairman and chief executive officer of Commonwealth Edison in the 1970s, he was a major force in the development of the area just south of the Loop known as Dearborn Park. He also was an advocate of fair housing and equal opportunity for women and minorities.
His son William Ayers was once the leader of the radical Weather Underground, formed amid the tumult of the Vietnam War and responsible for a series of bombings in the 1970s.
William Ayers, separated from his family during 11 years as a federal fugitive, said his father did not turn his back on him.
"He understood more than most the anger and frustration young people felt about that endless war," said Ayers. "He really admired and loved all of his kids."
Mr. Ayers, 92, died of congestive heart failure Friday, June 8, at home in Hyde Park, his family said. He was battling Parkinson's disease but was talking up until the day before he died. He spent the last three years living with his once-estranged son and died surrounded by family.
"We were unanimous in the desire to have him close to us," William Ayers said. "It was very special. I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Mr. Ayers headed Commonwealth Edison for seven years, ending in 1980. Before assuming the top job, he helped negotiate the first labor contract between the energy giant and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
He served on many boards, including that of G.D. Searle, Chicago Pacific Corp., Zenith Corp., Northwest Industries, First National Bank of Chicago and Tribune Co., owner of the Chicago Tribune, his family said.
He also worked with many nonprofits, serving as the chair of the Chicago Urban League, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chicago United, Community Renewal Society and the Chicago Community Trust.
Respected by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Mayor Richard J. Daley and the business community, he worked with all sides in an effort to curb housing discrimination, his family said.
James O'Connor, former chairman and CEO of Commonwealth Edison and its former parent company, Unicom, said Mr. Ayers had an impact on Chicago unmatched by businessmen of the era."He had an extraordinary social conscience," O'Connor said. "He was willing to step into situations where very few people were willing to risk their reputation. He had total courage and never seemed to weigh the consequences of that sort of activity. He never did anything for applause or for any sort of recognition."
O'Connor said Mr. Ayers was devoted to hiring and promoting women and minorities within Commonwealth Edison. He was often called upon to build consensus on sensitive topics.
"He was able to bring people together, which was why he was so often asked to be the head of different organizations and teams," O'Connor said.
Mr. Ayers saw potential where few others did. Standing in his office in the early 1970s and looking out onto the railroad yard near the Loop, he believed that the right type of development would draw people to the area.
Critics dismissed the idea, but in the years since then the South Loop has become among the city's more vibrant neighborhoods.
Although he was born in Detroit and attended the University of Michigan, Mr. Ayers was a staunch supporter of Northwestern University. He was chair of the school's board of trustees for 10 years, and a university building bears his name.
"He was a guy of great intelligence and integrity, and he was willing to put the time in as well," former NU president Arnold Weber said. "Those offices are not just honorary or for social distinction."
Equally important to Mr. Ayers was the educational and financial advancement of African-Americans.
"He felt the black community's success was key to Chicago's success," son John Ayers said. "He pushed business people to be more open in the 1960s."
John Ayers described his father as a "wonderful and generous man."
"In the '60s and '70s, we went through some rough patches in our family," he said. "He was very sweet and supportive of us all. He used to say, 'It takes all kinds' to get the world moving forward."
When William Ayers resurfaced in the 1980s, it was as though no time had passed between him and his father.
"It was as if we were in the middle of a conversation and nothing much had changed," William Ayers said.
In addition to sons William and John, Mr. Ayers is survived by a daughter, Catherine Allen; two other sons, Thomas G. Ayers Jr. and Richard; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
His wife, Mary, died in 2000.