Lasting Memories

Volney Ayers Spalding
Dec. 14, 1959-Nov. 20, 2024
Kennebunkport, United States

Volney Ayers Spalding Jr. passed away on November 20, 2024. He was born on December 14, 1959, in Fontana, California, to Diana Spalding and Volney Ayers Spalding. Volney is survived by his sister, Laura; his wife, Ellen; and his children, Jessie Taylor, Katy, Volney Ayers III, and Brett.

As a young child, Volney moved with his family to Vashon Island, Washington, where he spent his formative years in a warm and close-knit community. Growing up on a small farm, he nurtured a deep love for animals and an appreciation for the island's natural beauty and the surrounding ocean. Volney formed lifelong bonds with childhood friends, sharing countless adventures and remaining close to them well beyond his years on the island. He later left Vashon to attend and graduate from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington.

After graduating, Volney returned to California, settling in the Bay Area where he built an extensive career in technology sales education and operations for Fortune 500 software companies. Known for his expertise and mentorship, he contributed to educational courses, social media groups, and publications, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Volney was widely regarded for his patience, kindness, and unwavering support of others.

A longtime resident of Alamo, California, Volney embraced his greatest passion: being a devoted husband and father. He cherished every moment of his children’s lives, from school sporting events to Boy Scout projects and dance recitals. He was immensely proud of their accomplishments and the remarkable individuals they became.

Volney also had a special connection to the East Coast, particularly a family lake house in Maine, where he enjoyed visiting over the years. In 2022, he moved with his family to Kennebunkport, Maine, where he quickly fell in love with the outdoor lifestyle. He enjoyed kayaking on Great East Lake, walking with his dogs on Goose Rocks Beach, and swimming long distances in the water every morning—a practice he adored.

Volney’s life will be celebrated by friends and loved ones on Saturday, December 14, at 10 a.m. at Community Presbyterian Church in Danville, California.

From Matt Cameron
Dec. 6, 2024

Volney was a generous and warm mentor to so many. In 2016 we collaborated on building a management training program for emerging leaders and he just lit up every time he had the opportunity to support the growth and goals of the next generation. On countless occasions I would have a young person come to me looking for the expertise and guidance that Volney was imbued with and without exception he would volunteer one on one time with no expectation of anything in return. I feel so fortunate to have had Volney in my life and I know that he enriched many more lives than my own. A sweet and loving man who would always start our monthly catch-ups by telling me about what was happening with Ellen and the kids, which always brought a smile to his face. Volney was a special man for whom many people are grateful. Rest in peace my dear friend.