H. Bryson (Bryce) Ainsley, Jr., long-time resident of Millbrook, New York, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 27 at the age of 95 at his home in Millbrook. Mr. Ainsley was born on May 11, 1928, in Jersey City, New Jersey to H. Bryson Ainsley and Gertrude Alison Ainsley.

Mr. Ainsley was raised in Jersey City along with his older sister Joan. Upon graduation from Lincoln High School, he entered the University of Virginia at age 16 and for the rest of his life was an intensely loyal Cavalier. He was a proud member of the Virginia lacrosse team and was recognized in a profile in the Virginia Alumni Magazine, following their national championship win a few years ago, as likely the oldest living former Virginia lacrosse player.

After college he moved to New York City and went to work for IBM in 1947, enjoying a 40-year career with the company. He quite literally started in the IBM headquarters mailroom, a mandatory entry level position, but was soon assigned, at age 21, to the private staff of Chairman/CEO Thomas J. Watson, as an administrative assistant. In this role he performed myriad duties at the behest of the Chairman, perhaps his most challenging being the role he played in convincing the Bronx Zoo to loan the company several caged animals for an event at the Waldorf Astoria ballroom in New York City. It was through a mailroom colleague that he met his future wife, and soon-to-be lifelong best friend, Gina Glanton (Ainsley). They were married in 1950 and remained married until her death in December 1980.

Following his work for Mr. Watson he attended the IBM sales school, launching a long and successful sales management career which took him and his young family to sales positions in New York City, St. Louis, Canton, Ohio; Cleveland and Poughkeepsie in 1969. In 1979 he was promoted to Director of Special Projects and finished his career at IBM Corporate Headquarters in Armonk. Among his claims to corporate fame, the Cleveland IBM office he managed was recognized as the top sales office in the country in 1968 and his membership in the Golden Circle, IBM's most elite sales recognition.  Although far less serious, he always took pride that he had a personal beer mug hung in the famed Anheuser Busch taproom in St. Louis recognizing his sales to that legendary St. Louis based company. Not incidentally, the mug entitled him to free beer at St. Louis' most prestigious watering hole.

After moving to Millbrook in 1969 Mr. Ainsley soon became involved with several area organizations and institutions. A member of Grace Episcopal Church from the time his family moved to Millbrook he served on several leadership committees over time and for years was a member of the "Men of Grace" discussion group. He also served on the board of the Millbrook Library, the Millbrook Historical Society, the Mid-Hudson Civic Center and Mid-Hudson Valley Film Festival. He joined the now Sandanona Harehounds in 1970 and was an active "beagler" for 45 years. Privately he enjoyed noting his fifty-year residency in his beloved Millbrook home made him the longest full-time resident of one of the oldest houses in the Town of Washington, built c.1733.

For several years following his retirement in 1987 he travelled the world as a spokesman for IBM, giving speeches on the company history he had personally experienced and into which he had participated to IBM offices both domestic and international.

Mr. Ainsley is survived by his two sons, Spencer Ainsley of Poughkeepsie and Steven Ainsley (Ann) of Bellevue, Washington, four grandchildren, Savanna Ainsley of Poughkeepsie, Storm Ainsley of New Orleans, Caitlin Ainsley of Seattle and Jordan Ainsley of Hudson, Ohio and two great-grandchildren, Wyatt Lowe of Seattle and Thatcher Ainsley of Hudson, Ohio.

In addition to his wife Gina and daughter-law Sarah Ainsley, he is predeceased by his devoted dogs Harvey, Barney and Brewster.

A private graveside service for family will be held next week in Millbrook and a memorial service is planned at Grace Church later this Spring. In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to the Dutchess County SPCA or Grace Episcopal Church in Millbrook.