In 1977 Garry turned professional with the Vancouver Whitecaps played 23 games in that first season and 15 in 1978 before being transferred to the New York Cosmos.
With the Whitecaps, Ayre was used in a special midfield role to shadow the opposition's key offensive player.
Later they toured South America and played against the Argentina U-23 team which included the young Maradona.
He was with the national team for World Cup qualifying play in 1976 and 1977, but a serious knee injury kept him off the 1980 roster.
On 10 February 2009, the Coquitlam Metro-Ford Soccer Club announced that their new U-21 men's team will be coached by Ayre.