Obituary of Alfred Spencer

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Alfred Spencer peacefully and with family  in his 97th year at the Temiskaming Hospital on December 2nd 2017. He is survived by the love of his life Patricia Fae Spencer after 75 years of wedded happiness. Dear brother of Richard (Kitch) Spencer and Gordon (Donna) Spencer. Loving Dad to Connie Gilles (Alex), Lynne Birnie (Alex), Doug (Janet) Spencer, John (Patricia) Spencer. His legacy lives on in grandchildren Jason (Tammy), Cheri (Wayne), Jeremy (Sarah), Ryan (Dominique), and Andrea (Evan) and great grandchildren Dawson, Breanna, Emily, Katelyn, Winter, Arielle, Olivia, Navy, and Madeleine.

Alfred is predeceased by his parents Thomas and Ruby Spencer, sister Hazel Ward (Jack), and beloved grandson Jordan Birnie.

Born in New Liskeard, Ontario he was a survivor from the start, first enduring the Great Fire that tore through Temiskaming in 1922. His mother wrapped him in a moist blanket and held him by her side in a ditch to avoid asphyxiating smoke. He met Fae at a church social and after 3 years of dating they married just before shipping out for basic training at CFB Borden in 1942. Like many of his peers Alf did not wait for conscription, he volunteered. He joined the 86th Canadian Artillery (Fifth Medium Light Regiment Platoon) landing at Messina in 1943 to participate in the Italian Campaign. He endured many close calls but made it through to come home and start the family business. Spencer and Sullivan Jewellers (latter Spencer Jewellers) was founded in 1947 as a joint venture between him and his brother-in-law Henry. With hard work and dedication the business flourished and became a focal point for the entire family. The store was a gathering point for the family to honour and observe him participate in many Remembrance Day ceremonies. In later years this was always followed up with a martini at Fairy Lake or the Manor to celebrate his birthday. 

He was a strong community man beginning as a young veteran helping aggressive youth take out frustrations in the ring at the Branch 33 Legion Boxing Club.  Alf was a life member there and at the Timiskaming Masonic Lodge. He also achieved lifelong Monarch status in the New Liskeard Lions Club. Most of all he will be remembered by the way he fostered love in his guidance and teachings of all things mechanical, environmental, familial and social. He put a lot more in than what he took out.

Thanks to all the staff and volunteers at Northdale Manor for their kindness and devotion. Special thanks to the Nursing unit and staff at the Timiskaming hospital and Dr Pat Logan’s care. Also many thanks for the Beverly Boros Palliative Care Unit that enabled comfort for him and the family during his passing.

Visitation will be 7:00 to 9:00 PM Saturday December 9th at Perrin Funeral Chapel, a second visitation followed by a celebration of life at 2 pm will occur Sunday Dec. 10 at 1:00 PM, St Paul’s United Church in New Liskeard. Donations in lieu of flowers to Northdale Manor, Beverly Boros Paliative Care Unit or St. Pauls United Church would be greatly accepted.