Donald Andrew Spencer (July 23.28)
Passed peacefully in his 93rd year of natural causes on Jan 19.21 holding hands with each of his two daughters, Jennifer and Susan. Predeceased by the love of his life, his wife, Irene in 2018, and survived by Jennifer and Susan (Vince Fay), grandchildren Lindsay Hayes-Cofell (Jessie), Christopher Hayes (Erica), great grandchildren Mackenzie and Addison, and nieces and nephews.
Don’s main focus was as a family man. He and Irene were an unstoppable duo, fully committed to raising their family, sharing everyday life, its good times and its bad, together with love and compassion. He loved to dance with Irene and was known for covering every inch of the dance floor. He loved people of all ages and from all walks of life. He had the sharpest sense of humour and loved to use colloquialisms that affectionately became known as “Barrie-isms”. These always had friends and family in stitches and most certainly have been passed on to be used by younger generations for times to come.
Don was a man of faith, acting as a church elder and member of St Andrew’s Presbyterian church in Barrie for over 60 years.
Don was a successful businessman. After graduating from business college, he began his career at Ontario Hydro and then moved into the insurance industry as an adjuster, progressing to sales where he won several top sales awards as a broker and general manager of the independent brokerage company Sarjeant’s Insurance. He was innovative at work, recognizing the need for computerization in the business at a time well ahead of the industry at large.
Don was very committed to his community, Barrie, contributing to several organizations and worthy causes for over 65 years. He was most active as a Mason, Shriner, and Jester. He deeply enjoyed and valued his fellowship with all his friends at the Sheba Shrine Club (Voyageurs parade unit) and Rameses Temple and had fond memories of all the hijinks and fun they had together, all while proudly working to help young children and those in unfortunate circumstances. His support extended to community group events, the Royal Victoria hospital, and the Barrie Gryphon theatre.
In spite of all of these accomplishments, in retirement, he said “I’ve found the one thing I’m really good at!”. In addition to his community activities, Don used his spare time to visit family, to learn new skills (wood working, carpentry, computing), to travel the world with Irene and to enjoy curling and the game of golf. He was a long-standing member of the Barrie Country Club and organized an annual fun golf event, affectionately known as “The Phelpston Open”. When stuck behind a tree and a playing partner said “Just swing away – the tree is 90% air”, Don famously replied “Yes, and so is a tennis racquet”.
The family would like to thank the dedicated and caring staff of Longworth Retirement Home who made a welcoming, happy and caring home in London for him; the team at Chelsey Park Long Term Care residence which cared for him with dignity and compassion; and to the compassionate staff of University Hospital Emergency Department.
To Dad & Mom, Pops & Gaga
We are heartbroken but we have endless memories of you as loving parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. You were the best we could have had and we are so proud of you both. Together, you were our pillars, giving us unconditional love, happiness and humour and providing support and guidance as role models and cheerleaders. Thank you. We will strive to emulate what you’ve taught us. Yours is a legacy of generational love. We love you both so much. Forever.
Yours were lives well-lived. May you laugh and dance happily together now and forever.
Cremation has taken place, with arrangements entrusted to the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of life and interment will be scheduled at a later date. Donations in Don’s memory may be made to “Shriner’s Hospital for Children – Montreal Unit” or a charity of choice.
Online memories and condolences may be forwarded via www.steckleygooderham.com