Larry Alan Spencer

1950 - 2013

Larry Alan Spencer obituary, 1950-2013, Minneapolis, MN

Larry Spencer Obituary

On September 12, 2013, at home and surrounded by his family, Larry Alan Spencer passed away peacefully. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on August 17, 1950, to William and Elaine Spencer. As a child, he demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit that would be an integral part of his identity, selling light bulbs door-to-door to supplement his paper route income, because they were easy to carry, and because, he reasoned, "everybody needs light bulbs." He was also a proud member of the Boy Scouts of America, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, and played clarinet and saxophone.

Larry continued his education at Mankato State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Urban and Regional Studies. He served two terms as president of the student senate and engaged in political activity on behalf of his fellow students. He actively protested U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, to which he was a conscientious objector. It was in Mankato that he met his future wife, Carola Thompson, and many lifelong friends, including Rick Purves, Larry Streuber, and Gary Youngquist, who also made their homes in Juneau.

He moved to Alaska in 1978 and worked for the Alaska DOT, before going into business on his own, eventually partnering with Bruce Denton to form Senate Properties. The two built the Crow Hill condominiums and the original SEARHC clinic, renovated the historic Senate building downtown, and established three locations of Juneau Self Storage. He also worked as a residential and commercial real estate agent and property manager as the broker for Spencer Realty.

On September 29, 1984, nearly fifteen years after they first met, Larry married the love of his life, Carola Thompson. Together they raised two children, Elysia Sophia (Sophie) and Logan Robert William Spencer, both of whom could often be seen riding on his shoulders. He was a natural parent, and loved to join his children in their activities. He partnered with Sophie to take Suzuki violin lessons, played catch with Logan, and enjoyed reading and taking naps with both. They knew that he was a softie; when Carola said no to something, he was the one to approach, with a carefully concocted "Daddy, please?"

Larry had many passions. He loved to play and be silly, and he adored all children. He enjoyed scuba diving, skiing, and other outdoor activities, travel, gardening, having coffee with friends, reading "the funnies" in the newspaper, helping with Rotary work projects, and the feeling of "making the deal." He was known for always having an opinion to offer, whether asked for or not, and for his rambling, slightly embellished brand of storytelling. He was proud of his family, and loved his loyal dogs Incense and Rusty.

Larry was known for his generosity and often gave back to the home city and state he loved. He served as president of the board of Perseverance Theatre, of which he was also a founder, and of the Downtown Business Association. He also served as chair of the Alaska Real Estate Commission and as a member of the Alaska Committee to Keep the Capitol in Juneau, the Downtown Juneau Rotary club, the Treadwell Arena advisory board, and the Juneau Youth Services board. In 2010, he was named Southeast Alaska's Realtor of the Year.

In the fall of 2008, Larry was diagnosed with brain cancer. He lived and worked with the disease for five years, refusing to allow it to keep him from the things he loved: his family and friends, his work, and his passions. His grace, perseverance and courage touched everyone in his life. Preceded in death was his older brother, Robert. Larry is survived by his wife, Carola Thompson, children Dr. E. Sophie Spencer (Dr. Mo Ashraf), of Chapel Hill, NC, and Logan Spencer, of Washington, DC, parents, William and Elaine Spencer, of St. Louis Park, MN, brothers Michael (Jane) Spencer, of Minneapolis, MN, and Douglas (Anne) Spencer, of St. Paul, MN, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

A celebration of Larry's life will be held at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center (JACC) at 4:00 p.m. on October 5, 2013. Friends are asked to bring photographs or written stories to share with the family. No mourning colors are needed. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Larry's memory to Perseverance Theatre at 914 3rd Street, Douglas, AK 99824. The family can be contacted at 336 Highland Drive, Juneau, AK 99801.

Published by Juneau Empire on Sep. 28, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Larry Spencer

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15 Entries

My condolences. I just found out about Larry's passing in the obit placed in the Mpls Tribune. Larry & I had many good times and moments at Mankato St. In that time of student activism we worked together on many issues. One of my best friends at college.

Doug DeDecker

August 23, 2014

I am not even sure that Larry would remember me. I met him when he was the President of the government association at Mankato state. We shared the same politics, including involvement in the McGovern campaign. Larry was a very decent person. Talented as a leader, he treated others well. I was touched by the obituary and impressed by all of his accomplishments. My husband died of brain cancer at age 50 so there is a connection there as well. I can imagine the pain that Carola and the children must still be enduring. I wish you the best.

Mary Hendrickson

August 8, 2014

Carola, Sophie and Logan,
I am so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. I've been down in Arizona this winter and just today found out. He'll be missed by so many people, he was a wonderful man. I have a tear in my eye.

Jim Canary

May 19, 2014

Carola, Sophie and Logan,
I am so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. I am thinking of you and hoping that your memories of him and your time together will help comfort you.
Patrice Audap

October 6, 2013

With deepest sympathy to the family during your time of grief...God is for you a refuge and strength, A help that is there to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.

Phil

October 2, 2013

Always a smile, even when he was under treatment for a life threatening illness. He was always so proud of his children and their energetic accomplishments.

I will miss him and his smile.

Dennis Harris

October 1, 2013

Larry was a class act, generous with a smile, a laugh, a joy for life seldom found in the world today. He booked a few of us young comedians at his bar atop the Senate building. Those were some of my fondest memories of Larry, sitting in the back, laughing, smiling, telling us we were doing great, bad jokes and all. Larry, see you in the big Juneau in the sky, my friend. Juneau was a made a better place because you lived life to its fullest. Rest peacefully, my friend.

Kelly Miller

September 30, 2013

While we did not know Larry personally, we know his family. Both his brother Mike and wife Jane, and his parents, have been wonderful friends to us over many years. We send you loving thoughts during this period of grief.

Pat Sjoquist and Dave Odland

September 30, 2013

My condolences to his family. I always remembered him walking down Main street with his big smile & friendly hearty step! Such a gentleman.

Cec e Frank

September 30, 2013

To the Spencer family, I am truly sorry for the loss of your love one. I am sure there are no words that can bring comfort to you. May you be comforted by the scripture at (Jeremiah29:11)

E

September 30, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Violet Johnson

September 30, 2013

My heart goes out to you, Carola

Lia Gladstone

September 29, 2013

May your family hold on to your fond memories of a loving husband, father and endeared family member. Please know that God is aware of your pain and sorrow. Sincere condolences. Isaiah 65:17

September 29, 2013

I will always remember and be grateful for Larry's generosity that helped me purchase my first condo at Crow Hill. I am so sorry for your loss.

Karen Mitchell

September 29, 2013

To Larry's family. I met Larry back when he was doing construction. I worked for the C&B of Juneau Bldg Dept and issued Building permits. I really enjoyed him coming in. He always had a smile, always said hello and very friendly. I pray that the family be comforted from the pain of losing him and that God give you the peace you need to get through this difficult time.

Ingrid Varness-Knox

September 29, 2013

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