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William Spencer Obituary

1962 - 2008 "Will" of Boston, Ma, died July 26, 2008 of a heart attack while diving off Gloucester, doing what he loved. Will was 45. Will was born to William L. and Grace Spencer of Portland, Oregon, on October 4, 1962, at St. Vincent Hospital in Portland. His father and two older brothers, William Carl and William Curtis, preceded him in death. Will's sister, Leslie DeSilva resides in Perth, Australia, and has four children. Will is survived by his beloved son, Milan, and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He was especially close to his Uncle Vince and Aunt Candice in Vista, CA. Will was a professional diver and diving supervisor who will be remembered for his strong work ethic as well as having a loving and compassionate heart. He treated all with respect and consideration and invested his time and talents in the people he met everywhere, esp. in South Boston where he lived. He valued his neighbors and friends there and became a true Southie they were family. Will also had many friends in the Seattle area where he attended school and trained to be a professional diver. Words cannot describe how much this special man will be missed by those who knew and loved him. We will miss Will's kind face, wonderful smile, and easygoing manner. We were all blessed to have him in our lives for 45 years. Will worked for Dryden Diving Co. and MA Pile Drivers Union 56. He loved his work and enjoyed the close-knit environment of working with others in conditions where everyone depended on, and looked out for, each other. His diving friends and associates were also Wills family. A memorial mass was held for Will at St. Monica's Catholic Church in South Boston, on Sunday, August 3, 2008. A gathering followed to honor and remember his life, at the home of Frank and Joan Jankowski. Will's final remains will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery, Seattle, WA

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe on Aug. 17, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for William Spencer

Not sure what to say?





Carole Delavault

October 4, 2024

Thank you so so much Jason Forkey for your message. Milan has contacted you (FB, LinkedIn).

Today´s Will´s birthday. Always in our hearts.
Carole

Milan Delavault-Spencer

October 4, 2024

It's my dad's birthday today. He would have been 64.

I'm writing this so very late, but as Will's son, I would love to have any kind of story, information, picture and what not regarding him. I lost him too early, and I want him to live on through the stories of those that were lucky enough to have crossed paths with him, be it for days, weeks or years.

You can contact me these different ways
E-mail : [email protected]
Instagram : @milan_dspencer
Facebook : Milan D.Spencer
LinkedIn : Milan Delavault-Spencer

Every story counts. Thanks so much in advance if anyone reaches out, and for all the memories & condolences left in the past.

Happy birthday dad.

Jason forkey

August 28, 2024

If anyone still looks at this , my name is Jason forkey I was offshore with will he became my closest friend quickly because he was such an amazing person, I was very young when the horrible accident happened but he did everything in his power before anyone knew what happened, I would love to reach out to his son because that´s all he ever talked about, and I believe at the time he was 12 ish , I talked to will he gave me a good book to read when he was about to make his last dive and go with no fear to the end i just always wanted to tell his story to his son now he is older an can hear it and should be proud

August 16, 2009

Life goes on filled with the memory of you. We miss you so much. All of us. We love you. All of us.

July 25, 2009

I miss you more than any words could ever express. Some days are so damn hard. Thanks for the memories that nobody can take and the message, I was able to smile for awhile. You wouldn't believe what has gone on down here, but then again, I think you know, you see from above.
You will be in My Heart, Always.

Respect and Admiration

Wendy Adams

November 3, 2008

So sorry to hear the sad news. I worked with Will's Mom for many years in Seattle and just heard. My condolences to all of Will's family and friends.

carole and milan

October 4, 2008

Will, today, we'll celebrate your life by enjoying these simple pleasures you cherished so: reading, watching a movie, just being in the present.

"Your absence has gone through me
Like thread through a needle.
Everything I do is stiched with its color."

Thank you for everything you taught us. We love you.

October 3, 2008

A Birthday Remembrance Will

Your true colors will always shine
Beautiful like a rainbow.
You colored my world for such
a short time.
Missing you more and more each
day.

Respect and Admiration

Laurie Escamilla

September 3, 2008

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Grace Sandilands

September 2, 2008

Will, you always made me proud of you. You were the best son, the best father, the best brother and friend. You are probably looking down on all of us, smiling at the humor and absurdity of life, as you enjoy a lively discussion with your favorite authors. Love you, son, I will see you in the sweet beyond.
For the living, we have a short VCD of Will's life remembered for any friend of his who contacts us.
Mom

August 29, 2008

I was notified of your death this morning by your Uncle Vince - who is a great man. I found peace in speaking with him and hearing stories of how great you were - which I already knew. You could always turn a negative into a positive. You were able to see the silver lining in dark clouds. Our combined sense of humor kept us both smiling. A quality we both liked about eachother. You will be missed dear friend. Rest in peace. May the Lord wrap his arms around you and your family and give strength and hope to all of those who love you.... Always.. J.J.

Milan, Vince, Will, Eva, Paul, & Candice 12-07-07

August 24, 2008

Will & Milan 12-07-07

August 24, 2008

California December 2002

August 24, 2008

Will & Milan California 12-15-02

August 24, 2008

Vince Hicks

August 23, 2008

Will, we will miss your visits and going to the beach with you. Candice will especially miss going to the movies with you and making you that special latte in the morning. I'll miss kicking the soccer ball with Milan while you nap in my chair and playing in the garage while keeping one eye on a game. The world is so much emptier without your smile and warmth and quiet knowledge. We will never forget. WE LOVE YOU!
Uncle Vince & Aunt Candice.

carole delavault

August 20, 2008

Will, your family in Europe feels blessed to have known you. My parents, my brother, my sister, my nephews and nieces, cousins, uncles and ants cherish every memory they shared with you.
You know that we are all there for Milan. Now, you live on through him. Another gift.
I'll try to make you proud of him, and I promise to take him to the Dali museum in Spain!

Frank & Joannie Jankowski

August 19, 2008

Will, the man-cave won't be the same without you in the love seat dozing after one of Joannie's great meals. We already miss you so much.
Go Seahawks! (didn't think i'd ever say that) God Bless you, he blessed us by your friendship. Love Ya Buddy
Frankie & Joannie

Harvard Square July 2003

Patty Hames

August 19, 2008

We were so deeply saddened to hear of Will's tragic passing. He was such a warm, kind, gentle soul. We had the pleasure of meeting Milan a few times when he was here visiting his Dad. He seemed like such a fine, young boy and Will was so proud of him. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we will always keep Will close to our heart.

John Jarvis & Patty Hames

Debbie Scully

August 18, 2008

All of us will miss Will's infectious smile. He was so loving and kind. I hope if you see this Milan you will remember how much your dad loved you. Thank you Carol for bring Milan to see all his dad's friends. I hope this gives Milan some comfort knowing that we all cared deeply about his dad. To all his family, Our thoughts are with you.

Donna Baldwin

August 18, 2008

Will I miss seeing your smiling face. There is no-one there to pick on Joanie. Milan is a special child and will grow up to be a special man just like his Dad.
Donna Baldwin

Ellen Felton

August 17, 2008

Will was such a special person who was always there with his smile and his love. Although he didn't grow up in Southie - he was one of us. He was always there to lend a hand or a shoulder to lean on when needed. Everyone who knew him loved him and knew that Milan was his life. We will cherish our memories and the friendship that was taken much too soon.
Until we meet again my friend may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Your friend,
Ellen Felton

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