Search by Name

Search by Name

Spencer Santage Obituary

Spencer M. Santage

Age 70 died on August 7, 2012 after a courageous 1 1/2 year battle fighting tongue cancer. Survivors include his wife, Jeannette, whom he married in 1973; sister, Barbara; and many other family members and friends. The funeral mass will be held at St. Bartholomew Church, 5100 E. Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90803, on August 11, 2012, at 10am. Interment is private. Remembrances would be appreciated and sent to the UNM College of Pharmacy, Attention Harriet Bull, MSC095360, 1 UNM, Albuquerque, NM 87131. Please make checks payable to the UNM College of Pharmacy for the Spencer M. Santage Endowed Scholarship. Please sign the guest book at www.presstelegram.com/obituaries. McKenzie Mortuary
(562) 961-9301

Published by Press-Telegram on Aug. 10, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for Spencer Santage

Not sure what to say?





This summer we will be having a Sigma Chi reunion here in Albuquerque. Many of us who were his brothers will be thinking of Spenser and the unforgettable memories he left us with. All Honor to His Name.

Raymond Sanchez

August 12, 2022

We miss you Spence.

Dee Dee Catalano

Friend

August 8, 2020

We will always remember your smiles, friendship, and making every day we saw you a much better one.

Bob & Jim Botts

August 16, 2012

Spence was a remarkable person, and one who lived the teachings of Sigma Chi. I remember him as the "house mouse" or person responsible for the care of our fraternity house when I was a pledge. His job was to insure the pledges did their cleanup jobs daily, and to badger then if they did not perform 100%. He executed his responsibilities perfectly, and gave the impression he was hard nosed, and uncaring, but I knew the character of the real Spencer - kind, caring, and a true friend for life. The brothers will miss you, dear friend. You were an inspiration to so many people.

David Tuttle

August 15, 2012

Dave and I were fortunate to meet Spence many years ago through John and Ellen Newport and immediately liked him. He was a gentlemen in the truest sense of the word. Modest, bright, compassionate and kind, always acting with honesty and integrity, Spence was a blessing in our world. Jeannette, with sympathy we wish you comfort and peace. Love, Dee Dee and Dave

Dee Dee Smith

August 14, 2012

Barbara, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. I'm sending you a hug from afar. May he be your guardian angel forever. Love to you and your family from Australia.

Sharon Hulme

August 14, 2012

Brother Spencer was a true friend and "Easy-X" brother. Tom Stephenson and I were close by the last two weeks of Spencer's suffering. I can assure you that his wife, Jeanette, (who has her own personal illness) shored up the situation and was a total "champ". We can never forget our brother and his relations with all of us during his time at U.N.M. In Hoc Spence, all honor to your name. O.T. GARZA

O. T. GARZA

August 13, 2012

Life exposes us to many wonders and friends. One of the most wonderful individual I encountered was Spence he was more than a friend; to many of us in Sigma Chi he was a brother who meant it when we greeted one another with the phrase, "You will always find true friendship here."

I and others will miss him.

Raymond Sanchez, Albuquerque, NM

August 13, 2012

Spencer was a fraternity brother of mine at the University of New Mexico, however we probably became closer after graduation. He returned to Long Beach and I moved to Los Angeles. We spent many wonderful hours in Southern California.

This is a great loss of a true gentle man.

All honor to his name.

Jim Irwin

August 12, 2012

Spencer and I were also fraternity brothers in Sigma Chi at the University of New Mexico. For a couple of years, we lived next to one another in the fraternity house. Poor Spence, whom I liked to call Sandbox for no particular reason, had to endure my loud music and occasional late-night parties. He was always a gentlemen and a great example for the rest of us (although the firecrackers under my door one night were suspicious). He also was a great student which explains how he managed to graduate in a difficult professional field on schedule.

My heart goes out to Jeanette and the rest of Spence's family. Theirs is a hugh loss way too early. Thanks Spence for being such a great friend.

Bill Fanning, Albuquerque, NM

August 12, 2012

I am saddened to hear of Spences' passing.
He was a true gentlemen and a positive and congenial brother in Sigma Chi. Spence was House Manager when I pledged 64' and he worked us hard and always with a smile. Rest in peace Spence.

Howard Achen

August 12, 2012

Spencer and I met at UNM and were initiated into Sigma Chi Fraternity. He was such a kind, personable individual that becoming a close friend was easy. When we met again at a reunion in 2004, I was so impressed that he had remained the same ole Spence.
Rest in eternal peace my dear friend. Thank you for being such an influence in my life and in the lives of so many.
Our thoughts are with you Jeanette and family members.
How lucky we were to have had Spencer in our lives!

Sam Turner

August 11, 2012

I am truly saddened by this news. He was such a great guy. My love and condolences for Jennette, also a great person.

Kerwin Bennett

August 11, 2012

I was a paperboy with Spencer in the early 50's delivering the Press-Telegram on our bicycles Mon-Sat PM and Sunday AM.
A good guy. Prayers for comfort to his family.

Jim Ovard

August 10, 2012

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

Make a Donation
in Spencer Santage's name

Memorial Events
for Spencer Santage

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Spencer's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Spencer Santage's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more