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BORN
1946
DIED
2006
Richard Spencer Obituary
Memorial service: A service of worship in celebration of his life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the sanctuary of St. Stephen Presbyterian Church.
Memorials: Special Music Fund of St. Stephen Presbyterian Church or the Memorial Fund of St. Stephen Presbyterian Church, 2700 McPherson Ave., Fort Worth, Texas 76109.
Richard Saxby "Dick" Spencer Jr. was born Feb. 24, 1946, in Rock Hill, S.C. Spencer was a certified travel consultant. In Rock Hill, he was a member of First Presbyterian Church. He graduated from Rock Hill High School and Davidson College in Davidson, N.C.
Mr. Spencer was an Army veteran, having served in Vietnam. After returning from his military service, he was diagnosed with cancer. He recovered and remained healthy until July 2006, when he was again diagnosed with cancer.
He moved to Fort Worth in 1975 to work for Blue Skies Travel. For the last 10 years, he was employed by Travel Service Everywhere of Fort Worth. He was a train enthusiast and an expert on travel on prestigious trains such as the Orient Express, the Flying Scotsman, the Rocky Mountaineer and many others. He was also interested in large tour buses and airplanes. He had a substantial collection of train, bus and airplane memorabilia.
Spencer was a wonderful cook and loved to entertain. He loved meeting friends, old and new. Interested in people, he was warm, engaging and a loyal friend. He had hundreds of friends all over the world.
Spencer was a patron of many of the local arts organizations, often seen at the ballet, symphony, Van Cliburn, Fort Worth Theater, Jubilee Theater and other artistic events. Formerly, he sang in the Fort Worth Men's Chorus and was a charter member of that organization.
He was a member of St. Stephen Presbyterian Church, where he was an ordained elder and an ordained deacon. Spencer loved hymns, organ music and choral music of the church. For the past 31 years, he was a member of the Sanctuary Choir of St. Stephen. He was an exemplary churchman who lived his faith and his life with humility, dignity and grace.
Survivors: His brothers, Jack Spencer and his wife, Susan, of Black Mountain, N.C., and David Spencer of Columbia, S.C.; sisters, Sallie Honeycutt and her husband, Steve, of Kissimmee, Fla., and Marjorie Madsen and her husband, Leif, of Langaa, Denmark; maternal aunt, Evellyn Przybyszewski of Conyers, Ga.; paternal uncle, William Spencer of Rock Hill, S.C.; and several nieces and nephews.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Spencer
Sponsored by Friends and Colleagues at Travel Service Everywhere.
Teresa Turner
November 29, 2006
I have just learned of Dick's passing and am so shocked and saddened by the news. I knew Dick for many years as a colleague in the travel industry. He was a sweet and dear man and will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Ron Dougherty
October 23, 2006
To all of Dick's Family and Friends:
As are all of you, I am saddened by Dick's passing. I was in his class at Davidson, and counted him as a close friend. While I did not see him often here in Texas, we were able to get together quite a few times while he was in Fort Worth.
I would consider it a privilege to add a memorial page for him at memoriesonline.org, but would need help with music, pictures, stories and language. If you care to, you may review some of the entries on that site and then contact me should you wish an entry there and/or can supply me with materials.
Becky Hills
October 17, 2006
People pass thru your life for a reason. I only had the pleasure of working closely with Dick 20years ago, for about 3yrs. I am lucky enough to have a great picture of Dick , at my office baby shower. My son just turned 20yrs old! Years after working with him, we both got called for jury duty the same day. Again, Dick crossed my path.It was great to catch up with a friend as we waited to be called. May God rest his soul.
David Lowry
October 13, 2006
The Spencers!
I have just been contacted by Sallie to be organist for the Rock Hill memorial, and that pleases me greatly. Dick was a long-standing buddy and we shared many opinions and comments about organ music, organists and business associates. As you all know, it was always with a great sense of humor. Dick was always a special friend. He bothered me greatly sometimes by knowing more about some organ music and composers than I did. But I only had a doctorate in the field. Just as important was his relationship to his family -- his very dear mother sang in my Episcopal choir for ages -- and died just after one of my rehearsals -- choir members have been fearful ever since. But she was replace by Sallie for even more years. There were several family dinners in the wonderful house in Rock Hill that always meant a lot.
I am grateful and eager to be part of the Rock Hill memorial.
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Viki Slate
October 12, 2006
I am saddened at the loss of this
sweet man.
I knew him professionally - more than personally - but he always had the time to give you and was the consumate "nice guy!"
Virginia and Leif Madsen
October 7, 2006
We both were saddened to hear about the death of our uncle Dick from our parents, who happened to be in America at the time. We always looked forward to Dick´s visits to us in Denmark, and remember fondly the one time we visited him. Being the great travel agent he was (and being so proud of Fort Worth and Texas) he had planned our trip to perfection. We have lost a wonderful uncle, but he will never be forgotten.
Mark Johnson
October 6, 2006
My wife Christina and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family of Dick Spencer. We were blessed to have known him for almost twenty-five years. To say the least, we will miss his kindness, his efforts on our behalf, and just his voice on the other end of the line. When a soul such as Dick's departs us, we are strongly reminded that life is truly short. May God bless his family and bring them peace in the knowledge of His saving grace.
Dee Wright
October 6, 2006
My deepest sympathy to Dick's family. He was such a great person to work with. His positive attitude and ready smile came through even on the phone. Not only was he a great professional, but such a gentleman as well.
Connie Meyers
October 5, 2006
My deepest sympathy to Dick's family and friends. He was a very kind soul and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Judy Elllis
October 4, 2006
In loving memory of a wonderful human being.
Stuart Spencer
October 4, 2006
I just returned from my Uncle Dick's memorial service in TX. While I am still mourning his passing, I wanted to thank his friends from across the US and the world, and especially his "Fort Worth family" for the wonderful comfort and support that provided my family during our time in Texas.
It is so comforting to know that he touched so many lives... and I am glad that I was able to witness how much he was loved first hand at his service, and now online.
Thank you for your support... and for loving our Uncle/Brother/Cousin Dick.
Kent Couch
October 4, 2006
I was shocked when I arrived at the gym this morning and inquired about how Dick was doing this week. I was gently informed by a mutual friend that he had passed away last Wednesday. You could have knocked this big guy over with a feather.
I had been to see Dick at the hospital just a couple of weeks ago and was encouraged by his always positive attitude and readiness to get home. Needless to say, I am saddened and preoccupied today with thoughts of Dick's always warm smile and our frequent discussions of Presbyterian polity and travel. I always left the gym a better person and more uplifted than before on the days I got to see Dick.
May God Bless Dick's family and close friends, whom he cherished beyond measure. You always found a way into his conversations about most anything. What a wonderful man.
Rest in Peace, my Friend.
Linda Johnson
October 4, 2006
I met Dick over 15 years ago when I first arrived in Fort Worth. He was always a friendly face willing to listen or help, whatever the situation called for. He will truly be missed by all the people that he touched.
Charlotte Walker
October 3, 2006
I have many great memories of Dick as we worked together at Travel Service Everywhere. I've been gone from the agency for about 3 years now, but memories of Dick are special. He was such a kind and generous man. Many times he would walk me to my car if I was working late, and it never seemed to be an imposition for him. I know his friends at TSE will miss him a great deal, as well as his clients. He may be gone from this earthly life, but our memories of Dick will be with us forever.
Susan Trese
October 3, 2006
Although I only met Dick once, at a luncheon with a friend, he had a profound affect on me with his engaging demeanor and caring attitude. He was a person who sincerely lived his beliefs and will live on in our hearts as a true role model.
Sheila Bielich
October 3, 2006
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Dick over 16 years. He was the consumate gentleman and expert travel professional. We always shared a laugh and a hug. I will miss him so much. Goodby my friend.
Becky Beckwith
October 3, 2006
I worked with Dick at Travel Service everywhere. From the moment I arrived, he made me feel welcome. He was always available to answer my questions even though he was busy. We worked late often and I enjoyed the chance to be able to visit without the phones ringing.He was an interesting man who loved his friends and his church.He had many friends and an active social life. I can see why. He had that warm gift of making you feel like you had been friends forever. Every one was special including his clients. He was the only male in our office and, sometimes that was not easy. The poor man was surrounded by a flock of "Mother hens" who constantly tried to feed him and advise him especially when he became ill. He was a very private man but, always accepted our "coddling" graciously. He was too much of a Gentleman to hurt our feelings, yet he was so grateful to have all of us with him through his short illness.
Nobody will ever take Dick's place here. I have heard more than a few people say "they don't make them like that anymore". How true.
He was OUR special angel.
Trish Matthews
October 3, 2006
My sympathy to the Spencer family in the loss of their dear brother and uncle. Dick was the epitomy of a Southern gentleman and with him there was never a doubt that chivalry was indeed alive and well. He was our travel coordinator for over 20 years, but most of all he was a friend, and shall be missed. I have no doubt, though, that in that great travel agency of the sky, he will be helping God with our itineraries and on that day when we meet, I can say "thanks Dick" one last time for the best trip of all!
Michael G Williams
October 2, 2006
My deepest heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Dick was always such a pleasure to work with.
Michael Williams
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
New York, NY
Nancy Lee
October 2, 2006
I had never met Dick except via telephone and email. He and I had some good laughs over the years regarding our travel escapades here at UNTHSC. He was a dear man and so friendly and thorough. I was shocked to learn of his illness and his departure from this earth. He is now rid of his pain and resides in a better place sitting at the right hand of our Heavenly Father. I will miss him!
Crystal Campbell, Celebrity Cruises
October 2, 2006
While I only knew Dick for a short time he truly left an everlasting impression. He was a sincerely kind man and he will be remembered in the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of spending moments of their life with him.
Stephen Schaeffer
October 1, 2006
Dear Margi, Jack, David and Sallie,
I send my heartfelt condolences and love to each of you upon the untimely death of your beloved sibling and my dearest friend. As you know, Dick and I met at Davidson, and along with Carter Fussell and Mike Coltrane maintained a close friendship through those Davidson years and after. I kept in touch with Dick regularly and we had hoped that he would be able to visit here, something he had on his agenda for years. Though I have met all of you, I have kept abreast of you through Dick's constant telling of his wonderful visits when we talked. He was a dear friend and confidant, a loving indivdual, and someone who I will sorely miss. My life is richer for his friendship. May you have peace in the knowledge of his everlasting life.
Love, Stephen
Mike Coltrane
September 30, 2006
Jack, David, Margie and Sallie,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on Dick's untimely death. He was my college roommate our last two years at Davidson, and a close friend for 42+ years. The family relationship goes back much further as our fathers attended Davidson together in the late 1930s.
Dick was a true Christian gentleman, and all who came in contact with him were touched in so many ways. The world is much better off because of his life, as he was a positive example of a dedicated Christian who led by example.
He talked to me about each of you almost every time we talked, and he was very proud of each of you and loved you and your families deeply.
We will all miss him.
Joy Roberts-Harder
September 29, 2006
What a priviledge it was to know and enjoy working with Dick. He was the epitomy of a true Southern Gentleman as well as a travel counselor extraordinaire. Bon Voyage my dear friend.
Lisa & Jay Lindsay
September 29, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. We will see you on Saturday. Dickie was a wonderful brother, he will be missed. May your memories bring you comfort.
Debbie Knox Jurcak
September 29, 2006
My deepest symathy to the family of Dick Spencer. Dick was a wonderful person and a true travel professional. I'm proud that I had the pleasure of working with Dick and like many others, remained his friend for over 25 years. The travel industry will certainly miss Dick Spencer and he'll be remembered for a long, long time.
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