Bernard Spencer Obituary

SPENCER Bernard Spencer, age 85, of Powell, died Thursday, September 24, 2009. Son to the late Shunjiro and Marguerite (nee Spencer) Miyaguchi, he was born August 6, 1924 in London, England. Bernard attended Dulwich College in London before returning to Japan with his parents and sister. He had a long and successful career in professional ice skating both personally and as an accomplished coach. Through skating, he met Janet, his wife of 36 years. Thereafter, he, together with three ice-skating colleagues, started a restaurant business called Buffalo Wild Wings. The rest is history. Preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife Janet Spencer. Bernard is survived by his daughter, Julie Spencer; son, Richard Spencer; grandchildren, Oliver, Erin, and Toby; and sister, Ranko Wilson. Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, October 4, 2009 at SCHOEDINGER MIDTOWN CHAPEL, 229 E. State St., Columbus. To offer condolences to Bernard's family visit www.schoedinger.com.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch on Oct. 2, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Spencer

6 Entries

Debra M. Turner

September 18, 2024

When I was in college at OSU, ~1978, I met Bernard Spencer and took ice dancing lessons from him. He was a superb teacher of his craft, able to articulate exactly what to do; and when one followed his instruction sure enough it worked! I was ~22 years old and was amazed at how he could describe dance/movement/position of the body to achieve beautiful results on the ice. Knowing and working with Professor Spencer was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Dan (also working on ice-dancing), my husband, and I adored Bernie. Somehow I learned several years ago that Bernie had passed away. I wished that I had been present at that time and that I had done more to show my gratitude. Throughout my life I've been a devoted fan of all figure skaters internationally. Fifteen years after his death I'm still thinking of my former great ice-dancing pro.--I believe it is the recent success of the great actor Hiroyuki Sanada that made me think of Bernard and decided to post these sentiments here now. Thank you.

Tina

October 9, 2009

I first met Bernie when I was 9 years old...almost exactly 35 years ago. He became my coach and my second father for many years. He was there when I graduated high school and college. He was with us for several Thanksgiving dinners and birthday celebrations. I remember as he experimented with the recipe for the perfect "wild" wing sauce...which ate through the bottom of the pot. I remember when he created the brick porch for my parent's home and then later worked on creating a japanese garden in my old house. I also remember the difficult times when Jan began her chemo years ago and meeting Bernie at the hospital as we prayed for Jan to recover.
He really was a second dad...in fact I sent him father's day cards and used to call him on that holiday to thank him for the important role he played in my life.
When i moved from Columbus, we didn't get to see each other often. In fact it has been about four years.

Bernie, I miss you. I've missed you for several years. I wish I had one more chance to see you. If I could, I would give you one more hug and listen for the jangle of your gold ID bracelet as you hugged me back.

Love, Tina (Stephan)

PS...Julie, if you ever want to connect, please email me [email protected].

October 5, 2009

To the family of Bernie. I know Bernie througth is wife Jan, my best friend of over 30 years. Bernie was a wonderfuly skating and a good friend, I know when Jan passed he was very sad, Now they are together .

Good bye Bernie
sandi isley
lincoln ne

October 5, 2009

To Julie, Oliver, Erin and Toby:
Your love for your father and grandfather touched my heart during Sunday's memorial service.
He expressed his love for you often, before and after Jan died. He also expressed his love for England, Brighton especially. He missed the sea.
He was a dignified, private man who earned the respect and affection of his neighbors and caregivers. He also was a multi-talented man, an artist in a number of fields. We talked about his wife, his career, his music, his needlework, his world view and doubts. He had strong opinions -- a relief from the general cautious manner around. He was witty with a unique sense of humor.
His chronic illnesses and his grief took him from you, although to the end he dreamed of returning "home to England and to you."
La Mort du Cigne touched me deeply. Your acknowledgement of Bernard Spencer 's love and profound sorrow is moving.
May you find comfort in your memories and in knowing how much he loved you.
Edda Schurter, a neighbor whose life was enriched by knowing Bernard and Jan Spencer.

October 3, 2009

To the family of Bernard SPencer, may god be with you in this difficult time. His memory will live on through the joy his restraunts bring to thousands of people.

Adrienne Mahan-Johnson

October 2, 2009

To the family of Mr. Bernard Spencer, May you find comfort in the wonderful memories that you have of him. My friends and I have enjoyed many good times at Buffalo Wild Wings.

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