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GARDNER SPENCER Obituary
Ocala - Gardner Spencer, 72, died at Ocala Regional Hospital after a cycling accident on January 14, 2016. His wife, Arlene Spencer and dear friend and priest, Father Don Curran were at his bedside. Born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire to Milton T. Spencer and Gertrude E. Geodecke Spencer of Bedford, NH, he attended West High School, Manchester, NH ('61).He was a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a B.S. in Zoology ('65) and M.S. in Education ('72). He was a member of the Sigma Beta fraternity and ROTC program before being called to active duty in 1968. He was a Captain in the 4th Armored Division in Germany and a Military Advisor to the Vietnamese Army during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Bronze Star.
He began his teaching career at the Portsmouth Naval Prison, later accepting a position with the U.S. Department of Corrections in Danbury, CT where he directed the Drug and Alcohol Unit from 1974-1985. He transferred to Boston ('88) and later to Concord, NH ('90) as a U.S. Probation Officer when he and his family purchased an equestrian center in New Hampshire. He retired briefly to Gilmanton Ironworks, NH and then moved to Ocala, FL in 2003. He was active in several organizations which included volunteering at the Marion County Youth Detention Center and served on the Board of Directors at The Centers and Church Without Walls.
An accomplished musician and entertainer, Gardner had a love for music at an early age. He was involved in choirs and choruses from high school, college, church and community. In college, he was the lead singer of the band the Checkmates. He also was part of the duo Deuces Wild in NH, and most recently could be heard playing at the Villages, the Elks, Blanca's Cafe and many other venues in north central Florida. With an interest in history and genealogy, Gardner was President of the Spencer Historical and Genealogical Society since 2009. He was an avid collector of antique automobiles and could be seen driving his 1931 Ford Model A Woody. He also enjoyed cross country skiing, hiking and cycling.
Gardner is survived by his wife, Arlene Culbertson Spencer; brother, John H. Spencer and his wife, Marjorie G. Spencer; nephew, Jonathan S. Spencer; former wife, Barbara Jane Spencer, their children Adam D. Spencer and his wife, Mary Spencer; Allison J. Spencer Sovetsky, her husband James M. Sovetsky, and their children Tyler and Tatum Sovetsky; stepchildren and grandchildren; Anne M. Dennis, children Robert and Kiegan Claggett; Elizabeth A. Nugent; son, Nathaniel 'Culby' Culbertson; Sean A. Buckley; daughter, Isabella Buckley.
Funeral service will be held Friday, January 22, 2016 at 9:30 A.M., Christ the King Anglican Church, Living Waters - 3801 N. US Highway 441, Ocala. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to: Christ the King Anglican Church Building Fund, 3850 W Anthony Rd, Ocala, FL 34475.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for GARDNER SPENCER
Reinhard Schubert / Germany
January 14, 2023
we where friends in Germany (Erlangen). There he stood by the US Army. It was 1967/68 and we had a good time, also with my friends until he must go to Vietnam. We write each other very often and in 1975 I visit him in New Milford. He was a really wonderful man and friend. Reinhard
Nicholas Covatis
January 14, 2021
Still miss you "Gungo"
Don Stanton
January 14, 2021
We miss you everytime I talk with a youth I think of you and the way you helped me grow
Reinhard Schubert
January 14, 2020
I always remember him as a very good friend. In March 2016 I got the message that he was gone.
Brian Mattson
July 17, 2016
I was so surprised to find that Gardner had passed. We were roommates at Sigma Beta for a year and good friends. He was a talented and very intelligent person. We shared many good times and laughs. In the 1990's we reconnected when he was working out of Concord. I always treasured my friendship with him. My sympathies go out to his family for their loss.
Barbara Thibeault
June 22, 2016
Just learned of Gardner's passing .. such a wonderful gentleman I was lucky enough to know from the NH USPO office and he & Barbara's Echo Valley Farm...the world definitely lost a great man.
Reinhard Schubert
March 21, 2016
Hallo,
I am Reinhard from Germany
about 1968 I was a friend of him in Erlangen until he must go to Vietnam.
We spend a realy good time
1975 I visit him an his family in New Milford Con. We road us letters but in the last decades we lost our contact.
Sorry for him an his family
Best regards
Reinhard
Jackie Thompson
March 4, 2016
On behalf of the class of '65 from UNH, I would like to extend our sincere sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the Spencer family. Sincerely, Jackie Flynn Thompson, Class Secretary
1931 Model A Station wagon "Woody"
Arlene Spencer
March 3, 2016
Grandpa, daughter, and lovely grandchildren
March 2, 2016
Such a good man and missed by his children, grandchildren, and so many friends.
Karen Nance
February 26, 2016
I am so sad to hear of the loss of such a kind, giving, compassionate friend and neighbor I had in Gardner. From 2003 he was always seen with a smile and shared a few kind words. We shared our love of winne dogs and my Heidi always wagged her tail when she saw him across the street. May he rest in peace and his loving family have my prayers.
February 24, 2016
What a beautiful friend. Some friends leave footprints on your heart and that is the case with Gardner. In his music, in his friendship and all of the other activities. It was an honor to know you. Memories are forever.
Skip Bowman and Ronnie Smith
Arlene Niemeyer
February 17, 2016
I am so sorry I did not know until just now about the loss of our Gardner Spencer. I knew him as President of SHGS and we had communicated in DEC. My sister, Diane Fleenor, and I wish to extend deepest sympathy to all his family.
Musician
Arlene Spencer
February 12, 2016
Advisor Vietnam
Arlene Spencer
February 12, 2016
Brother John Spencer
Arlene Spencer
February 11, 2016
Allison and children
February 11, 2016
Gardner and Arlene Spencer
Arlene Spencer
February 11, 2016
On January 14, 2016, my beloved husband, Gardner, was killed in a cycling accident. He was truly a Renaissance man. His intelligence, musical talent, deep love and compassion for others will be sorely missed by all. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. His family grieves his loss. Rest in peace, my darling. I will always love you.
Captain Gardner Spencer/US Army Armor
Arlene Spencer
February 10, 2016
The Deuces Wild
Arlene Spencer
February 10, 2016
Gardner and Arlene Spencer
Arlene Spencer
February 10, 2016
The Checkmates
Arlene Spencer
February 10, 2016
Mountain Climbing in Georgia
Arlene Spencer
February 10, 2016
Alan Goedecke
February 1, 2016
I'm still in denial that my cousin has passed on from this life. Growing up in NH was a great time for us. We could ride our bikes the 2 miles between our houses and spend many hours together. We spent many hours roaming the fields and woods on the farm, but our greatest joy was getting the old model A tractor back to running condition. We probably spent 100 hours trying for every hour we actually spent driving that old buggy, but what a thrill when we actually succeeded!!!! After connecting again at the 70th birthday party, I was thinking and hoping we could spend time together again. But God in his inimitable wisdom has decided that was not to be.
May you rest in peace Gardner, and Nancy and I pray that our Lord will bring comfort and healing to your family and friends.
Carl Goedecke
January 30, 2016
So sad a loss, Gardner was starting a new adventure with a new wife, this is a tragic. All our sympathy go out to Arlene. We will remember Gardner's 70th birthday, in Maine, and send our condolences to Alison & family.
From Carl & Irene Goedecke;
Carmen Sawyer
January 29, 2016
Sympathy to Gardners' Family and all my American Cousins at this sad time we here in Australia are with you in spirit...Carmen
John Ronan
January 25, 2016
1-25-2016 My wife and I are very sorry to
learn about Gardner. I worked with him at the U.S. Probation Office in Boston
and he was a wonderful person. John Ronan.
January 25, 2016
At a moment least expected, Gardner was taken away from us. We have wonderful memories of this special man. The sound of his music lingers on. We will always hold a place in our hearts for Gardner. Love, Aunt Beth and Family
Dave & Annette Hopping
January 22, 2016
I knew Gardner through playing in rock and roll bands at UNH. Although we'd lost touch over the years, I remember him as a fine singer and player,and all-around good guy. Heartfelt condolences to the family,and here's hoping that it might help to know Gardner is well remembered in all sorts of places.
Pat Wager
January 22, 2016
Rest In Peace ! You will be greatly missed...
Patricia Wager
January 22, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Pastor Don Stanton
January 22, 2016
I worked with Gardner, on the board for Church Without Walls, A total professional and truley will be missed. We shared the same Barber and He even came to my mom's memorial service even thought he had never met her Just to show his respect for me. I love you man.
January 22, 2016
Will miss you my friend, may you rest in eternal peace, God bless, Poppi & Cheryl
January 22, 2016
I am going to miss your vocal accompaniments at Blancas...truly a friend.....Rest in eternal peace brother,
Poppi & Cheryl
Wedding Day
Anne Dennis
January 21, 2016
You brought such happiness and love to my Mom's life. You will be missed and thought of often. I know you are up there entertaining the angels with your music and funny stories.
January 21, 2016
I recently learned of Gardner's tragic and unexpected passing. I worked with Gardner in the US Probation Office during the 90's until his retirement. "Gman", as he was known in the office, was the consummate professional, widely respected by all who came into contact with him. My sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Tom Tarr
Laconia, NH
Mary Piper (Snider)
January 21, 2016
Thoughts and prayers to all of Gardners family, I had the pleasure of knowing Gardner when his family owned Echo Valley Farm in Epsom NH. He made the best homemade beer and what fun we had on summer evenings listening to his music, his practice sessions in the shed! It was a privilege to have know him, such fond memories. My heart goes out to Allison and Adam, so very very sorry
Frank and Celia DeVito
January 21, 2016
We first met as neighbors in New Milford CT 45 years ago and remained friends all these years. We will always remember Gardner's good heart, wonderful sense of humor and his knowledge of every possible subject. If you ever played Trivial Pursuit you wanted Gardner on your team. If there's a Rock n' Roll Heaven it just got a great addition. We will miss our dear friend but are so thankful to have had him in our lives.
George and Marilyn Goedecke
January 21, 2016
We are still in shock over the tragic loss of our cousin. We are so grateful for the cherished memories and shared stories at his 70th Birthday celebration at Allison's home in Maine.
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to all the family.
Roger and Lou-Ann Klose
January 21, 2016
Gardner has been a friend since we were fraternity brothers at UNH where we shared a mutual interest in guitar music, playing in separate, successful rock n' roll bands. That friendship was renewed when, after a long absence, he moved to NH years later and we formed a duo, The Deuces Wild. In that endeavor we spent countless hours together practicing, traveling to gigs and performing for audiences. What a pleasure and privilege it was to have spent so much time with such a fine person. If you knew him well, you discovered beneath the somewhat reserved exterior he presented to strangers, a man who embodied the special human traits each of us seeks in our friends and loved ones. And he had a wonderful sense of humor which always lightened any situation. We are terribly disappointed that his dream of returning to NH to live with his loving wife, Arlene, cannot be realized. We will miss him, but always remember him with great fondness.
Bonnie Seekamp
January 21, 2016
I was blessed just knowing you. The world needs more Gardner's. You were a true gift to all of us!!!!
Lianne Hamilton (DOW)
January 21, 2016
you will be missed by one and all. You were like a second dad to me during the years our families farmed together.
Marilynn Mullen
January 20, 2016
JANET DESTIO
January 20, 2016
GARDNER YOU WILL BE MISSED VERY VERY MUCH I ENJOYED OUR TALKS MISS YOU
JANET DESTIO
Herbert Kingsbury
January 20, 2016
I had the pleasure of hiking with Gardner many times in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. He was always a fine companion. I regret I shall see him no more.
Ann Black
January 20, 2016
You are sorely missed my beloved cousin.
Cincinnati, OH
Jan Walker
January 20, 2016
I saw Gardner and Arlene just last spring when he sang at my brother, Jon Dulude's home in Northeast Georgia. Arlene, family and friends have lost a wonderful man --- my deepest sympathy go to you all.
Elizabeth Nugent
January 20, 2016
Gardner was a very special addition to our family and the love he and my mother shared was inspiring and true. He will be missed by all of my family. We are so thankful that his lovely daughter is a part of us, she too is a blessing.
Clayton Foster
January 20, 2016
I had the pleasure of getting to know Gardner from our time working together at U.S. Probation. He was a pleasure to be around and one of the nicest individuals I've had the pleasure to get to work with. He will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.
Bob Veiga
January 20, 2016
A true bon vivant and all around great guy, rest in peace Gardner, you will surely be missed.
Rebecca Darman
January 20, 2016
May there always be music playing for you. Rest in peace Gardner.
Lisa and Andrew Cheever
January 20, 2016
Your family is in our thoughts. We're so sorry for your loss.
Elizabeth Nugent
January 20, 2016
Gardner was such a special, loved addition to our family. He and our mom shared such true love for each other. He will be dearly missed by my entire family. We are so blessed and grateful to have his lovely daughter Allison in our lives.
Brad & Sigrid Marble
January 20, 2016
January 20,2016
We were so happy to meet Gardner and Arlene between Christmas and New Years. We certainly did not anticipate this tragedy. Now we are left with wonderful memories of 25 + years of friendship.
We will always miss you Gardner,
Brad and Sigrid Marble
RAY and BUNNIE DOW
January 20, 2016
Life is short and can be cut short by many unexpected events.
Your long time New Hampshire neighbors
Nick Covatis
January 20, 2016
Fraternity brother, musician, Master of Rock and Roll trivia, Gardner "The Gunge" Spencer was one of a kind. Truly a man for all seasons. Most of all, he was a dear friend and I will miss him terribly. My deepest condolences to his family
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