J. DAVID SPENCE

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. John David Spence, C.M., M.D., FRCPC, FAHA, on August 10, 2025, at the age of 80. Son of Jack and Josephine Spence, Dave is survived by his wife, Dr. Ann Spence, with whom he shared more than 50 years of marriage; his sister, Mary-Louise Colmenares (Rafa); his sons, Jeff (Kate), Tim (Susan), and Jack (Aze); and his grandchildren, Tim (Sharzad), James, Kevin, Amy, Jonathan (Isla), Annie, Juliana, and Madeline. He was predeceased by his grandson, Tom. Dave was born in Talara, Peru, and moved to Canada to attend Ridley College in St. Catharines, Ontario. He then moved to London, Ontario, to attend the University of Western Ontario, where he completed his B.A. in 1965, and his M.D. in 1970. It was also at Western where he met his wife, Ann, and they have resided in London ever since. Dave was a world-renowned neurologist and researcher, and the founder of the Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre at the Robarts Research Institute. Dave had a passion for his work, starting his workdays at 4 a.m., and he continued his research until the end of his life. Throughout his career, Dave treated over 40,000 patients and authored more than 600 peer reviewed publications, and it was this profound dedication that had Dave being named to the Order of Canada in 2019. While Dave took great pride in his work, there was nothing that brought him more joy than his family. Always ready with a story or a song, Dave loved nothing more than being surrounded by those he loved, playing games, picking apples, or simply enjoying their company. Dave will be remembered for his groundbreaking work and brilliant mind, but also for his disarming wit, his heartfelt hugs, and his subtle smile. Dave had many hobbies and passions. Dave loved golf, bird watching, reading on the comfy couch at the cottage, and bridge. He was an accomplished singer with a beautiful baritone and an avid music lover, a love which he passed down to his children and grandchildren, resulting in numerous world-class renditions of "Happy Birthday." Dave also loved to travel for both work and adventure. His family and friends will miss him dearly, for there is truly no one like him, but they will continue to hold him through the countless memories they made with him. It is said that "a man should not fear death, but he should fear never beginning to live," and while Dave is gone too soon, it is clear that he can pass on fearlessly. A visitation will be held at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James St. at Richmond, in London, on Thursday, August 14th, from 2 - 4 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Robarts Research Institute at Western University, to which Dave happily dedicated many years of his life.