Harold Spencer

1920 - 2016

Harold Spencer passed away peacefully March 5, 2016 in Davis, California. He was born October 1, 1920 in Corning, N.Y. An artist, art historian, and educator, "Spence" was predeceased by Editha, his beloved wife of 63 years, whom he met in California while serving as a merchant marine navigation officer during WW II. He received his B.A. and M.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in art history from Harvard University. He taught art and art history at Blackburn College in Illinois, and at Occidental College in Los Angeles before finishing his teaching career at the University of Connecticut. He was the author of numerous art history publications and curated exhibitions at several Connecticut museums. He participated in the founding of Weir Farm Trust and National Historic Site dedicated to American painting and served on its board of directors for many years. An accomplished artist, he exhibited in shows across the U.S. Spence loved the outdoors, and in 1954 took Editha and four young sons on an 8,000 mile tent camping trip, circling the U.S. towing a trailer/kitchen he built himself. In 2001, Editha and Spence returned to California from Connecticut, to Paso Robles, where he continued to draw and paint with a congenial group of fellow artists at the Studios on the Park, an arts cooperative and education non-profit. Spence is survived by sons David (Judy) of Mansfield, Connecticut; Robert (Phyllis) of Tomball, Texas; Eric (Sue) of Mansfield, Connecticut; Mark (Lorraine) of Davis, California; Ellen Spencer of Los Angeles, ten grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. The family wishes to express special thanks to Spence's caregiver and companion Semi. Memorial donations may be sent to Superintendent, Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735 Nod Hill Rd., Wilton CT 06897 or made by phone at (203) 834-1896. To share a memory with the family, please visit www.smith-funerals.com.