Spencer L. BeMent

1937 - 2024

BeMent, Spencer L.
4/1/1937 - 7/4/2024
Ann Arbor
Spencer L. BeMent (Spence) passed a way peacefully on Independence Day, July 4, 2024. He was born on April 1, 1937 to Marian (Mochty) and Earl I. BeMent in Detroit, Michigan. Most of his early youth was spent there and in East Tawas, Michigan. Another move took him to Celina, Ohio where he completed and graduated from high school in 1955 and was accepted into the University of Michigan's engineering program. Spence received both his Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan. In 1967, he was one of the first three PhD graduates of the then new interdisciplinary bioengineering program at U. of M. After graduation, he accepted a faculty position at the University and began his academic career. He taught, conducted research, and in his later years provided guidance and counseling to undergraduate and graduate students. In a distinguished career spanning 37 years he dedicated his research efforts to information coding and transmission in neural systems, bioelectrical properties of tissue, and neuroprosthesis. He directed numerous doctoral dissertation research projects. He met his wife, Aileen Senyk, while both worked summer jobs at Curtis-Wright, an aerospace company in Utica, Michigan. They were later married on February 3, 1962. Spence is survived by his wife of 62 years, Aileen BeMent, their three children and spouses Bradley BeMent (Elizabeth Wetzel), Dawn BeMent (Jeffery Chu), Douglas BeMent (Cynthia), their six grandchildren, and his sister Dawn (BeMent) Henderson. Upon retiring, he pursued his interest in genealogy and spent many hours researching his family's history. He also took a number of photography courses and a music course at Washtenaw Community College. Photography became another of his hobbies which he practiced on many trips around the world. Church life was also important to him. He was a long time member of Dixboro United Methodist Church. He served in many capacities and participated in a variety of mission activities locally and others which included travel to other states. He was the liaison between the church and Habitat for Humanity where he sought and coordinated volunteers for habitat's home building efforts. He served on the Ann Arbor Board of habitat for a number of years. He was also a long time member of the Dixboro Church's choir. Spence was a tall, unpretentious, intelligent man who loved his family, friends and life. On a lighter note, he will be remembered by his family fondly for his love of singing, puns, and bacon! A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Dixboro United Methodist Church. A reception and lunch will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley, 950 Victors Way Suite 50, Ann Arbor 48108 or an organization of your choice.