Walter SPENCER Jr.

SPENCER, Walter Jr. Walter Bunce Spencer Jr., 88, died on October 16, 2010, in Portland Maine. He led a life full of science, teaching, photography, singing and family. Born March 29, 1922, to Walter B. Spencer and Marion Corliss Spencer he grew up in New Haven Ct. An Eagle Scout, Walter attended Mt. Hermon School and graduated cum laude in 1939. He went on to Yale University and graduated in December 1942 as member of the class of 1943. During World War II, Walter worked as a research chemist on aviation fuels and later joined the Manhattan Project at Columbia University in NYC. He earned his Master's of Science from the University of Pittsburg in 1950. Walter met Marilyn Lincoln of Dexter, Maine in 1949 and they were married in August 1952. In 1953 Walt was drawn back into education, returning to Mt. Hermon School as a science teacher. Teaching and research positions developed into a career as the Head of the Science Departments at The Tilton School in NH and then in 1967 at The Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor Ct. During a 24 year career at LC, he oversaw the expansion of the Clark Science Center, increased the school's science offerings and directed the Program in Biochemistry, a National Science Foundation summer institute for gifted science students from around the country. Walter and Marilyn retired to Portland Me. in 1991. There he rekindled his passion for choral music, joining the choir at Woodfords Congregational Church, UCC. Walt volunteered at the Children's Museum of Portland and developed a teaching program for the Camera Obscura. Walter also enjoyed many concerts of Portland's Kotzschmar Organ. Suffering from Alzheimer's disease Walt spent his last two and a half years living at the Barron Center in Portland. His family is grateful for the loving and gentle care he received from the staff there. Walter is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marilyn; his children Walter B. Spencer III of Portland, Mary Lincoln Spencer of South Portland; Sarah Spencer Strickland and husband Bob of Middlefield Ct., Katy Spencer Donovan and husband Todd of Franklin MA and grandchildren Imogene, August and Cooper Donovan. He is also survived by two sisters Katherine Harris and Anne Yankura. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, (October 30, 2010) at Woodfords Church at 11:30 a.m. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Walter's memory can be made to the Chancel Choir Fund at Woodfords Congregational Church UCC, 202 Woodford St. Portland ME 04103. Arrangements are through Independent Death Care of Maine, 660 Brighton Ave. Portland (207) 878-3246 www.independentdeathcare.com