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Alfred SPENCE Obituary
SPENCE, Alfred (Alf)
May 5, 1925 - June 23, 2014
Alf succumbed to cancer on June 23. Beset by polio three months after his birth in 1925, and dependent on leg braces until his eighth year, Alf never complained. He was always grateful for the Freemasons' financial support for his 13 childhood operations. Alf's first love and concern was his family: wife Joyce, whom he cherished for 64 years, and his children Gary (Ana), Lea (Ross), and Vanda (Guy). Alf's grandchildren were his pride and joy: Ryan, Shannon, Kaytlyn, Samantha, Benjamin, Damian, Jason and great-grandchild, Isla. Alf worked in the radio broadcasting industry in his home town of Vancouver from age 14 during WWII. Afterwards he went to Toronto and began his career at the CBC where he met Joyce. They married in 1950 and in 1953 came to Vancouver for Alf to open and operate the new CBC FM station. Alf became a proud Freemason in 1956 and a dedicated Shriner in the Mini Corps parade team in 1976. After retiring from the CBC in 1983, he directed his energy into other clubs such as the Magic Circle, the Burnaby Miniature Railway, and the Sherlock Holmes Stormy Petrels. Alf had many passions, including repairing vehicles and electronics, and recording music and voice. He became a pilot at age 64 and a miniature steam locomotive engineer at age 81. Alf was very thankful for the physical and spiritual support he got from family and friends during his last weeks at home. Special thanks to Jim. Goodbye, Alf Spence. You are lovingly remembered.
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6 Entries
July 28, 2014
Joyce and family, We will miss Alf's presence at our shows. We always looked forward to their cheery greetings, and their insightful commentary after the shows. We will always remember him.
North Vancouver Community Players.
Jim Morrison
July 18, 2014
Alf was truly a “Renaissance Man”. He was interested in everything worthy of his curiosity and investigation, accomplished in an enormous range of pursuits, and he lived his life to its fullest. He was an inspiration to all who knew him and I feel very fortunate to have been his friend.
We shared interests in broadcasting, electronics, automobiles (especially of the British persuasion), aviation, music, and the joys of life in general. We could talk for hours on any of the above, and often did. I will miss him very much.
Rest in peace, good friend. I will try to remember the things you taught me. It was an honour to have known you.
Eleanor Collins
July 14, 2014
Joyce and Family: I am truly sorry to hear of Alf's passing. He is certainly well remembered and regarded by me. I grew to know Alf during my years at CBC where he became a friend to me and my family..sharing music and even building a hi-fi/stereo module in our home. We shared, for instance, a great love of the a cappella harmonies of the Hi-Lows singing Quartet! Over the years Alf transferred some of my old music library onto newer technologies and I've been ever grateful. Farewell to a good and generous spirit. Sincerely, Eleanor Collins
Peter & Carol Hill
July 12, 2014
Alf was a wonderful person with a Hugh heart. It was a great pleasure to have known him. He inspired many people with his positive attitude . He was a very honest man and called it as it was. He will be missed. Our condolences to out to Joyce and the family.
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Dennis Hewson
July 12, 2014
It was a pleasure to know Spence, We were both members of the Vancouver Magic Circle. He will be missed. Dennis & Melody Hewson.
Frank Redavid
July 12, 2014
To Alf's family,
Alf was a great friend to me during the 25 years that I knew him. He was a source of information and knowledge, and I treasure the times that he came to my shop in North Vancouver. Always willing to help in any way he could, he will surely be missed . Thanks Alf for everything,
Frank Redavid
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