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Spencer Pugh Obituary
Spencer was born in East Lansing, MI, on March 8, 1959. Other places he called home before settling in West Chester included Ludington, MI; Radford, VA; Palo Alto, CA; Penfield, NY; and Dublin, OH.
He was a graduate of Radford High School in Radford, VA and attended The College of William & Mary ('81) earning a double major in Chemistry and Physics. While there he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and he met the love of his life, Beverly. They were married August 15, 1981, and moved to California for Spencer to attend graduate school at Stanford ('85) where he earned his PhD in Physical Chemistry.
Prior to his retirement Spencer worked in corporate America at Eastman Kodak, Battelle, Michelman, and MagPlasma. At the time of his death he was teaching a series of classes with Innovation Research Interchange, as well as running his own consulting business, Prospect Ridge.
Spencer was active in Scouting both as a child and as an adult. He earned his Eagle Scout award and volunteered at Scout summer camps. As an adult, he served as Scoutmaster for his son's troop, Troop #9, in Rochester, NY. He also earned Wood Badge, given to adult leaders.
Spencer had a long legacy of ministry across many states. He attended and was married at Grace Episcopal Church in Radford, VA. He and Beverly were members at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Palo Alto, CA; St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Fairport, NY; St. Patrick's Episcopal Church in Dublin, OH; and most recently St Anne Episcopal Church in West Chester, OH. At the parish level he served as both Senior and Junior Wardens. In the Diocese of Southern Ohio he was a licensed lay preacher. He served on and led the Commission on Ministry and helped many discern a call to ordained ministry. He believed in and taught stewardship across the country: giving of our time, treasure, and talents. At the time of his death he was serving on the board of Bexley Seabury Seminary in Chicago and working with the Episcopal Preaching Foundation to develop a program to include lay people in collaborative exegesis and preaching feedback. Spencer was passionate about helping others with a desire to bring out the best in each person. He was a mentor to many, both formally and informally.
He was also an avid woodworker, creating many beautiful and functional pieces that will be enjoyed by loved ones for years to come. Spencer had a deep love of the outdoors and traveling, which he shared with Beverly and his children. Over a number of years, he completed the Long Trail in Vermont inviting family and friends to join him for sections of the trail. Spencer died doing what he loved, being outdoors and in nature, and on a pilgrimage with his best friend - his wife.
In addition to his loving wife Beverly, he is survived by his three children, Laura Pugh Wallace (Blair) of Columbus, OH; Gavin Pugh (Elizabeth) of Bloomingdale, IL, and Jennifer Pugh Howell (Joshua) of Columbus, OH. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Russell Wallace, Penelope Wallace, Ryan Pugh, Charles Pugh, and Raymond Howell. He is survived by his beloved sisters, Christy Pugh of Radford, VA and Leslie Pugh McNiece, of Clemmons, NC. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Barbara Hawk (Jack Shuler) of Chapel Hill, NC; Cindy Hawk LeFevre (Ken) of Glen Allen, VA; and brother-in-law Jeff Hawk (Yvonne) of Seattle, WA and by treasured cousins, nieces, nephew, and two great-nieces.
Spencer was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Anthea Pugh and his in-laws Carl and Nan Hawk.
Visiting hours will be on Friday, May 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Anne Episcopal Church, 6461 Tylersville Rd, West Chester, OH 45069. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 25, also at St. Anne. The Rt. Rev. Kristen Uffelman White, Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, will preside and the Rev. Phil Hooper, Rector of St. Anne, will preach. The service will be streamed via a link on the church's website: https://tinyurl.com/SundayWorshipSt-Anne. Interment will take place at a later date.
Spencer's summer research opportunities at The College of William & Mary were so impactful that he and Beverly started a scholarship to support students doing chemistry summer research. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to this scholarship: Chemistry Summer Laboratory Research Endowment (#5101) https://tinyurl.com/WandM-Scholarship. Gifts may also be given to the Green Mountain Club (caretakers of the Long Trail) at https://www.greenmountainclub.org/conservation/protecting-long-trail/.
Thank you to Madeira Funeral Services in Sarria, Spain who were of great assistance. The family also extends many thanks to the Camino pilgrims who stopped to help, to translate, and to pray.
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Jim Euchner
April 17, 2025
It's been a year, and I still think often of Spencer and his smile and enthusiasm and wisdom. It is wonderful to have known him and worked with him.
Mel Edward LeVan
October 5, 2024
Spencer and I were 2 of the three new graduate students in the John Ross group at Stanford in 1981. I remember Spencer as a kind and helpful person who brought his humanity to the daily grind of research. I remember one day when his flame reaction experiment went off kilter and caused a new reaction vessel to explode. I was in the lab next door and heard his reaction a very loud `darn it!´ .
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Heidi Bertels
August 26, 2024
Spencer was a natural mentor, embodying the spirit of generosity in the scientific community. I met Spencer during my research project with Innovation Research Interchange (IRI) on slack time in innovation. His involvement went beyond mere participation; he actively engaged in brainstorming sessions and provided valuable feedback on early drafts.
Spencer's willingness to contribute his time and expertise to someone outside his immediate professional circle demonstrated his commitment to fostering innovation and supporting emerging researchers. His guidance was instrumental in shaping my work and his enthusiasm was contagious.
The news of Spencer's untimely passing is truly saddening. The world has lost a collaborative spirit at a time when such qualities are sorely needed. I am deeply grateful for his mentorship and the lasting impact he made on my research journey.
Daniel
May 26, 2024
Did nit know Spencer personally but everything I heard, he was a great man. Rest in Peace
Justin Tubiolo
May 25, 2024
Thank you, Rev. Hooper, for an especially meaningful eulogy.
Jim Euchner
May 24, 2024
Spencer was a wonderful innovator and leader, but I will remember him as a good soul first. He led innovation in his corporate roles, carried his knowledge forward as a mentor, and then used those same skills to help his church to grow. I cannot begin to count the number of kindnesses that he expressed to me, or enumerate the things that I learned from him. He embodied the community that IRI built. Spencer and I taught the Innovation 101 courses for IRI together for five years, and it was such a pleasure to work with him. I will miss him very much.
Jim Euchner
May 24, 2024
Spencer was a wonderful teacher and leader, but I will remember him as a good soul first. He led innovation in his corporate roles, carried his knowledge forward as a mentor, and then used those same skills to help his church to grow. I cannot begin to count the number of kindnesses that he expressed to me, or enumerate the things that I learned from him. He embodied the community that IRI built. Spencer and I taught the Innovation 101 courses for IRI together for five years, and it was such a pleasure to work with him. Every session was enjoyable and enlightening. I will miss him very much.
Ankur
May 23, 2024
To the Pugh family, I´m so very sorry for your loss. I send all my thoughts and prayers during this time and offer any support or assistance you may need. Sending my condolences to your family.
Christy Pugh
May 8, 2024
Are you Spencer Pugh´s sister?
It was a question I would hear many times in my life, but this first time it was an entirely new experience for me. I was in sixth grade at our elementary school and had been attending the school for seven years - ever since half-day kindergarten. Spencer was five years old and had just started kindergarten at the same school. Why was someone asking me if I was HIS sister instead of asking him if he were MY brother?
They were asking because Spencer had already made quite a name for himself in our little world at Lakeview Elementary School. As only a kindergartener he regularly went "upstairs" to join the third graders for reading and various other classes. Kindergarten - learning numbers and letters and practicing handwriting - was far below Spencer´s abilities at age five and would have left him bored and dissatisfied. It was agreed with the school administrators and our parents, that whenever he could, Spencer would be included in older student´s activities, especially reading.
This was a pattern that would continue for most of his years of school. Fortunately, the various school systems he attended were open to extra challenges for gifted students. Each summer he asked for and received a reading list from the next year´s literature teachers so he could read ahead. He would go to school early certain days of high school to take a Greek class taught voluntarily by a generous faculty member. Taking English Lit he was allowed to branch out on his own and study Beowulf in its original West Saxon dialect of Old English and present a unit to his fellow classmates when he finished his research.
Even in our home, keeping Spencer interested and motivated was a priority where our shelves of World Book Encyclopedias were not simply there for reference material. One by one Spencer pulled the volumes off the shelves and read them, cover to cover. His curiosity was insatiable.
Eventually we would go our separate ways into college and marriage. He and his wife Beverly moved to Palo Alto, California where he was working on his PhD in physics at Stanford University. The couple made time in their schedules to attend their local Episcopal Church - as church had always been important to them both.
A few years into their time in California I worked out a trip so I could spend my 30th birthday visiting them and seeing the Pacific Ocean for the first time. The last day of my visit was a Sunday, and I was happy I would get to attend church with them.
At one point, after the service, I found myself among strangers at coffee hour and was greeted, repeatedly, by that familiar question, "Are you Spencer Pugh´s sister?"
Yes, I´d acknowledge, over and over. I was his sister. And again, I marveled at my brother. How had this 25-year-old young man, deep in his graduate studies, lab work, and teaching assignments made such an impression on his church family?
One parishioner, a woman probably in her forties, looked at me for a long minute and summed up her feelings. "Oh my," she burbled with excitement, "How wonderful it must be, to be Spencer Pugh´s sister."
Yes, it certainly has been.
Jim Reynolds
May 6, 2024
Jim Reynolds
May 6, 2024
Jim Reynolds
May 6, 2024
Jim Reynolds
May 6, 2024
Dear Bev and Family,
I was shocked and saddened when I heard about Spencer. He was among the finest people I knew at Kodak. My heart is broken for all of you.
I first met Spencer on December 10, 1991, when I first interviewed at Kodak. He was 1 among 12 Kodak scientists who spoke with me that day, but I remember him specifically for his intellect, his personality, and his passion for photography. I distinctly remember him talking to me about emulsion design for color reversal (slide) films, including the innovations that resulted in an underwater film with proper color balance. His influence certainly contributed to my decision to pursue a career at Kodak, which I enjoyed for more than25 years.
Later, Spencer became the project leader for a thermal film that I was also involved with. This was at a time when digital photography was encroaching on film sales. Although our project was ultimately ill-fated, Spencer´s leadership and optimistic attitude kept our team´s attitude and spirits high. How could they not? It was in his nature.
Ultimately, Spencer became my lab head in the mid-2000´s. Unfortunately, lab heads only had one responsibility in those days, which was to manage downsizings. After one round, he knew that Kodak had to do layoffs, but he didn´t have to be the messenger. He had a "Plan B", and he advised the rest of us to have one also. He was always thinking of others.
Attached are some Spencer photo memories. - "To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die" - Thomas Campbell
God bless
Jim Reynolds
Jim and Sue Richardson
May 4, 2024
We were so looking forward to June's workweek at our family camp. We will go on without our cousin but it will be difficult. We hope you, Bev, and your family will continue making the yearly trip to the camp he so dearly loved. Love you Spencer.
Rick Weyer
May 1, 2024
As high school students at Radford High School, Spencer and I, and another student John Rutherford participated in a televised quiz show for high schools called "Klassroom Kwiz". If I had not known it beforehand, I knew it well afterwards - Spencer as a very bright, kind, and likable person. Spencer and I were not close and we moved along different paths as adults, but there are certain people who stick in your memory in fond ways - and this is true of Spencer. I'm very sorry for your loss and I hope you had a wonderful life together.
Kim Weber
April 29, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. Bev and Spencer made a wonderful team and I could tell how much they loved each other. My deepest condolences to your family.
Victoria Kanevsky
April 29, 2024
Over the past four years, I had the privilege of working closely with Spencer at the IRI, and his mentorship and guidance have been invaluable to me. Spencer was a true inspiration and a pillar of the innovation community, and his loss is profoundly felt.
Phyllis Moore
April 29, 2024
Spencer planting a BIG kiss on Beverly at the altar, after saying their "I do´s" to marriage, and hearing his mother-in-law Mrs. (Nan) Hawk gasp, "Spencer!" Priceless!
Kim Nasfell
April 25, 2024
My most sincere and deepest condolences to all of the Pugh family! Sending love and prayers to each and every one of you!!
Joe Hurlimann
April 25, 2024
What a blessing to have known Spencer. He epitomized the best combination of living a life built on faith and family while pursuing, sharing and fulfilling all of his God given talents. Such a loss for all of us but especially his family; his world centered on their well-being and he led them all with his unwavering example. He was so proud of all of them. I am crushed for Bev and their entire family. My prayer is that the grace of God brings comfort to Bev, their children and grandchildren. Spencer's legacy of ethics, discipline, faith, learning and love of family by action and word will be forever a part of his memory. He will be missed greatly, and never forgotten. A life well lived!
Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant!
Cheryl Rogers
April 25, 2024
My deepest condolences. Praying for comfort but rejoicing with you that Spencer is home with our Father.
Spencer was a pleasure to know, had a beautiful spirit, and infectious smile. His was a life well lived. I'm thankful to have known him.
Jeanie Garrett
April 24, 2024
Beverly and family, My deepest condolences. I have been working with Spencer on a series of videos for the Sermon Roundtable. We spoke often, sometimes daily, over the past 6 months for this project. He often talked about his grandchildren and was so excited for his travels to see them and for this trip. My prayers are with all of you during this time.
Meg Ruffing
April 24, 2024
Spencer was a wonderful man to work with and a wonderful person all around.
I've always enjoyed working with him on the Sermon Roundtable and appreciated him as a wonderful human being. My heart goes out to his wife, Beverly, his children, and his grandchildren, who he was always so proud of sharing with us.
Marilyn Lyren Johnson
April 24, 2024
What I remember most about Spencer at St Patricks and Dublin was he was never without Bev and never without a smile or an encouraging word. His spirituality was evident in everything he did and said. I too was totally shocked to read about his dying. Prayers ascending for all who knew him. I will be watching on Saturday from Charleston SC.
Alick and Anne Watson
April 23, 2024
Dear Beverly,
When Anne and I were members of St. Anne´s, we were present at adult forums or annual meetings when Spencer spoke. Spencer did not always speak out but when he did there was so much wisdom. So much wisdom. And he spoke with love of his fellow parishioners and the much larger community.
While you and I attended EFM classes together I was able to see that wisdom in you. I also witnessed the love you two shared.
Anne remembered the food tour of Covington KY that we did together. That was a fun day of exploring the tastes and history of Covington.
Anne and I are shocked to hear this news. So sudden. So young. We are so sorry. Our deepest sympathies to you, Beverly, and your family.
Steven C Goodridge
April 23, 2024
Playing scrabble and having to read a dictionary to confirm his words
Mark Moorhead
April 23, 2024
Spencer was the first person to welcome me to my new job in Ohio and invited me into his home. We were close colleagues and quickly found a connection through our personal beliefs as well as our business interests.
He was thoughtful, genuine, sensitive, encouraging and determined. Always there as a colleague and more importantly a friend.
I saw him stand his ground in a business situation where he saw actions conflicting with stated beliefs where it took incredible courage and resolve. Among the most courageous things I witnessed in my entire business career.
I am happy to hear that he was with his wife and doing something he loved when he was called home to our Lord. I have missed him since our paths diverged from our work relationship but look forward to reuniting with him in Forever.
Joe Jacomet
April 23, 2024
My condolences to Spencer's family. It's been many years since our paths crossed at Battelle but I have fond memories of Spencer. Our business discussions concluded, we would inevitably transition to talking about our backpacking adventures. A great guy!
Mary Jones
April 23, 2024
I knew Spencer from prayer group on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. I give my condolences to his family he was a great man to know. It was my pleasure to know you Spencer. Mary Jones
Mary Kay Arbogast
April 23, 2024
One of my memories of Spencer was participating in a seminar he led at Proctor. He was very caring and offered gentle and meaningful suggestions to ponder and participate. The entire program was so organized, which I attribute to his skills. And to you, Bev, many many prayers as you adjust to this loss. May God be with you all the way.
Pat Ludovici
April 23, 2024
Bev, I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Spencer well, just met him a couple of times, but he led an impressive and spiritual life. You two were well matched with love and respect for each other. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Peace be with you.
Kathy Matthews
April 23, 2024
Spencer was my cousin well actually my brother cousin as being an only child my cousins are my siblings.
Every summer for as long as I remember Spencer his sisters and parents would come to our camp in Marshfield VT. I could not wait until they arrived. The days would be full of swimming, hiking and especially building fairy houses in the woods. Spencer was 5 years younger and wanted to be included in all of our big adventures especially in the woods.
We reluctantly let him tag along and would send him on errands back to camp for snacks or other things we needed and he did happy to be included. Eventually this evolved into Spencer becoming Higgins the butler and Chris and I would have him running all over the place for us. It became such fun we would argue over who could have Higgins as their butler.
Higgins became not the annoying tag along brother but an important part of our imaginary lives in those woods. We wanted him to play with us!
Of course time marches on but one thing stayed the same Spencer the ever important part of our life, the mentor, the one who knew what to do, the let me help, the I have an idea for that, the one we turned to in good times and sad times, Ask Spencer ,,,,
Higgins I don´t know how we will ever build fairy houses again....
Love you
Kathy
Sandy St. Martin
April 23, 2024
Bev, I never met your husband but from what I can see, he was awesome. My condolences to you and your family. I'm sure the loss was unexpected. You know, you have friends in PEO chapter AV, including me, who miss you. Sandy St. Martin
Jeff & Kathy Pinkham
April 23, 2024
Kathy and I will always remember the amazing wine tasting and pot luck nights. He was a good friend and wonderful person, and we simply cannot believe he´s gone, but there´s no question where he is - safe in the arms of Jesus. Our deepest most heart felt sympathy to Bev and the family. Prayers to all for peace and healing.
Love,
Jeff & Kathy Pinkham
Pam Cook Semones
April 23, 2024
Growing up, our families both attended Grace Episcopal in Radford. His mom and our mom, Dotty Cook, were good friends. I remember Spencer as a very shy, quiet intellect in school and church. He didn't have a mean bone in his body. My sincere condolences to the entire family.
Barbara Goodridge Calvert
April 23, 2024
I will always be grateful for Spencer's role in leading the way on the hike up Burnt Mt in Marshfield, VT where my father, his uncle, had requested his ashes be scattered. He holds a very special place in my heart for his incomparable spirit of service.
Cricket Park
April 23, 2024
I will miss you so much. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Jennifer Bell
April 23, 2024
I am so sorry to hear that Spencer is no longer with us. He made a huge impact on so many of us at St. Patrick´s, not only with his brilliance but with his humor. Just ask anyone who has played "Wheel of Ministries." God bless his family during this sad time.
James carpenter
April 23, 2024
Not my first, but a vivid memory for me is at the Bea Hive. When I was maybe 10, I remember Spencer leading my brothers and I through a very long riddle about albatross soup. We could only ask yes or no questions and despite the arguments of the young to "just tell us" Spencer let us struggle and guess for hours. He was such a curious and intellectual man, but also so giving with his time and interest. I left there thinking that he is the smartest man I will ever know. That might still be the case. His laugh and patience under the dim lights of the Bea Hive is one of my fondest memories of our family´s camp.
Cathy Skiba
April 23, 2024
Spenser was highly respected by all who knew him both at St. Anne's, Holy Trinity, and wherever he served & attended. Many, included me, will miss him. Our prayers and with his family at this time.
Cathy Skiba
April 23, 2024
Leading Morning Prayer sessions on Facebook during the Covid outbreak.
Linda Meyers
April 23, 2024
So very sorry for your loss. I have great memories of your husband/dad from growing up. Thinking of you all
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