It is with sadness, as well as gratitude, that we acknowledge the life of John-Fife Spencer, second son of the late Col. and Mrs. Victor Spencer of West Vancouver. John was born on March 6, 1927 at Aberthau, the Spencer family home on Trimble St. Vancouver, now known as a the Aberthau Cultural Centre.
John-Fife died in Delta Hospital on March 3, 2008. He succumbed to cancer after a brave struggle during which he was tirelessly supported by his constantly caring family.
John is survived by Hazel Atkinson, his loving wife of 52 years, and his beloved children upon whom he doted. They are Barbara Anne ( Peter Wardell), Sydney Victoria (Don Cuthill), John Fife Randolph, Christopher Tait (Mariko), as well as Anne and Tait Cuthill, his wonderful and much loved grandchildren. John is also survived by his two remaining sisters Barbara Ellen Bruce of Kelowna B.C, and Diana M. Dyer of Ottawa as well as his brother Victor Vance Spencer of Kelowna, BC.
As a young bachelor John served on the flying crew and traveled around the world with the sales staff of Bristol Airways. Some of John’s best stories came from his days working on an outback cattle station in Australia. Following this he took an interest in his father’s cattle ranches and worked at the Douglas Lake Cattle Company as a cowboy.
When first married, living in Chilliwack, John was on the staff of the Chilliwack Lumber Company until he acquired a picturesque hazelnut orchard along the Hope River in Rosedale where he and Hazel lived for many happy years and raised their family. While his family was young, John served on many committees and foundations in Chilliwack such as the Arts Council, the RCMP Auxiliary and as a Municipal Councilor for many years. The loving atmosphere of the John Spencer family home was always welcoming to family and friends; especially those traveling to and from the Interior.
John-Fife Spencer will be remembered for his great capacity to love and to understand, his respect of his fellow citizen, compassion for others, for his love of children and animals and for his terrific sense of fun and humor.
Family wishes to greatly acknowledge the outstanding care John received at the wonderful Delta Hospital. You all went out of your way to provide only the best care, in particular Dr. Kordic. Thank you.
This wonderful husband, father and true gentleman will be missed.
John’s service will be held in St. David’s Anglican Church at 1115 - 51A Street, Delta, B.C. on March 13 at 1:30 P.M. with Pastor Paul Woehrle officiating. Donations will be welcomed to the Delta Hospital Foundation at 5800 Mountain View Boulevard, Delta, B.C.
Good Bye Dad!