Charles Edward Spencer Obituary

Spencer, Charles Edward “Charlie”
Passed away at Riverview Manor in Peterborough, Ontario on Wednesday August 3, 2016. Formerly of Elliot Lake, Ontario, Charlie moved to Peterborough to be closer to his family in 2011. Charles leaves his beloved daughter Cathy, his sister-in-law Pat Spencer of Huntsville, brother-in-law Phil Nimmons of Thornhill, as well as his cousin Marg Wiegand (Ross) of Peterborough, nieces and nephews. Son of the late Esther and Fred Spencer, Charles was predeceased by his 2 sons, Andrew and Donald, as well as his sister Noreen and brother Bob. Charles was the beloved husband of the late Mary MacDonald, mother of his children and was also predeceased in 2014 by his wife Charlene (Lee) Weber of Elliot Lake. Born in Jacksonville, Florida on October 21, 1930, Charles grew up in Wallaceburg and Huntsville, Ontario. He was a life-long learner, with wide interests, including CB Radio VA3SPN. First in the Great Lakes, then world-wide, Charlie spent 2 years at sea working in the engine rooms, and earning his 4th class marine engineering papers in 1951. He wrote: “funny how I like the dip and roll of the boat, the smell of hot oil and steam”. Charlie became a stationary engineer and spent the bulk of his working life with mining machinery across Canada, including a stint in Yellowknife where he also earned his Journeyman Electrician papers in 1971. In 1982, he added a diploma in Business Admin. from Wilfred Laurier University to his list of accomplishments. Charles retired in 1987 from the engine rooms of Scarborough General Hospital. He and son Andrew retired to Elliot Lake where they both could enjoy their love of nature. In Elliot Lake, Charles was a member of Faith Lutheran Church. The caring staff at Riverview Manor enjoyed his sense of humour and the fact that he was “always a gentleman”. He never lost those attributes, seeming to accept without depression, the ravages of Parkinson’s. However, he also never lost the ability to “escape” whatever safety procedures they put in place for him.- “keeping them on their toes,” with a twinkle in his eye. As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. A graveside commital service will be held at Woodlands Cemetery in Elliot Lake on Friday August 19, 2016 at 11 am. The Rev. Henk Willems officiating.