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Clyde Spencer

April 15, 2024

With hearts heavy with sadness we announce the unexpected death of Alexander “Clyde” Spencer.  Clyde passed on Monday, April 15th, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Hospice of London, with the comfort of family by his side.  Clyde, who would have turned 70 in July, was married to Phyllis (née Hodgins) Spencer for 46 years.  Together they had three children; Heather Spencer Grim (Shawn) of Dorchester, Greg Spencer of Peterborough and Jenny Spencer of London.  He was a proud grandfather to Michaela and Hannah Grim.

Clyde is survived by his sister Joan Clark (Ted) of London. He is predeceased by his dear brothers Alan of St. Clair Beach and Stan of Toronto.  Sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews will all miss Clyde as a much-loved member of the family.

Clyde was a 34-year employee of Bell Canada.  He loved family life and barbecuing, yard work and relaxing on the back deck.  In the winter Clyde enjoyed downhill skiing and especially loved being a Track 3 instructor for skiers with disabilities.  He travelled regularly, and spent a week in Mexico last month with his entire family.  Clyde was loved and appreciated by so many, and we are immensely grateful for his kind and calm life.

We would like to thank the neurosurgery staff at University Hospital and the kind caregivers at St. Joseph’s Hospice of London for the intellect and helping spirit they brought to their work with Clyde.

Clyde’s visitation will be held on Saturday, April 27 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at Northview Funeral Chapel, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, London where the memorial service will be conducted on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Clyde are asked to consider PHSS Medical and Complex Care in Community in London, or simply do one extra kindness in Clyde’s name.

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Phyllis and family so sorry to hear of Clydes passing. Our hearts go out to you. His presence in the neighbourhood will be missed by all who knew him. Rob and Wendy Gray

~ Clyde Spencer

A donation has been made. Message from the donator: So sorry for your loss. We have known your family since 1977 when we moved to London and our "kids" went to school together. We remember the backyard fireworks especially and I always met Clyde walking on Jennifer where we would reminisce for over ten minutes!

~ Danuta and John Kanakos

Sending all our love to you, Phyllis, Heather, Greg, and Jenny. Phyllis, you and Clyde are a special pair- strong, family loving, caring, and, well, memorable. Clyde’s smile, your home, your circle of family… We hope you can hold on to and cherish those special moments and memories and to each other tightly. On our wedding day you were on your Australian adventure - one of many adventures together. Special times. The Mexico photos are amazing and you are in our thoughts.

~ Nancy and John Griffiths

Phyllis and Heather I'm sorry very sorry to hear of Clyde's passing. My deepest condolences go to both of you and your family. It will be a difficult time but always keep him in your conversations and think of all of wonderful memories you all had together. Take care.

~ Sheelah Chelchowski

My deepest condolences to Clyde's family. I worked with Clyde as a cable repair tech. and was on the health & safety committee with him for over A decade, we shared many laughs driving back and forth from Chatham every month and taking the train to Toronto for OCC. A true gentleman who never said a bad thing about anyone. You will be missed my old friend.

~ Paul Couvion

A donation has been made to PHSS Foundation. Message from the donator: My heartfelt sympathies go out to Phyllis, Heather, and your entire family during this difficult time. Please know that you are in my thoughts, and if there's anything I can do to support you, please don't hesitate to reach out.

~ Jonathan Pisarczyk

Clyde and I were first cousins. Although we had not kept in regular contact since our early years. I still remember playing with Clyde at the Spencer home on Victoria Street, as Clyde was older than me, we went our separate ways when it was time for high school. After university, I moved to Toronto then to Victoria, BC. My mother was a Spencer. One time when Nancy and I were back in London on a visit, we had lunch with Joan and Ted Clark (Clyde’s sister) where the idea of a Spencer family reunion was conceived. Clyde was one of nineteen grandchildren of Major General Alexander Charles Spencer and Barbara Ross Spencer. With a lot of help from Clyde’s daughter Heather, a Spencer reunion was held at Spencer Hall. A great time was had by all, including grandchildren, great grandchildren and a couple of great-great grandchildren of A C Spencer’s. Phyllis, Heather, Greg and of course Jenny, please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of your husband and father. Jeffery and Nancy Moses Victoria, BC

~ Clyde Spencer

A donation has been made to PHSS Medical & Complex Care in Community. Message from the donator: Heather & Family, I am so very sorry for your family's loss. I never met Mr. Spencer but, through knowing Heather since UWO, I can tell he was a great father who valued hard work, honest, integrity and taking care of his family. Fathers with those qualities are rare and obviously will be missed. My family's prayers to yours during this difficult time. Donation made in lieu of flowers as per family request. ~ Sauro Family

~ Michael Sauro

I knew Clyde many, many years ago - just after I first moved to London (1971). I even remember when he and Phyllis were planning their marriage. However, after my then boyfriend and I split up, I lost track of Clyde and Phyllis, and, literally, have not seen them since. I wish that I had managed to stay in contact, as they were two of the warmest, most genuine and sincere people it has ever been my privilege to know, even though my "knowledge" of them was so limited. I gather that something happened, very quickly, and unexpectedly, which makes me even sorrier that I did not maintain the contact or the friendship - it is, for a certainty, not only my loss, but a pronounced loss for all who knew them. I truly hope that Phyllis and her family can take some comfort in the knowledge that others, too, will be grieving Clyde's loss. Valerie

~ Valerie M'Garry


Clyde will be missed. He has been a part of our story since the beginning. Phyllis and Clyde were supporters of my move to Australia and getting permission to immigrate. Clyde coached Andrew in downhill skiing and always had a laugh and a story to share when we caught up. We are so happy that we were able to catch up with Phyllis and Clyde in December. The stories will continue in memory of Clyde and his impact. The photo is in 2006.

~ Kerry Silverson and Andrew Marston

Sending my love and support during this difficult time Phyllis, Heather and family. I am so glad you had a wonderful family trip this year and took such beautiful photos. May those memories be forever captured and held close to your heart.

~ Ashlee Hall

My deep condolences to Phyllis, Heather, and your family. I came to know Clyde through you both as a loving, caring, father and husband. You'll miss him so very much. May those many bright and touching memories help you through.

~ Stephanie Sykes

Condolences to Phyllis, Heather, Greg, Jenny and all of Clyde’s family. Clyde was a friend to the entire journalism class of 1991 at Western University. He was so supportive of Phyllis and all the rest of us in that class. I enjoyed every conversation with Clyde over the years. He will be missed.

~ Derek Carlisle

My condolences to Clyde's family at this sad news. I worked with Clyde for many years and always found him to be a generous and humorous man. I always enjoyed his company. The world has lost a true gentleman.

~ roger partridge

My sincere condolences to Clyde's family. I went to public school with Clyde and regard him as an old friend. Your description of him is totally in keeping with the Clyde I knew in the 1960's. He was always a good person.

~ Peter Downe

Phyllis Jenny Heather and Greg I’m so sorry for the loss of Clyde he being the best ski instructor for Kurtis for 15 years ago at Boler mountain thinking of you loss of him Dr. Reverend Kurtis Finkbeiner

~ Kurtis Finkbeiner

Services for Clyde Spencer

Visitation will be held at:
Northview Funeral Chapel
1490 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario

April 27, 2024 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Visitation will be held at:
Northview Funeral Chapel
1490 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario

April 28, 2024 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

Memorial Service will be held at:
Northview Funeral Chapel
1490 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario

April 28, 2024 1:00 pm

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