Donald F. ‘Spence’ Spencer, 80, a lifelong Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at his home of 78 years.
Spence was born on January 7, 1928 in Sedro-Woolley, the son of Fernon & Rose Yuill Spencer. He was raised and attended school in Sedro-Woolley, graduating from Sedro-Woolley High School with the class of 1946 and then attended Skagit Valley Community College in Mount Vernon.
Spence worked at the Cascade Frozen Foods Cannery in Burlington for several years before beginning a 37 year career with Twin City Frozen Foods in Stanwood, working as the package material coordinator until his retirement in 1993 where he made many special friendships.
He was an avid reader, he would read five newspapers a day, the New York Times, the Seattle Times, and the Bellingham, Everett and Skagit Valley Heralds; he also enjoyed gardening, gourmet foods, wine, good single malt scotch and fine cigars. Spence had a wonderful sense of humor and he enjoyed people. He also enjoyed listening to jazz on KPLU and adored his cats.
He is survived by his sister, Doreen Spencer of Sedro-Woolley; his beloved cats, Linus and Snoopy, special friends, Edward & Loretta Braden of Anchorage, Alaska and many other work associates and friends.
Spence was preceded in death by his father, Fernon Spencer on August 5, 1943 and his mother Rose Spencer on June 19, 1980.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. A private scattering of his ashes along with some of his favorite scotch, cigars, and chocolate will take place at a later date. Memorials are suggested to United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley or the Humane Society of Skagit County.
I took over looking for this family from my dad after he passed away (1998) . My dad Stanley “Larry” Scoles was a cousin to Donald. and his mother (Maxine) was Fernon’s sister. My Dad never knew his mother or his mothers family. My dad did say he was working at a canary in Skagit Co. when he was young and a young guy he worked with mentioned that they were cousins. Donald must have been that young man. So just leaving a note to whomever may see this.