Obituary of Robert Leslie Spence

It is with heavy hearts and an easy mind our family announces that Robert Spence is now resting in peace. 

He is survived by his son Les, daughter Kim, grandchildren Amber (Brendon), Lyndsay, Jeromy (Erin), Taylor (Lucas), Arlo, his great-grandchildren Karter, Georgia & Cormack “Meatball” Spence, as well as nieces, nephews and many friends. 

Although known by many as Bob or grandpa putt-putt, for anyone who knew him, knew he had quite the sense of humour! It was never a dull moment and he always had jokes up his sleeves. He lived an incredibly full life… He was a decorated veteran, performed as a gymnast in the Bob Hope show, awarded with a bronze medallion and even inducted into the Royal Order of Elbow Benders back in 1956. His pride and joy was the family cabin at Victoria Beach and he loved cheering on the Winnipeg Jets, the Blue Bombers and the Toronto Blue Jays. He also loved his $3 crossword scratch tickets, the occasional trip to south Beach and of course, Jeanne’s Cakes. It’s not a Spence birthday without one! 

He was such a kind and caring man. Always the first to help whoever needed it and wore his heart on his sleeve. When asked how he was, you can bet it was one of three answers… “oh just tickety-boo”, “still on the green side of the grass” or “the shits, thanks for asking”! But he was always most proud of his family. 

Although on the other side of the grass now, we know he’s watching over us. He will be tremendously missed and forever remembered. “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” – Thomas Campbell