David Irvin Spence, Warrant Officer C.D. and C.L.A.S.P. – F.W. 1934-2012, of St. Croix, Hants Co., passed away on Friday, August 24, 2012, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 17, 1934, in St. Croix, Hants County, Nova Scotia, he was the son of the late William Hudson Fraser Spence and Anne Mary (Comeau) Spence-Cooper. David joined the Royal Canadian Navy and served for 25 years. He returned to “civie” street for two years and then started work with the Federal Government for the next thirteen years. David then decided it was time to tend his gardens and mow the grass. David loved all sports and played most. He was a member of the old Valley Hockey League (Windsor Maple Leafs) and the Stadacona Sailors (AFSHL) and was a fine ten pin bowler. He loved to walk and had thousands of miles and numerous worn out sneakers to prove the point. The obelisks displayed in his front yard were a great source of entertainment for the community and allowed his wonderful sense of humor to shine. David will always be remembered as a loving and generous Dad, Grampie and Spouse. He will be forever in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him. David is survived by the love of his life and precious soul mate of 26 years, the former Doris Sexton; son, David Spence Jr., Wolfville; daughters, Barbie (Reid) MacLean, Porters Lake; Crystal Spence (Ron Mayhew), Lakelands; grandchildren, Jason Swinamer; Clarissa and Kelsie Spence; Virginia and Lee Spence; step granddaughter, Mischaela Richter; great-grandson, Spence Casey MacDougall; sisters, Eleanor Dunbrack, Mona Shortt, and Rose Hodder (Jake Frizzel), all of Windsor; half brother, Barry Spence (Judith Curtis), in Russia; step children, Alan (Daphne) Sexton, Ottawa, Ont.; Shawn (Nanette) Sexton, Wedgeport; Wade (Andrea) Sexton, Fort McMurray, Atla.; Adam (Tonette) Sexton, Brooklyn; and Angie Chambers, Falmouth; step grandchildren, Michael (Jen), Patrick, Daniel, Shane, Zachary, Tasha, Myles, Dakota, and Mattea Sexton; Lucas and Colin Chambers; also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Norman Comeau; nieces, Kimberly-Ann, Sheri and Cassandra; brother-in-law, Roy Dunbrack. Thanks is extended to Jim Sanford, Jeff, Shawn, Angie, Ralph, Donna, and Doris gets a thousand extra thanks, for her dedicated nursing care, so David could remain at home. Also special thanks to sister, Eleanor for the endless supply of meals. Visitation will be held 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, August 28, in Lindsay’s Windsor Funeral Home, 194 King Street, Windsor.
Memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 29, 2012, at the Royal Canadian Legion Building, (Upper Level), 40 Empire Lane, Windsor, with the Rev. Terry Coldwell officiating. Interment was held at a later date. At David request, the service will be casual dress, “No Ties”. Immediate family flowers only, donations in memory of David may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion, the Ste. Croix United Church or to a charity of one’s choice. Add your condolences, click on Sign Guest Book at, www.lindfsaysfuneralhome.com
“ Long may your Big Jib draw ”