John Spencer

JOHN FRANCIS THEODORE (Frank) SPENCER passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, May 23, 2010 at the age of 88 years. He is the loving father of Carla (Nels) Anderson, Catherine (Ronn) Quinton, Margaret (Richard) Powell, John (Carole) Spencer, Jane (Kevin) O'Brien, and Hugh (Helen) Spencer. He also leaves many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. As well, Frank is survived by his brother, Geoffrey (Betty) Spencer and his sisters: Amy Hatch, Margreta Spencer, and Esther Orchard. He was predeceased by his parents John Arthur and Olga Spencer, his wife Dorothy Higgins Spencer, his former wife Lila Bennett Spencer Huber, his sister Louise Cahoon, grandson Clayton O'Brien and great-grandson Eric Kilistoff. Frank was born January 18, 1922 in Magrath, Alberta. He had a fine, bright mind and a photographic memory. This served him well as he studied in the Magrath school system where he earned an entrance scholarship to Olds Agricultural School. His studies were interrupted by World War II and he enlisted first in the army, then the air force, serving as a navigational instructor. Near the end of the war, he married Lila Bennett and together they raised six children. During their marriage, Frank earned a B.Sc. (Agriculture) from the University of Alberta, and an M.Sc. and Ph.D from the University of Saskatchewan. He became a research microbiologist, working for many years at the Prairie Regional Laboratory of the National Research Council in Saskatoon and then at Goldsmith's College in London, England and PROIMI in Tucuman, Argentina. He is the author of over 200 scholarly papers and numerous books, the last 3 published in 2004. Perhaps his best known academic writing was the entry on yeasts found in the Canadian Encyclopedia. (www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com) He is renowned for his substantial contributions to the field of yeast taxonomy and genetics. In addition to his achievements in science, Frank had a keen interest in music, the arts and politics, believing that scientific knowledge and discovery were relevant to all areas of society. He also enjoyed working with his hands and built many things including a cedar canoe and several period instruments such as harpsichords, clavichords and spinets. In 2006 ill health forced Frank to move to Lethbridge, Alberta where he could be close to family. He lived at the Good Samaritan Society West Highland Centre and developed a close friendship with Lorraine Nickel, his constant companion during his last years. Frank will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues. He also leaves many dear friends in Argentina, especially Eric and Norma Fengler, who supported him through difficult times. All will mourn his loss. Our thanks to the caring staff at West Highlands and to the compassionate nurses and doctors at Chinook Regional Hospital. A Memorial Service in Frank's honour will be held on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at GENERATIONS FUNERAL HOME, 703-13 Street North, Lethbridge.

Service Information