George Spencer, 91, died peacefully early on Nov. 5, 2023, at the Brantford General Hospital after a short illness. He is survived by sisters, Jean, Pauline (Al), and Sylvia; as well as his daughter, Nancy (John Mark); and sons, Christopher (Tracey) and Michael (Debbie); his grandchildren, David (Chelsea), Robert (Stella), Martin (Katrina), Adele (Donny), Elyse (Bryn), Patrick, Michelle (Jacob), Conor, Sophia, Charlotte, Evan, James, and Colin; and his great-grandchildren, Stephen, Felix, Zachary, Rhys, Cian, and Eleanor. He will be missed by his son-in-law, Guy Morency; daughter-in-law, Kim Flanagan; and brother-in-law, Ed Raco. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Rita Cremasco (d. 2019) and his children, Mark (d. 2012) and Paula (d. 2018), as well as his sisters, Mildred and Doreen.
George was born to Edith Comeau and Percy Spencer on July 1, 1932, in Weymouth, Nova Scotia. His early years were spent in Nova Scotia, and he was always proud of his Nova Scotia and Acadian roots. The family moved to Owen Sound in the 1940s, and George attended OSCVI before heading to Kingston to enrol in Civil Engineering at Queen’s, graduating in 1956. He worked for the Department of Highways (Ontario) until 1966, when he became the county engineer for Brant County. He would serve the county with distinction for 25 years until his retirement in 1991. During his tenure as county engineer, he oversaw the construction or reconstruction of all the major bridges over the Grand River in Brant County, with the last of these bridges being named in his honour.
Until his later years, George was an active member of St. Basil’s Church, serving for many years as the unofficial building manager. He was a life-time member of the Knights of Columbus. In his working life he was a member of the Rotary Club, served on the board of the Boys and Girls Club, and sat on the board of governors for St. John’s College. He loved to play cards and enjoyed many happy afternoons and evenings playing bridge with his neighbourhood foursome as well as at the Beckett Centre and Knights of Columbus. And, right to the end, he enjoyed playing cribbage with his children and grandchildren.
George was a kind, smart, humble, patient, and talented man, who was loved by many and will be missed by all.