Carl George Spencer

George Spencer, 91, died peacefully early on Sunday, November 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 (Will), 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 University, 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 re-construction 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 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 the Knights. And right to the end he enjoyed playing cribbage with his children and grandchildren.

George was a kind, humble, patient, talented man who was loved by many and will be missed by all. The family wishes to thank the staff at Seasons Brantford, Lifeguard Homecare, and the staff of the Brantford General Hospital for their care of George in his final months.

Visitation will take place on Monday, November 20, 2023, 2 – 4 pm and 7 – 9 pm at "THORPE BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME" (96 West St). Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at St Basil’s Church (50 Palace St). In remembering George, donations can be made to Canadian Food for Children or Catholic Missions in Canada.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thorpebrothersfh.com.