Aubrey George Spence

Celebrating the Life of Aubrey George Spence (DAD), “The Patriarch of The Spence Family”. Aubrey George Spence Aka “Aubs”, was born in Smithfield, Westmoreland, Jamaica, West Indies, On June 27, 1922. Dad was the first of 12 children with two exceptional parents, The Late George

Hutchinson Scott Spence and Lillian Spence. He was employed by the West Indies Sugar Company as an Overseer, following his father and all but one brother who was The Bishop Of Kingston until he passed on. He relocated with his family to Kingston, Jamaica in 1963. He migrated to New York with his family in 1966.

Dad met mom in 1940 at her church, purely by accident. Dad’s sister Daphney, attended mom’s church with her aunt as a visitor. She accidentally met mom there and they became close friends. Dad visited the church one evening to meet with his sister, who casually introduced mom. Dad quickly connected to mom and a serious relationship ensued. You need to understand, dad was mom’s first and only partner and best friend since they met in 1940. Dad and Mom got married January 29, 1942 and remained a faithful partner partnership from the day they met until the Legendary words came to Pass---“Until Death Do Us Part” Dad loved his family and always went far above and beyond for his wife, children and his friends. It was always important for him to be the best father ever and he was exactly that to his children.

•After his retirement from Sims as a Master Tailor, dad spent his days rearing livestock and continuing as a Master Tailor, primarily for his family and friends.

•It was always interesting and entertaining listening to dad’s stories. They were humorous, with a spark of sarcasm and wit. He often recounted his memories of him and his siblings and his trips by horse drown buggy to and from his dad’s farm mansion. One of his favorite quotes “Life was fun when he and his brother Reginald drove in the buggy from the family home to the Farm Mansion.

•Dad’s death was anticipated, since he was 93 years old and lived a long and pleasant life. He was a phenomenal husband and father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, who will be greatly missed. Below is a short story from each child about dad’s relationship with his kids.

•Linford R. Spence—1st. child Dad gave of himself totally on behalf of his kids without regard for his own regard for his own welfare. My memory is clear even now, regarding the items dad brought from America for me when I was about 7 years old. I can even now recall how excited I was when he gave me a pair of High-Top Boots, which were a full size larger for my very thin frame. I remembered politely saying to mom—These boots and clothing are too large for me, I love them but cannot wear them, I remarked. Dad overheard me and firmly responded; Son, you will wear them and grow into them eventually. From that moment, I learned to accept gifts from dad with happiness, gratitude regardless of my personal dissatisfaction. My wife and I took mom and dad on a cruise to the Bahamas which they thoroughly enjoyed. My wife Claudia and I never forget the joy expressed on their faces when we often took them to their favorite restaurants where they normally enjoy the meal and atmosphere to the Nth. degree.

•Joan E. Taylor---2nd. Child(female) therefore she was especially spoiled by mom, grandparents, aunts and in particular Dad, who considered his first daughter his little princess. Every spent every free moment with his princess and me and we enjoyed every minute of it. Obviously Joan got the special attention. As Joan became an adult, her relationship with dad only grew stronger, then she became very ill, therefore that brought them closer and they spent a significant amount of time at Joan’s home. Even after Joan became very ill and was unable to physically help mom and dad, she continued to have them over, not to assist her, but rather to have her parents close to her to receive as well as give emotional support and comfort. Joan would have Ron do for her parents physical chores she could no longer do, and she even with her disability always provided not only dad and mom but often her siblings the calm rational process to resolve issues.

•Caple---As the 3rd. child was given equal love and affection by dad. Dad’s philosophy was to be equally fair to all his kids and being the 1st. child I can confirm with certainty the accuracy of this statement. Caple and Cons often invited dad and mom to their home in Long Island but dad was not too interested in travelling. However they finally convinced mom who in turn convince dad to get away for a while. Off they went to New York. Much to our pleasant surprise, dad reported that he had the most wonderful time. Of all the sights and scenes he saw, he mostly enjoyed the opportunity to reminisce by returning to New York where he first lived, upon arrival from Jamaica in the 60’s. He loved revisiting the New York Garment Industry where he first worked when he arrived in New York as a Master Tailor. Caple and his wife Cons went far beyond the norm, and purchased a home in a lovely Margate community to guarantee the comfort of dad and mom in the later years. Caple not only purchased the home, but maintained it. Beyond his financial generosity, this act reflects the big heart and genuine love Caple and Cons displayed. The family thank you both for the exceptional gift that contributed to the extended health and comfort of dad and mom.

•Roderick---being the 4th. and middle child “Rod” was given special treatment bt dad. What made him special from birth was his close resemblance to his grandfather (Mom’s dad). He therefore got special attention by mom, her sisters, her mom and of course his grandfather. Each day he got home from work, he would quickly seek out his baby Rod just to hold him, give him that love and comfort a child needs from his dad. As an adult, Rod frequently deferred his important appointments and responded to Dad’s demands at anytime. Rod often travelled for over 3 hours from his home to Avon Park to perform chores for dad. During dad’s final year and particularly in his final months and days at his home in Margate, Rod sacrifices his life to be with dad and mom. Rod did practically everything for dad that a nurse would be expected to do. Rod is a great singer, songwriter and his music gave dad much comfort especially during his last days. We thank Rod for his contribution and ask for God’s blessings on him.

•George—Hutch sadly preceded dad on his journey to Jesus. However, we started as a family and we will end as a family. Because Hutch was the last of 4 boys, he learned much from his three older brothers; but dad prepared him to be the man he turned out to be—A hard working, generous and loving family man, which his Chris can attest to. Hutch served as the Protector and as the Guardian Angel to our parents. During emergency, while in Avon Park, Hutch and his wife Chris were always present to offer the kind of selfless support that only a loving child would provide. Hutch quite often defer his own appointments or other family demands to satisfy the needs of dad and mom. Now George is with the Lord and his loving Dad joined him in a special family reunion with dad’s parents, siblings and his grandson Junior.

•Ethnie--- After our brother Hutch passed, it took some time to relocate dad and mom closer to the siblings. Chris did her best to care for them. As stated above Caple and Cons made it possible for them to relocate closer to the kids. Ethnie to a great part in getting them settled and ensuring that they were comfortable and made their doctor’s appointments as appropriate. If dad or mom was hospitalized, Em was there, even sleeping over with them. Em would literally do anything for dad even if it means sacrificing her own healthcare. Whenever dad was ill, Em would take off from work to take him to the doctor. Em did not miss a step to ensure that she would spend the nights with dad whenever he was hospitalized. Her presence guaranteed that health care provider gave dad the very best treatment. We thank Rod and Em for the exceptional tender care they rendered to dad during his last tender and weak condition. Coming from an impartial sibling, Em is a blessed child and will reap her reward from the Lord.

•Sandra (Pet)---Being the last of 7 kids, her six other siblings, dad and mom as well and aunts, grandparents were always hovering over her. Dad was given little chance to share in the fun when he got home. After Caple and Cons bought the home in Margate, we relocated them from Avon Park (over 250 miles away). At this stage the entire family, except Caple who lives in New York, lived in Broward County. Pet was there every day to see that they, dad and mom were kept comfortable and happy. Thanks to Pet and Tony for the needed support primarily during dad’s severe weakness.

•Beryl---Beryl (an adoption) was a blessing for months when dad and mom moved to Margate. She provided support when the other kids were unable to do so; besides she afforded us a sense of security and peace of mind that dad and mom were safe. We thank you Beryl for your patience, kindness and sacrifice.

Let us celebrate his Life, Honor his memory and reminisce about the good times we all enjoyed together dad. Until we meet again, Rest In Peace. Know that the lessons you imported to us all will remain forever in our hearts. We appreciate and honor the legacy you have left us.

REST IN PEACE OUR BELOVED DAD