Robert Edward Spence

Robert Edward Spence, 75, a loving husband, father and grandfather passed away on June 8, 2014 surrounded by his family. He was born October 19, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan to Edward and Elizabeth Spence. Bob earned the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 14 and graduated from Detroit’s Cooley High School in 1956. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial management from Lawrence Institute of Technology in Southfield Michigan in 1961. He was also elected to the prestigious “Who’s Who in American Colleges” national publication. After graduation he worked for the Cadillac division of General Motors in their college graduate-in-training program. In 1967, at the young age of 29, he was offered management of the Buick dealership in Bowling Green, Ohio. From there, he bought the Buick dealership in Toledo, Ohio in 1971 establishing that business with his brother, Donald Spence. Ready for a change, he sold the dealership in 1974 and moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Being an astute businessman, Bob started a business called Solid Surf, constructing skateboard parks in various parts of the country. His initial park in Ft Lauderdale was the first one of its type in the United States. Because of the success of those parks, he was offered ownership of a company called “Water Coasters” which had five giant water slides in Florida and Texas. Along with the help of his entire family, he operated the water slides until 1989. His final business venture, Prestige Toys was created in 1990. He owned and operated this yacht and European car brokerage for the past 24 years until his recent retirement.

Mr. Spence is survived by Darlene, his loving wife of 36 years. He is also survived by his beloved brother Donald (Sandy) Spence of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, his beloved children Laurie (Bill) Hahn of Chicago, IL, Michael (Lisa) Spence of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Patrick (Kelly) Spence of Columbus, OH, beloved stepdaughter Diane Bruni, and stepson David Endrizal. He also leaves grandchildren Kelly and Lindsey Hahn, Jackie and Kevin Spence, Bailey Spence and Anthony Bruni to cherish his memory.

Family will receive friends from 1pm to 3pm, June 26, 2014, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 2401 Davie Rd., Davie, FL 33317. There will be a memorial service for Bob at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bob’s memory to Vitas Hospice or the charity of your choice. Visit www.forestlawnsouth.com for more information.

Arrangements under the direction of Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Fort Lauderdale, FL.