Donald Gordon Spencer

February 26, 1950 – November 2, 2025

Donald Gordon Spencer passed away peacefully November 2nd 2025 at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital after a brave battle with dementia. He leaves behind his children Kali Spencer (Andrew Froese), Winnipeg, and David Spencer (Dana Thomas), Mabou, his grandson Miles, his siblings Sheila Spencer, Bedford, Susan McEvoy (Joe), Bedford, and Bruce Spencer (Gina), Fredericton, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He will be remembered for his stories, wit, and his gift for connecting with people.

Don was born February 26, 1950 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, and was raised on Castle Drive, where his late parents Edward and Norma (née MacLeod) nurtured in him and his three younger siblings a deep appreciation for hard work, family, and community.

As a teenager, Don worked at his uncle Carmen MacLeod’s garage, Shipyard Shell, where he cultivated his remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His love for motorcycles began at this time, sparking his keen sense of adventure. In 1968, Don enrolled at St. Francis Xavier’s Sydney Campus, where he gained a lifelong passion for academics and mathematics. He earned a B.Sc. in Physics from Dalhousie University in 1972, a B.Ed. at St. Mary’s University in 1973, and later, an MBA from the University of Regina in 1994.

In the early 1970s, Don taught in Schefferville, Quebec, and the stories and friendships from that time remained close to his heart throughout his life. By the mid 1970s, the pull of the West proved irresistible. Don moved to Calgary, where he began programming National Cash Register computers, helping bridge the gap in office automation. In 1977, he joined RedStar Management Services, a startup that led him to Regina, where he completed programming contracts for municipalities across Saskatchewan before taking a permanent role at SaskTel. It was in Regina that he met Kate, and together they raised their children, Kali and David.

In the early 2000s, Don returned to his true calling – teaching. He taught mathematics, statistics, and calculus at the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST), where he remained until his retirement in 2015.

Don was a skilled sailor, talented waterskier, and an excellent downhill skier. He was deeply proud of his Scottish heritage. He loved his tartan ties, learning new languages, good music, puns, and wordplay. Don was generous, loving, and instinctively kind to all he met – though few remained strangers for long. He was unwavering in his support of those he cared about. He took immense pride in the academic achievements of his siblings, and instilled in his children and students the importance of working hard and trusting your own judgement. Every time we giggle at a pun, correct grammar, learn “hello,” “please,” or “thank you” in a new language, or multiply fractions in our heads, we carry his legacy forward.

Though his work and life took him across Canada, his heart remained in Cape Breton. In 2018, he returned there to be near his son David, spending his later years surrounded by the beauty and community he cherished. He lived those years content and fulfilled.

Per Don’s wishes a funeral service will not be held. A small celebration of life will be held in the spring at the family bungalow in Northside East Bay, the place where Don truly felt at home.

Fois shìorraidh dha anam.

May his soul have eternal peace.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Foyer Père Fiset in Cheticamp, the Inverary Manor in Inverness, and the Inverness Hospital, for their compassionate care.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com