Marc "Marco" David Robb Spencer

Born in Fullerton, California, on December 23, 1968, Marc was an easy going child who grew into a fun, playful, and very independent kid. He had a mischievous streak, balanced by a vivacious and sweet nature that stayed with him throughout his life. He loved fishing and picking huckleberries at his family cabin in Warm Lake, Idaho, and spending time with his grandpa in the potato fields. Marc moved around during childhood and spent some formative years in Kansas City, where he enjoyed playing with neighborhood friends.

A natural athlete, Marc began playing golf under the guidance of his grandpa Frankie. He scored a hole in one at 13, played on his high school golf team, and was a member of the Northern Nevada Junior Golf program throughout high school. During his senior year, he proudly represented Northern Nevada at a junior golf tournament in Mexico City.

He graduated from Pepperdine University in 1991 and completed medical school at the University of Nevada in 1997. Along the way, he was also the lead singer of a local college band called Silk Iglu, playing music with close friends who shared his love of music and mischief. He completed his family medicine residency at the University of Colorado’s Swedish Medical Center in 2000, beginning a career that would come to define him just as much as his kindness did.

As a physician, Marc was deeply loved by his patients. He listened carefully, explained thoroughly, and genuinely wanted to understand what was going on, not just medically, but humanly. His dedication earned him recognition as one of U.S. News and World Report’s Top Doctors, nominated by patients for his listening skills, explanations, thoroughness, and exceptional bedside manner. To many, he was not just their doctor, but someone who made them feel truly seen and heard.

Outside of work, Marc’s heart belonged to his Vizslas and his little poodle, who were less like pets and more like children. He loved hiking with his dogs, skiing in Vail, and scuba diving in Belize and Cozumel. Marc also found joy in bird hunting and woodworking, where his patience and creativity came to life through handmade tabletops and Adirondack chairs. Indy, Karma, Halo, and his little Schmavitz preceded him in spirit and are no doubt thrilled to be reunited with their favorite human. Marc will always be remembered for his gentleness, warmth, and quiet kindness, the kind that does not demand attention but leaves a lasting mark.

In the wake of his passing, friends have reached out describing Marc as brilliant, smart, charismatic, relatable, honest, and deeply caring. He was remembered as a bright light whose smile and warmth could light up any room, a blessing to those who knew him and, by popular agreement, “the life of the office parties.” In fact, one favorite tidbit revealed Marc was banned from the music room — apparently there’s only so much rock music an office can handle.

Marc was preceded in death by his grandparents, aunts and uncle, and his beloved Vizsla companions. He is survived by his mother, Lennie; his father, Dave; his sister, Darci (Curt); his nephew, Jake; his nieces, Julia and Olivia; his great nephew, Casey; his loving dog, Cheeky; and many beloved relatives and friends.

A celebration of Marc’s life will be held at a future date. Until then, those who knew and loved him are invited to remember him with a smile, a good story, a moment of listening, or maybe even a walk with a dog, something Marco would have appreciated.