Leonard William Spence

Leonard (Len) William passed away at home in Regina July 15, 2015. Len was born in Kelso, Saskatchewan on July 26, 1930, the son of Robert and Christie Spence. He is predeceased by his wife Dolores (Dol) Marilyn (nee Gutrath) and his six brothers and sisters (Angus, Don, Gordon, Marge, Marion and Georgina). Len was a long term employee of the Royal Bank of Canada with tenures in Oxbow, Invermay, Conquest, Macklin, Gull Lake & Tisdale. In 1956, Len married Dol, to whom he was devoted until she died in 1979. Dol was a good choice for Len as she was a knowledgeable baseball fan, and scored most of the games played by their sons, Brad and Rod, while Len coached. Len was both an avid sportsman, notably baseball, curling and golf, and a fan - a lifelong supporter of the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Tigers and Saskatchewan Roughriders - and passed his passion on to his boys. Len was active in service organizations and clubs throughout his life, including the Kinsmen, Elks, Probus, Sons of Scotland and the Legion. He remained active, alert and interested in many things, such as taking guitar lessons at 75, and creative writing classes. Len enjoyed travel, most recently to Havana in May. Other notable destinations included an Alaskan cruise, on which he received a black “Original 6” jacket that he wore for the next couple decades, golfing with his brother Don in Scotland, and many trips to watch baseball, from 1972 (Minnesota) to 2013 (World Series at Fenway), but Len would say that the best trip was his last with Dol, in 1978 to see the Padres, Giants, A’s and Mariners. Non sports-related trips also took place where Len’s interest in history was piqued, including England for Brian and Joy’s wedding and on through Europe to France to meet Brad’s future in-laws, the UK and Ireland, the Maritimes (which resulted in a seven week stay in hospital at St. John’s), and two trips last year, first to Georgia and New Orleans with Rod, then to Iceland, Finland, Stockholm and Tallinn with Brad. Len is survived by his sons and their families, Brad (Martine) Daniel & Eric of Ottawa and Rod (Kim) Breanne & Riley of Whitecourt. He will be warmly remembered by his family and friends for his sense of humour and for his passion for sports. A Attendees are invited to wear sports apparel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army.

Arrangements under the direction of Victoria Avenue Funeral Home and Cremation, Regina, SK.