Kenneth Spencer

Ken was the youngest son of the late Leon & Gertrude Spencer.  Although he resided in New Jersey during his life, Ken's family has a deep-rooted ancestry in Southern Vermont, including the towns of Arlington and Sunderland, dating back many generations/centuries to 1768, something which he was always very proud of and connected to.  Ken loved to discuss his family heritage and had an incredible memory, recalling numerous kins' names and interesting stories about their lives.  He had an amazing wealth of knowledge about so many things and was a true raconteur. 

Ken graduated from Wesleyan University, where he made many lasting friendships and was an avid soccer (and squash) player.  He went on to proudly serve in the United States Army and revered the men of K Company, Cold War Veterans.  He was often seen donning his "Cold War Veteran" cap, which he wore proudly.  For recreation, Ken enjoyed reading books of all sorts, crossword puzzles, playing golf and watching old western movies, his favorite being "Support Your Local Sheriff."

Remarkably bright & self-made, Ken possessed a keen entrepreneurial spirit, starting his own pension administration business and establishing two successful companies (Northeast Administrators & Mid Atlantic Pension Services) during his career.

Ken was the rock of his family, unconditionally solid and dependable.  He deeply cherished and protected those he loved right up until his final days.  He is survived by his wife, Meredith Spencer, his six children, Douglas Spencer, Amy Spencer, Jennifer Lyons, Matthew Spencer, Katherine Shoemaker and Lauren Vocke, and their respective spouses, Alison Spencer, Jacob Shoemaker and Phillip Vocke, his five grandchildren, Ana and Paul Spencer, Jack Lyons, Alasdair Shoemaker and Emelia Vocke, three step-children, Tara Cooper, Lincoln O'Hare and Thomas O'Hare and their children, and his brother Reid Canfield Spencer and Reid's children and grandchildren, all of whom he adored and took great pride in.  Ken loved his family intensely and his devotion to them was unwavering, as is their love and admiration for him.  The greatness of his love remains with his family members and will persevere for the entirety of their lives. We love you too, Dad.

Ken was an artist and a creator at heart.  He enjoyed playing the guitar and banjo and singing a joyful and sometimes silly tune.  He had a wonderful sense of humor.  Ken was also a piano virtuoso, delighting his family and friends with this talent up until days before he passed.  He was an incredibly clever and well-read individual and a gifted and prolific wordsmith, composing poetry throughout his life and publishing several books of that poetry.  These are priceless treasures to those he has left behind.  Please enjoy a few of his brief and lovely poems on behalf of his family.  He is gravely missed but reading his beautiful verses brings much comfort.

The Three Legged Cat

Once there was a young lad

with a baseball bat

a ball and hat

Then there was an old man

with a cane and hat

and a three legged cat

And in between the lad and man

a jar of laughs and a jug of tears

and a basket full of torn up years

Dawn

The beauty of the morning comes silent

And soft through flesh and bone,

To touch the soul.

It is the child's time.

It is the old man's time.

Ask for no meaning from it.

Remember what you will remember,

And feel the sweet agony of your being.