Obituary: Spencer, Roger Dale

SPENCER, Roger Dale January 8, 1937- September 1, 2014 Roger Dale Spencer passed peacefully in his home with his two sons and faithful dog, literally by his side, on Labor Day 2014.

He was finally reunited with his beloved “Lucky” and wife of 48 years (Barbara Ann Fortner).

They retired in Rathdrum, Idaho, after Roger had a long and successful career with IBM Corporation that lasted 36 years.

Roger was born in Wellsboro, PA, and graduated from Horseheads High, NY in 1954 and then from Alfred State College, NY in 1958, where he studied engineering.

He met and married Barbara Ann Fortner from Rochester, NY in 1961 and they had their first of two sons in 1962, and another in 1964.

They raised their family in San Jose, CA and also overseas in Denmark.

Roger worked internationally with IBM, and had friends in many countries.

He was a truly a man of the world and an itinerant student of culture, history and current events.

His favorite past times were golf, photography, traveling, and sports cars.

He had a penchant for all things mechanical or electrical, hi fi music, furry creatures with four legs, Wild West history and the great American outdoors.

But his real passion was for his bride, Barbara, whom he cared for diligently throughout her entire life.

Roger was preceded in death by his younger brother, Karl; his parents, Floyd and Agnes; his beloved wife, Barbara; and several of his lifelong canine and feline friends whom he cherished.

He is survived by his two sons, Dale and Mark; his two grandsons, Justin and Ryan; his brother in law, Gary Fortner; and also his trusty pug, Murphy.

Roger was a self reliant, self made, modern day “renaissance man” who remains the hardest working, most intelligent, versatile, capable, and generous man we ever knew.

Thank you, Dad… for being.

Our love for you endures beyond this life.

The Spencer family will host a small, private memorial service on Saturday, Sep 27th.

They request that in lieu of flowers, please consider a visit to the Blue Plate Restaurant, in Hayden, which Dad frequented daily (and try the homemade jam), or make a donation to your local humane society.

Yates Funeral home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.