James Covington Spencer known to all his friends as “Jim” died on Monday, June 9, 2014 at the age of 84. Jim and his wife Eva retired to Salt Spring Island in 1990 and began an active volunteer life. Jim was an honorary life member of the Salt Spring Island Sailing Club and was active in various capacities including a term as Commodore. Up until his death, Jim was an active member of the Salt Spring Emergency Program and the Salt Spring Amateur Radio Club (Ham radio). Jim was also a lifetime member of the Salt Spring Island Chamber of Commerce in recognition of his many years of service at the Visitor Information Centre.
Jim was a passionate sailor, Ham radio operator and photographer. He excelled at photos of local birds. He built and raced several sailboats over the years and at one time could be seen travelling around Salt Spring on his motor scooter.
Jim was born in Springside, Saskatchewan. He grew up in Chilliwack and Vancouver B.C. where he graduated from Kitsilano High School and attended UBC. In Vancouver, he worked as a lighting engineer for General Electric for many years and served a term as Chairman of the British Columbia Section of the Illuminating Engineering Society. Later in his career, he and his partners formed Specified Lighting Services and did business in Vancouver and Victoria.
Jim leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Eva Spencer as well as: two sons, Brian (Carrie) and Steven (Melanie); five grandchildren, Hayley (Paul), David (Krista), Adam, Timothy, and Jamie; and his big sister Patricia Brandlmayr, nieces and nephews.
A reception for Jim’s friends and family will be held at the Salt Spring Island Public Library, 129 McPhillips Avenue in Ganges on Sunday, July 6 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Tributes in Jim’s honour may be sent to Lady Minto Hospital Foundation www.ladymintofoundation.com