SPENCER, Bert died peacefully in his sleep on August 11, 2007 in Jackman Manor, Aldergrove. Bert was born in Bolton, England in 1916, leaving school at age 14. He volunteered to join the RAF in 1938, anticipating another great European conflict. He served throughout the war with the 241st close-support squadron, first in North Africa and then all through the Italian Campaign. As part of his training as a cook he was sent to Inverness, Scotland where he met Betty, the love of his life. They were married in 1941 and his first son was born in 1943 while he was overseas; his second son was born in 1946 on his return to England. Bert returned to his trade as a journeyman-butcher in his home town, where he was well-known for his cheerful smile and friendly attitude to his many customers and to everyone else he met. During this time, he strongly supported his two sons in their pursuit of higher education - both becoming doctors, one of philosophy and the other in medicine. After he retired at 65, Bert and Betty emigrated from England to join their elder son on a small farm in Aldergrove, BC. Over the next 20 years they became known from Langley, through Aldergrove to Abbotsford for all their volunteer work in these communities. They became Canadian citizens in 1984 and were both proud of their dual nationality. Bert was a loyal supporter of the Canadian Legion and marched in the annual parade in Aldergrove for many years. In 2006 a minor stroke destroyed his sense of balance and forced him first into a wheelchair and then in July into the Jackman Manor nursing home for the rest of his life.
His family would like to acknowledge the loving care he received from all the staff at Jackman Manor, under the inspiring leadership of Amanda Swallow RN; this made Bert's final months so tolerable. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jackman Manor, Aldergrove, BC.
"A full life, lived well, by a man who always put his family first. He will be long remembered by his family, relatives and friends."