Alvin W. Spencer

Alvin W. Spencer

Beloved father of 2, grandfather of 5 and friend to many passed away in February 2017

Al was born to Lester and Lola Spencer in French Camp, California in June 1937. After the war, Al’s family moved from Stockton to North Hollywood, CA. Al attended elementary school through high school there and graduated with honors from North Hollywood High School. Al proudly served for 2 years in the US Navy. Following that, he attended San Jose State College where he graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Education. Two years later, he completed his Master’s Degree in Industrial Arts. After teaching at his Alma Mater for a couple of years, Al travelled through Italy, Spain and France studying architecture. Thus began his love of travel.

In August, 1967 he and the former Ruth Fedje were married. In addition to teaching at SJSU, Al began teaching at a junior college in the evenings. He also managed an 8 unit apartment complex. Their first child, Robyn, was born in October 1969. The family moved to Sherman Oaks, CA and Al was employed by Beverly Hills Unified School District. He enjoyed teaching Creative Woods, Jewelry and Photography. Three years later their second daughter, Nicole, was born in January. In 1987, Carina joined the family as an exchange student from Germany. While Al taught at BHHS, he also obtained his real estate broker’s license and opened his own real estate company, Spencer Realty. He continued with real estate after he retired from teaching in 1997.

While he was working and raising his daughters, Al found time for his many hobbies including restoring his 1940 Ford Woody, woodworking, photography, sailing, skiing and traveling. Al was a member of the Valley V-8 Antique car club and he enjoyed many meets and trips with his family. Al was also an active member of the Little Brown Church. He shared his love of tent camping with his daughters and then planned amazing RV trips and drove his family to almost every state. Later, he resumed travelling internationally.

After Al retired and moved to Murrieta, California. He continued to add new hobbies and to make an impact on his community. He and Ruth were divorced, but Al’s family continued to grow with grandchildren and close friends. His numerous friends knew Al for his friendly, generous, helpful and kind spirit. He valued his involvement in the photography, wine and tai chi clubs. He competed in horseshoes, bocce ball, and shuffleboard and enjoyed music and theater outings.

Al is survived by his two daughters, Robyn and Nikki; 5 grandchildren, Martina, Reed, Evelyn, Bella and Savannah; his 2 sisters, Betty and Irene; the mother of his children, Ruth and a wide circle of friends. Al will be laid to rest at the Riverside National Cemetery and he will be loved and missed forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the following charities:

American Heart Association
https://donatenow.heart.org

National Parks Foundation
https://www.nationalparks.org

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