SPENCE, William (Bill) Arthur
March 15, 1921 - October 2, 2015
It is with great sorrow that the family of William (Bill) Arthur Spence announce his passing on Friday October 2nd at the age of 94.
Bill was born on March 15, 1921 to Frank and Edith Spence. The 2nd oldest of seven children, he was married to his loving wife, Caroline for 67 years.
Bill’s greatest love was his family; especially his grandchildren.
Bill was very dedicated to making Kimberley a better place. He had the guts to build North America’s largest free standing cuckoo clock… It still stands today. He had the drive to turn an electric mine train and a couple ore cars into a successful tourist attraction WITH NO MONEY. In his 70’s, he fell off a train tressel and they said he would never walk again… He walked nearly 20 more years. He built one of the first Microwaves, one of the first children sized snowmobiles, not to mention built his own business, Bill’s Radio & TV. He fought through setbacks and challenges and saw each of his projects through. He is considered one of Kimberley’s founding fathers and his footprints will be long visible to Kimberley’s future.
Bill was pre-deceased by his parents, Frank and Edith, two brothers Frank and Lawrence, two sisters Isabel and Doreen.
He is survived by his loving wife Caroline, daughter Melanie Blackwell (Ray), son Regan Spence (Carmon) and grandchildren Bill (Michelle), Caralee (Ty), Michael, Kyle (Heather), Shayna, Cheyenne and great grandchild Adrien. One brother Gary Spence and one sister Edith Garden and numbers nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bill’s celebration of life will be held at Kimberley United Church, on Friday October 9th, at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Kimberley Mining Railway or Kimberley Fire Department.