Obituary of Frederick George Spencer

Frederick George Spencer bravely left us on April 4, 2024.  He passed peacefully at his home in Rothesay without suffering and surrounded by his loving wife and “his girls.”

Born on September 22, 1947, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Fred was the proud son of Frederick Gordon and Beryl (nee Edgar) Spencer.

Fred was a rock to his family and a loving husband to Catherine (nee Slattery) Spencer for nearly 49 years.  He was a caring and committed father to Katie (Spencer) Bell, Jessica Spencer (Mike McCrory), and Sarah Spencer (Andrew King).

Fred is survived by his wife and daughters and beloved sisters Margot Doyle, Vicki Porter, and Debbie Ritchie.  Although he is no longer with us, his memory lives on through his adoring grandchildren, Lyla and Jack Spencer Bell, Madeline Elizabeth McCrory, Fredrick James and Oliver Wylam King, as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Fred was predeceased by his sister, Sue.

Fred was one of the good ones.  He was forgiving, kind, always easygoing, generous beyond measure, and a true family man.

A graduate of Rothesay Collegiate School (RCS), Fred worked as a trader on the floor of the Toronto Stock Exchange before returning to Saint John, where he worked as an Investment Advisor and trusted steward for countless clients for more than 50 years with CIBC Wood Gundy.

Fred was a pillar of the community.  He served as a councillor for the municipality of East Riverside Kingshurst, a Member of the Planning Advisory Council of Rothesay, a long-time treasurer of the Parrtown Club, and a Member of the Board at Low Wood Estates.

A passionate golfer and curler, he was known as “Steady Freddy” for his calm and consistent demeanour.  He was an institution at the Riverside Golf and Country Club, having been a member since the age of nine.

Fred will be deeply missed.  He was not a man of many words, but his words resonated.  With that, please carry his parting advice: “Just be kind. Be good people.”

In keeping with Fred’s wishes, a celebration of Fred’s life will be held on May 25, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Riverside Golf and Country Club.  

Fred’s family would like to thank, Dr. Morgan Langille and Dr. James Michael for their care and support during Fred’s illness.

Donations may be made to the Jim Connelly Bursary Fund through the Greater Saint John Community Foundation, the Saint John Boys and Girls Club, the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation, or a charity of the donor’s choice.