Robert Spencer

MECHANIC FALLS – Robert Spencer passed on at Clover Manor on Dec. 11, 2023 after a progressively debilitating course of dementia. Robert was born on Oct. 13, 1934 to Ralph C Spencer Sr and Ruth Sawyer Spencer, as he would like to tell it, on the corner of Minot Ave and Hotel Road, Auburn on the way to the hospital.

Robert was educated in the Auburn School System. He enjoyed fishing as a boy and was, at least once, picked-up by the truant officer skipping school to drown some worms with his pals. He graduated from ELHS in 1952. He went on to enlist in the Navy that same year, serving four years as a sonarman. At the time of discharge from the Navy, he had earned both National Defense Service and Good Conduct Medals.

Bob married the love of his life, Evelyn Hanscom, on April 27, 1957. Together they had four children, Linda, Ronald, Patricia, and Judith.

After leaving the Navy, he returned to Auburn where he worked as a salesman in several capacities before finding his calling, Real Estate. He opened his first office in the family home, before expanding into a larger office downtown. He was a licensed real estate broker for nearly 20 years before moving to private investing. Anyone who knew Bob, knew he was the go-to guy if you had a real estate question or issue, as he was never shy at offering his advice. Bob was also, what one might consider, an avid “newsie”. No newspaper within his reach was safe from being read from cover-to-cover. He was also a big fan of politics, watching daily news and C-SPAN faithfully.

Bob liked to tell stories of this life and was always very chatty. He had lots of stories and could go on and on for hours. If you saw that Bob was calling you on the phone, you might hesitate to pick up the line unless you had at least 30 minutes to spare. He was also an enthusiastic whistler, telling anyone who asked why he whistled so much, he told them if you whistle, you are always happy! A memorable favorite of his was Rock of Ages.

Robert is survived by his wife of 66 years, Evelyn; his daughter Linda and husband Robert Detwyler of Greer S.C., son Ronald Spencer and his wife Margaret “Peg,” of Casselberry, Fla., daughter Patricia Spencer and her husband Larry Smith Jr of Durham, and daughter Judith Spencer of Auburn; many grandchildren, step grandchildren; great-grandchildren and stepgreat- grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Robert was predeceased by his parents; sister Barbara Simard and brother Ralph C Spencer Jr.

The Spencer family would like to thank the Staff at Clover Manor for their professionalism, helpfulness and kindness shown to both Bob and his family.

A celebration of life will be held at his gravesite at Maple Grove Cemetery in the spring of 2024.