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SPENCER FREDERICK SMITH
Born: May 23, 1963
Date of Passing: Sep 18, 2018
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
SPENCER FREDERICK SMITH It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Spencer, on September 18, 2018, after a bold battle with cancer. He will be forever missed by his loving wife, Sue, of 24 years, and his children, Paige, Garrett, Katie, and Regan. He is survived by his mother Mary and brothers, Sheldon (June), Byron (Leah) and Borden (Karen), as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. Spencer was predeceased by his father Edward. Born on May 23, 1963 in Kerrobert, SK, Spencer grew up alongside his three brothers on the family farm outside of Kindersley, SK. He learned his strong work ethic while working long hours with his father and brothers on the farm. Sports were a major focus of Spencer's life. Summer nights were spent competing for fly balls and grounders from his father's bat. He never went anywhere without his ball glove! Winter days fighting for the puck was where he developed his tenacious attitude. Music was also an important part of Spencer's life. He spent hours practicing the trumpet and piano everyday, happy that it allowed him to miss out on washing the dishes! He further enjoyed writing songs and rocking it out with his brothers in their band, Rood Mood. Spencer attended the University of Saskatchewan and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1985. Feeling the itch to travel while he could, Spencer took his trip of a lifetime to Australia the next winter where he worked on a cattle station and spent most of his days in the saddle. This experience provided countless wonderful memories and some very special lifelong friends. After travelling, Spencer soon began his long, successful and very satisfying career in medical device sales with many years of visiting heart cath labs across the country. His charismatic and trustworthy personality served him well for over 30 years in the industry. Many lasting friendships were created due to his kind and caring manner, his quick wit and his positive attitude. Spencer's true passion in life was horses. As a young adult, Spencer achieved his dream of living on a horse ranch when he established his family home, the Rocking S Ranch, on the edge of Birds Hill Park. He married Sue in 1994, wedding complete with horse and buggy, and they began their wonderful family. With his love of horses, once Spencer was introduced to the sport of polo, it became an integral part of his life; a passion that was unparalleled. As his children grew up with the game and learned to excel in it, Spencer felt especially privileged to play polo alongside them. Annual family polo trips were a valued tradition and from them grew an extended polo family of very special friends. Spencer was an encouraging and supportive father and always spoke of how proud he was of his children. He loved to entertain and had a special way of making people feel welcome and included. He truly loved life and took advantage of every opportunity he had to live out his dreams. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba. Please join us in a Celebration of Life for Spencer on Sunday, September 30, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Church of The Rock, 1397 Buffalo Place, Winnipeg. Condolences can be left at seasonsfunerals.ca
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 22, 2018
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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I have just learned of Spencer's passing via Facebook and the upcoming memorial tournament in his honor. We all have so many good memories...great times, laughter, adventures. I will treasure these memories. Rest in Peace Spencer, my deepest condolences Sue and family. - Posted by: Marilea Sharpe (Friend and mentor) on: Jul 27, 2019
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I just heard of Spencer's passing yesterday. My Dad (John Niziol) and Spencer were friends and colleagues many years ago and I have so many great memories of being at his ranch. Spencer was always so warm and inviting and generous. He taught my brother and I to ride horses, he hosted my 12th birthday party, taking 5 girls out for a trail ride near his place, he even brought a kitten over to our place once for a visit and I remember it made my day. So many wonderful times. My sincere condolences to his wife, children and family. His shining light will be missed. - Posted by: Margeaux Baunemann (Niziol) (Family Friend) on: Dec 01, 2018
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Just heard the news of Spencer's passing. We have known each other for 30 years in the medical sales world. He was always a stand up individual. We were competitors and I always said he was a very respectful and honest person. Always met at meetings, his presence will always be missed. We always talked about family and I regret never getting out to the ranch. Very sad day!! - Posted by: Peter Thomson (Friend in medical sales (Calgary)) on: Oct 31, 2018
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It was always a special day when we would get our visits from Spence in the Heart Cath. Lab at St.Boniface Hospital. It was more like a visit from a close friend, not a rep. After more than 30 years knowing this special guy,he will be greatly missed. Spencer you made a difference in the lives of the patients, and all those that knew and worked with you. Michael Wilson [former Technologist} St.Boniface Hospital - Posted by: Michael Wilson (Friend/coworker) on: Oct 11, 2018
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Sue - so sorry to hear of Spencer's passing, especially for your children. I will be thinking of you and them in the days ahead. Take good care and keep fond remembrances close in your heart. - Posted by: Tara Hawley (friend) on: Oct 01, 2018
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We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Spencer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. With deepest sympathy. Mark, Anita, Aaron, Luke & Travis Horanski - Posted by: Mark & Anita Horanski and sons (Friend ) on: Sep 30, 2018
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It was at the University of Saskatchewan that I first met Spencer. His smile and laugh were contagious. Smart, funny, not a bad bone in his body... he was "one of the boys" ! (but caught many a girl's eye of course). He was one of the few we knew in Manitoba when we moved out here. It was always a great time with Spencer the bachelor, till he was lassoed and hitched to Sue, the love of his life...Garrett, Katie, Regan and Paige blessed him with another beautiful role... Dad. His face lit up whenever he mentioned his wonderful family. One could tell just how much he truly cherished you all. We enjoyed spending time with the family. It was always an exciting outing to visit you as well as the beautiful horses, watch Polo etc. Thank you for the amazing memories! I was honored to spend time with Spencer and his loved ones during his final days. You opened your hearts and lives and let me in on the journey. It was truly beautiful to see how much he meant to you all.... and how much you meant to him! It will be a very difficult void to fill. Hold tight to the memories and keep him in your heart. He is with his dear Dad and many other loved ones now, and has no pain. Praying that God give all who were touched by Spencer, the strength needed to stay on the horse and keep on riding, as he would have wanted. Hugs !!! God Bless! Madelyn (Adam , Jenelle, Jordan and families) - Posted by: Madelyn McConnell (friend) on: Sep 30, 2018
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Dear Sue, It is with great sadness that I have heard from Louis that Spencer passed away. I met Spencer 10 years ago at the funeral of my husband. I was impressed that he travelled all the way from Winnipeg to Sherbrooke . The whole family appreciated it and no wonder Louis spoke very highly about Spencer .He will be missing a great friend . My deepest condoleances to you and your family Denyse Lemay - Posted by: Denyse Lemay (Louis friend ) on: Sep 29, 2018
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He was a wonderful man and friend. Always ready to help anyone in a moments notice. Will be missed at the ranch a lot. To Sue and her children, if there is anything that I can do to help out do not hesitate to let me know. You are in my prayers. - Posted by: Linda Cowell (Friend) on: Sep 29, 2018
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One of a kind. I had the honor & privilege of knowing Spencer. - Posted by: Bill Asham (Friend) on: Sep 28, 2018
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My heart goes out to Sue and their children, someone in their mid 50’s should be thinking about winding down, not battling such an awful disease. Words cannot express the loss you must be feeling, time will be what heals and it will seem to almost stop for a long pause before the feelings fade. Take care of each other during these sad times, so sorry for your loss My family’s condolences Chris Jankowski - Posted by: Chris Jankowski (Friend) on: Sep 26, 2018
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So sorry to hear of your loss Sue and family 😢 So many cherished memories Spencer and your family have left the Polo families of Western Canada. We loved his big smile, incredible sportsmanship and yes, Spencer had the magic touch with the horses 🐎 RIP Massive HUGS & prayers to you Sue and family in the days ahead. XOX - Posted by: Bev Whalen (Friends ) on: Sep 23, 2018
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Spencer got as much out of life as one possibly could during the short time he was here. He had the gas pedal down to the floor the whole time, and now I understand why. He lived life most people dream about. If Spencer had become a movie actor he could of changed his name to Maverick - The fun Guy. One of my favorite memories of Spencer was at Christmas time back in the early 90's. I grew up playing ball and hockey with Spencer so I called Spencer and asked if he and his brothers would want to play the Strachan's in a hockey game on Christmas day. He said, "yes." I said, "well ask your brothers first because it is Christmas and there may be other family plans." He said, "I don't need to, they are in." We created two teams of four with two Smith's and two Strachan's on each team and played what we called the Glidden Christmas Cup. Before the games started, Spencer and I were polishing the trophy thinking that we were both going to own it at the end. It was brother on brother, it was a fierce battle. There was a lot at stake. I never saw any of us try as hard as we did on that day. It was below 25 degrees and you could see our breath even though we were inside the Glidden rink. Spencer and I were on the same team and we ended up being on the losing end, losing 3 games to 0. We were crushed. We couldn't believe we lost since we were the ones that made up the teams, we put my dad (who nicknamed himself "The Vacuum" after that infamous day) on the other team as their goalie so we felt we had the stacked team. When we came back to the dressing room exhausted, the paparazzi had their cameras out and were taking pictures of Spencer and I on the bench. I think it was the closest we ever came to crying after a hockey game. Our bottom lips were on the floor and our tails between our legs. We both had long, lonely drives back to our respective towns. To this day I will be reminded by someone who has seen the photo of Spencer and I on the bench. They always ask why does it look like two grown men with skates on are almost in tears. It still stings. Spencer has left an everlasting legacy for his friends an family. The Smith family is in our thoughts and prayers. Lots of love. - Posted by: Jeff, Michelle, Jack, and Charli Strachan - Los Gatos California (Friend) on: Sep 23, 2018
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Heartfelt thoughts go out to you and your family Sue at this very difficult time. - Posted by: Darlene Ingleson (Friend of Sue Smith ) on: Sep 23, 2018
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Always a nice guy. Good horseman. I also ran into him with our work at St. Boniface Hospital. Wishing Strength of spirit to his remaining loved ones. - Posted by: Marta tataryn (Acquaintance) on: Sep 22, 2018
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So very sorry to learn of Spencer's passing. Condolences to Sue and the children. - Posted by: Gary Walker (Friend) on: Sep 22, 2018
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Had the honor of knowing Spence through Bill's Hill Park ranch....truly a good guy....going to be missed....God bless....our condolences to the Family. - Posted by: Garth Asham (Friend) on: Sep 22, 2018
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Our condolences to Spencer’s family, Mary and the brothers, thinking of you all. Jamie, Sherri and Jerry Flanagan.🙏 Kindersley, Sask. - Posted by: Jamie Flanagan (Friend ) on: Sep 22, 2018