DR. PETER JOHN SPENCER

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DR. PETER JOHN SPENCER

October 20, 1937 - September 8, 2025

Born in Flin Flon to Vera and John Spencer, Peter received his early education there and in Island Falls. He achieved his BA at the University of Saskatchewan, his Master of Education at the University of Manitoba, and his Doctorate from New York University, where his thesis was "The History and Contribution of The Manitoba Theatre Workshop/Prairie Theatre Exchange."

Although he began his working career as an accountant, Peter soon realized that his heart lay in teaching and making an impact on the lives of young people. Early in his time at River East Collegiate he founded the drama program and, over the course of his 14 years at REC, countless students had the opportunity to participate in close-to professional quality productions. Under Peter's tutelage, students were inspired to achieve the highest of standards, both in theatre and in their lives. One highlight of his many productions at River East included what is rumoured to be the 1972 Canadian premiere of Tom Stoppard's "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead".

In 1977 Peter was recruited to the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Education, where he created and piloted drama programs in schools throughout the province. He inspired young teachers to make an impact on the lives of their students, just as he had. Part of this influence included leading biannual summer courses in Britain where Canadian teachers interacted with British teachers and lecturers. Many participants told Peter that this opportunity significantly changed their approach to teaching.

In addition to his educational theatre work, Peter also founded Kildonan Players and was instrumental in the founding of Shoestring Players. Over the course of his storied career, Peter directed at least 40 productions for high school and community groups, and acted in more than 30 projects, including stage, video and film productions.

Before teaching in Canada, Peter taught for two years in England and, upon his return in 1963, took over a teaching position at River East Collegiate. The following year, he met Geri Niemczyk, whose position he had filled. After their marriage in 1966, P and G made their home at One Scotia Street where, over the course of their 59 years together, they hosted get-togethers that became the stuff of legends. Their home became the meeting place for hundreds of friends, colleagues, and family, and many students who became family. With gourmet clubs, weddings, post-theatre desserts, rehearsals, countless cast parties and, every December 22, their annual Tree Decorating Party, every gathering became an event.

In addition to yearly trips to Britain, Flin Flon and Victoria Beach, they also toured around the world to more than 60 countries. Closer to home they traveled to every Canadian province, as well as Yukon and Nunavut. They also traveled dozens of times to NYC as well as several American states. As well, they attended all the Flin Flon Community Choir's productions, and Peter even directed his brother Tim as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof.

They loved the Edinburgh and Winnipeg Fringe Festivals, where they usually saw four to five shows each day. They saw every theatrical production they possibly could, in any venue, in every place they ever visited, and any criticism Peter offered was always tempered by his eternally positive and generous nature.

Peter's love of singing led him to be a founding member of the Bison Men's Chorus and a 50-year member of the choir of St John's Cathedral. Peter's faith was as central to his life as his love of theatre (and Geri), and he served the Cathedral in numerous capacities, including directing productions of "Murder in the Cathedral" and "The Mystery Plays". His prodigious knowledge of the Cathedral's history, its graveyard and neighbouring historical sites led him to be their go-to tour guide.

As one friend said upon his passing, Peter had the ability to nurture talent and bring people together. He was the finest of men - intelligent, creative, inspirational and, above all, caring of others.

Peter is survived by Geri, his wife of 59 years, as well as his sister Nancy, brothers Hugh and Tim and their families, as well as a huge network of former students and fellow teachers, all of whom are grateful to call him and Geri friends. He will be missed.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Anyone wishing to honour his commitment to the arts or higher education are welcome to make a gift to the Dr Peter and Geraldine Spencer Bursary at the University of Manitoba, the Winnipeg Foundation's Peter and Geraldine Spencer Fund, RMTC, PTE, WSO, RWB or the charity of their choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 18, 2025