EMILE SPENCE

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EMILE SPENCE Peacefully, on Wednesday, August 29, 2001 at the Ste. Rose General Hospital with his family by his side, Emile Spence passed away at the age of 87 years. Emile was born on April 5, 1914 at Lonely Lake, MB. He lived all of his life at Eddystone, MB. He left briefly to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces, Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry from 1942 to 1943 before returning home to marry Claudia in 1944. Emile and Claudia raised 11 children from their modest home in Eddystone. Emile was completely dedicated to his family. In his quiet, unassuming manner, he raised his children with love and devotion. Emile was an accomplished fiddler, having recorded two albums of old time fiddling music which included original tunes that he had composed. Emile had no desire to profit from his talent, but played solely for the enjoyment of his family and friends. Emile leaves to mourn his passing and cherish many fond memories, his wife of 57 years, Claudia; his children, Ivan (Verna), Rene, Joseph (Yvonne), Freda (Lew), Andrew (Sam), Doris (Zeke), Herman (Vivian), Lloyd (Carol), Bill (Svava), Vida (Rodney), and Corinne (Brian). There are 23 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Two sisters, Sr. Ida Spence, O.M.I. and Florence Hayes, both of Winnipeg. He was predeceased by two sons, Edward in 1961, and Ronnie in 1967. The Spence family wishes to thank the Home Care Workers, Dr. David OHagan and the Palliative Care Unit at the Ste. Rose General Hospital for the excellent care that they gave to Emile. Prayers and a time of visitation will be offered on Friday, August 31, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. from the Ste. Rose Memorial Chapel. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 1 at 10:00 a.m. from the Ste. Rose de Lima Roman Catholic Church. Fr. Michel Nault officiating with the interment following in the St. Thomas Roman Catholic Cemetery, Eddystone, MB. Active pallbearers will be his grandsons, Darryl Spence, Craig Spence, Sean Spence, Andy Spence, Peter Spence, and Anthony Spence. All of his grandchildren are to consider themselves as honorary pallbearers. Should friends so desire, donations may be made in memory of Emile to the Prevost Foundation care of the Ste. Rose General Hospital earmarked for Palliative Care. Ste. Rose Memorial Chapel, Ste. Rose du Lac, MB in care of arrangements. (204) 447-2444. "When the sun has gone down and the stars blanket the sky A magical thing appears When you set your gaze high. A display of natures beauty swaying gently in the air Dancing ever so softly You barely notice they are there When the silence is broken They begin their northern dance Putting a spell over you Sending you into a peaceful trance These mystical lights look like ice set on fire Taking on multiple forms Appearing as what they desire They will always be there to comfort and guide No matter what happens They will be by our side Grandpa, I hope you dance Like the northern lights that are so free So far, yet so close You will always and forever be" - Jessica Spence

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 31, 2001