BGen (Ret’d) Philip Spencer
January 24, 2025
Peacefully, with his grateful and loving soulmate and daughters by his side, BGen (Ret’d) Philip Spencer earned his well-deserved angel wings in his 90th year.
Following a brief and sudden decline in health, Phil’s generous heart stopped beating at University Hospital ICU on Friday, January 24th, 2025.
Phil was the cherished husband and partner of Maureen Spencer Golovchenko, and loving father of Anna Spencer of Lund, Sweden, Paul Spencer of Stockholm, Sweden, Christopher Spencer and Cheryl Spencer-Morley (Jordan) all of Edmonton, and dearly-loved step-father of Christopher Golovchenko (Dana Spinali) of Toronto.
Phil was also the devoted grandfather of Clara, Carl, Julia, Josefine, Evan, Jade and Oscar.
Dear brother of Edward of Whitby, Kathleen Rutherford of St. Catharines, Elaine Lyne of Barrie and Linda Burton (Bob) of Abbotsford, B.C. and dedicated brother-in-law of Hannelore Spencer of Thorold. Phil will also be missed by his many Spencer nieces, nephews and cousins.
Predeceased by his siblings Margery Rutherford, Robert Spencer and David Spencer, and in-laws Frank Rutherford, Carol Spencer, Russ Rutherford and John Lyne.
In marrying Maureen 25 years ago, Phil quickly became a favoured member of the extended McGarry family, and is especially remembered by in-laws Tom (Belinda), Monica and Dawn-Marie (Greg), along with McGarry nieces and nephews, Jen (Adam), Lisa (Sean), Rob, Ashley (Murphy), Myles, Mikayla and Brynnleigh.
Born in Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay), Phil was a proud graduate of Trinity College at the University of Toronto, and a dutiful Member of The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR). During his 36-year military career, Phil served as Base Commander of London’s historic Wolseley Barracks (1980-1983), where the Regiment’s 100th Anniversary was celebrated. He also had posts in England, Germany, Italy, Cyprus and Canada, and was ‘your man in Prague’ as a Canadian attache in the former Czechoslovakia.
In retirement, Phil continued to serve his regiment as Board Chair of The RCR Museum for several years, and helped lead its fundraising campaign to successfully expand the museum’s capacity. He also worked in fund development with the Canadian Diabetes Association and Banting House.
Always interested in bettering his community, Phil was hailed as a volunteer extraordinaire by St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, The Sunshine Foundation of Canada, Epilepsy London and Jesse’s Journey.
He was a skilled linguist, a talented multi-sport athlete, an avid gardener and a voracious reader. With his soulmate, Maureen, he loved to travel, and enjoyed theatre, golf, ballroom dancing, nature walks and endless games of Scrabble.
Always a charming officer and gentleman, a strong leader, a good sport, an attentive listener, and a fun kid magnet, Phil was remembered wherever he went. He loved making memories with family and friends, and was busy capturing key life moments in his memoirs. With his happy demeanour and contagious laugh, Phil made each person he met feel special. To so many, he was a hero!
Visitation will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The Celebration of Life will be conducted at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, 1246 Oxford Street West, London on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
In memory of Philip, please consider making a donation in his honour to The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum, the Shine Foundation or Jesse’s Journey.
Leave a tribute for BGen (Ret’d) Philip Spencer
Leave a tribute
A donation has been made to The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum.
Dear Maureen and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your soulmate. I feel blessed to have met him a few times with you at events he attended with you. His positive energy was so contagious. I wish you strength as you adjust to your deep loss, in the hope of the Resurrection. You are held in prayers,courage as you say your final goodbyes.
Dear Maureen & Family, I was very saddened to hear of Phil's passing. He surely was a special man and you both were a very special couple. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you rest in peace Phil 🙏
Phil was a valued and all too brief addition to the social life of our Condo home. He attended our Coffee Club, Games Nights, and pickup Euchre games, and never failed to bring humour and happiness to the events. What we learned of Phil's life and career told us that he was a caring individual, and a true gentleman. He will be sorely missed.
Dear Maureen, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Phil was so positive, smiling and pleasant. It was always a pleasure to chat with you both at St Aidan’s or whenever we might meet around London. He was a strong supporter of so many causes in our London community, and will be greatly missed. Please accept our sincere condolences. Carol and Michael
I am so very sorry for your loss Maureen. I pray that you find comfort and hope in the promise of resurrection. My thoughts are with you and yours during this difficult time. Michael Bechard
Dear Maureen and Family, Words fail me. Phil was such a positive, handsome, happy gentleman. I was so happy to see you both at the Grand recall some fun times we had at St. Aiden’s. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time. My sincere condolences.
A donation has been made to The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum.
Dear Maureen & Family, We are so very sorry for the loss of your precious soulmate Phil. We were honoured to have known him. Phil was a great and loyal friend to our dad Captain (Ret'd) Jock Shields over many years. It was always wonderful to reminisce of days gone by in the military. May your special memories of Phil wrap around you at this sad time. Pro Patria.
A donation has been made to Shine Foundation.
Maureen and family, Our condolences on the death of Phil. Every time we met he was truly an officer and a gentleman. He was a man who knew how to connect with people in so many different situations and made everyone feel comfortable. We will keep you in our prayers that God will bring you peace as you let go of Phil's physical presence in your life.
It is hard for me to accept that Phil is no longer a valued member of The RCR Family. I served with Phil four times during my 30 years as a member of the Regiment. My fondest time was when he was the Home Station Commander, and I was CO of 1RCR from 1981 to 1983. His support during that period was superb, especially during our 100 Regimental Birthday planning. He was a fine officer with a great sense of humour, much respected by our soldiers. For Maureen and the family, I offer my heartfelt condolences. He will be remembered!
Phil was a warm and caring individual with a wonderful sense of humor and joy. Each time he came to Eldon House, he showed genuine interest and enthusiasm for history and the people here. We will miss his positive presence. Our sincerest condolences go out to Maureen and their family during this difficult time.
Always a gentleman, Phil gave the biggest, warmest, and happiest hugs!! Condolences to Maureen, and Phil's large family. RIP!
When 1 RCR deployed to Cyprus in 1974 after the Turkish invasion it was augmented by soldiers from other brigade units. I was very fortunate to be taken on by Colonel Phil, sight unseen, as his Operations Information Officer (UN-speak for Intelligence Officer). The drastically changed circumstances in Cyprus required intelligence collection and analysis, and he allowed me full freedom to do this. My favourite memory of him is weekly visits as his 'aide' to the Turkish commander in our sector, particularly the time the Turks rehearsed occupying some battle positions just as we were visiting and our operations centre assumed we'd been captured! When we arrived back a little late and checked in to the operations centre they were quite surprised and relieved to see us. Colonel Phil just laughed! He was a great soldier and leader, one of the best Commanding Officers I served with.
Maureen, my heartfelt condolences go out to you and the entire family for your tremendous loss. While my encounters with Phil were too few, he always greeted me with a smile and a hug. May your memories of the time you spent with him bring you comfort at this difficult time. May he rest in the sweet peace he deserves.
Maureen, if ever two people were meant to be, it was you and Phil. Your life interests and community obligation goals, volunteerism, and supreme love for each other was seen by all in your everyday life. The first thing we noticed about Phil was his continuous smile and warmth that he greeted each person with throughout his life. His contributions to his country and city throughout his life was a badge of honour well deserved. We will always remember his kindness and that infectious smile. All we can offer is our profound sadness and prayers to all the family members for this tremendous loss. Rest easy Phil 🙏
Phil, words cannot express how saddened I am to know that you have left us... You are an inspiration for every single person who had the chance to meet you. I love you, my Great Phil. Thank you for sharing a dance with me. You will be missed, you already are. Rest in Peace.
Dear Maureen Please accept our sincere condolences at the passing of your dear Phil. May this brave , honorable man who was loved by all who knew him RIP Ed & Paulette Laporte
I had the pleasure of serving on the Canadian Club Board with Phil in the early 80s. He hosted several of our meetings at the Barracks. We were fortunate to see some of the behind the scene venues and activities. Including some target practice! We would also be invited to the Mess and enjoyed his company and meeting those under his command. A gentleman with the ability to make one feel welcome. Well respected and will be missed. Condolences to his family and friends. Janet and Greg Carr
Maureen and family, My heartfelt condolences to you all. Phil always had a smile for everyone and a huge heart. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Lydia
It was an honor to have known him. Blessings, Linda Rowland
Sincere condolences to Maureen and family. Phil was an exceptional human being. He was warm and friendly to everyone he met. Phil lived his life to the fullest.
We are so very sorry to hear of Phil's passing. He was kind, generous, funny and always a gentleman. We will miss him but know he is in a place where he continues to make people laugh, can share countless stories of his many experiences. RIP "Captain" Phil!
Services for BGen (Ret’d) Philip Spencer
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
January 28, 2025 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
January 28, 2025 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Celebration of Life will be held at:
St. Aidan's Anglican Church
1246 Oxford Street West,
London, Ontario
January 29, 2025 11:00 am
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
Thank you to everyone who left a tribute. We appreciate everyone’s words of kindness.
~ Cheryl Spencer-Morley