Spicer, William

SPICER After a long, well lived life, William (Bill) Spicer died peacefully on May 2, 2004 in St. Joseph's Hospital in his 100th year. Born on August 31, 1904 in Cadbury Heath, near Bristol, England, to Ernest and Elizabeth Spicer, Bill came to Fort William in 1912 with his Mother, sister Doris and brother Arthur to join their father. As the family grew, Bill decided to make his way into the working world. He worked on a tug boat on Lake Nipigon, drove a tractor in bush camps and worked at several gas stations until 1933 when he was ready to establish his own business which became Spicer's Tire and Battery Service Limited, and was consolidated into Spicer's Tire Service Limited in 1952. In 1940, Bill married Muriel Waghorn and built their family home on Murray Ave where they lived for over 60 years. During W.W. II, Bill served as a Sergeant Major with the 18th Medium Battery Reserves at Shiloh,Manitoba, training troops for duty overseas. Bill was deeply devoted to the City of Fort William and the surrounding region. He demonstrated a passionate concern for its well being and a determination to make it a better community. When the two cities amalgamated, Bill continued to contribute to the new city of Thunder Bay by serving as a Hydro Commissioner for 15 years. Bill was the founder and President of Spicer's Tire Service Limited. He was also the Past President of the Fort William Progressive Conservative Association, Fort William Chamber of Commerce, North Western Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce, North Western Ontario Development Association, and member of the Ontario Economic Council. He served 16 years as an alderman for the City of Fort William and was Chairman of Finance for 13 of his 16 years on Council. Bill was a member of the Board of Governors of McKellar Hospital during two periods of construction, along with being Chairman of the Board of Health. He was also a Past Chairman of the Board of Governors of Confederation College, a Past President of the Fort William Gyro Club and a Past Governor of District Seven, Gyro International. He received his 70 year pin from Gyro in 2000. He was a life time member of the Knights of Pythias and a 32 Degree Mason and Shriner. Bill and Muriel enjoyed traveling to many parts of the world. They attended numerous Gyro Conventions in Canada and the United States, and made several trips back to England. They enjoyed happy times at the family cottage at Trout Lake and the special friendships made throughout their years and also through Gyro. Bill is survived by his two daughters, Sue Anne (Terry) Hurtig, Sandra Firman, (Coryl Ralph) his four grandchildren, Trevor ( Tanya) Hurtig, Kim (Glen) Maguire, Calgary, Alberta; Evan (Sherri) Hurtig, Bryce Firman(Katja Clark), Toyohashi, Japan and his great grandchildren, Abigail and Owen Hurtig and Jayden and Brody Maguire, brother Alan (Shirley)Spicer, his sisters- in- law, Isabella Spicer, Ann Spicer and Doris Nyberg of Peterborough . He was predeceased by his wife Muriel in 2001, parents Ernest and Elizabeth Spicer, brothers and sisters- in-law, Arthur and Alice, Lloyd and Elizabeth, Roy and Martha, brothers Fred and Bob, sisters and brothers- in- law, Doris (Frank ) Varley and Myrtle (Norman) Lilley and his brother- in- law George Nyberg from Peterborough. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, May 5, at 11 am in Wesley United Church with Rev. Jennifer Uhryniw officiating, followed by a private interment. . If friends so desire, memorial donations made to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, St. Joseph's Care Group or the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.A tree will be planted in memory of William Spicer in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service will be held on Sunday, June 26, 2005.On-line Condolences may be sent towww.blakefuneralchapel.com