HERBERT MELVIN SPENCER

Condolences & Memories (20 entries)

• He was my grade 12 English teacher. Earned so many bonus marks for reading many books on my own. I enjoyed our conversations about anything and everything. His greatest piece of advice was straightforward and easy to remember, "if you won't do the work, you won't get the credit!" RIP Mr. Spencer. - Posted by: Sean A (former student.) on: Jun 13, 2015

• I just learned with great sadness of Herb's passing. We met as co-workers at the Marlborough Hotel over 40 years ago so its been a long journey with Herb. He epitomized the scholar with a common touch; he was kind, eloquent, always approachable with a robust greeting that reflected his gusto and passions. I shall miss him. Peace! (Fred Ali-friend) - Posted by: Fred Ali (friend) on: Jun 12, 2015

• My condolences to the Spencer family. Mr.Spencer was an amazing and outstanding teacher that I ever met. He you will be missed. - Posted by: MJ (Paased Student (1994)) on: Jun 11, 2015

• As my eyes swell with tears, fond memories Of Mr. Spencer flood over me. I remember sharing a story about being in his class with my very own junior high students just a few short months ago. I will never forget him nor the book 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. Thank you and know that you undoubtedly bettered the lives of thousands of students, myself included! And the lessons you taught us still continue to influence others today and will do so well into the future. Farewell Mr. Spencer. - Posted by: Mai-Lynn McEwen (Former Sisler Student ) on: Jun 11, 2015

• Mr. Spencer introduced me to the Catcher In The Rye novel when he assigned it to our class as a reading assignment. His lessons on the novel are probably the most important things I learned during my years at Sisler and still influence me over 20 years later. RIP Maestro. - Posted by: Holden Caulfield (Student) on: Jun 10, 2015

• I have fond memories of Mr Spencer, he was a great teacher. Thanks for all the great reads and enjoyable classes. He encouraged me to be independent and continue to read when I got through all the work, an experience that made me feel good about what I was interested in. - Posted by: Tara Penales (student 1993) on: Jun 10, 2015

• I worked at the Marlborough Hotel with Herb shortly after he arrived in Winnipeg and for many years while he completed his education, as well as part-time after becoming a teacher. This delightful man became a family friend whom we will always remember. Herb was a great cook and you were in for a treat with his curry lamb and curry chicken dishes. Herb was truly a happy, hardworking, and down to earth man; and what a great man he was. May he rest in peace - Posted by: Walter and Gloria Urbanowich (Friend) on: Jun 10, 2015

• My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Spencer's family and friends. Mr. Spencer was my grade 11 English teacher. I remember him as a nice, laid back and very wise. He always pushed his students to perform to the best of their capabilities. I have great memories of my days in his class. Rest in Peace Mr. Spencer. - Posted by: Jeric (Student) on: Jun 10, 2015

• Mr. Spencer was my grade 8 teacher and a most remarkable man and teacher. He was inspiring, kind, supportive and thoughtful and helped instil in me an even greater passion for the English language and books. Mr. Spencer was always there for a chat and to listen when things were not going my way and helped me see things differently. He will be greatly missed. <3 - Posted by: Jennifer (Former Student) on: Jun 10, 2015

• Mr. Spencer was my grade 11 English teacher. He was very kind and always ready to help. When we went to talk to him to become our coach for Sisler's first cricket team he was so thrilled. A great man and a real ambassador of Cricket. He brought dirt in the trunk of his car to make pitch for us. Mr. Spencer you will be remembered for all the kind things you have done for so many people. My Condolences to the Family. Rest in Peace - Posted by: Sisler student Class of 2004- Sisler 1st Cricket team member (Student) on: Jun 10, 2015

• Mr Spencer was a wonderful teacher. I had him for English very sweet man. Always would visit him when I'd make a trip to visit teachers after I graduated and he was always on my list to go see. You'll be missed. - Posted by: Alisha dewald (past student) on: Jun 10, 2015

• Mr. Spencer was such a kind soul. He was always pushing you to be your best. I remember him being there early in the mornings during track and field practice and I still recall his words of encouragement. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: former student at Sister High School () on: Jun 10, 2015

• My heart is broken. Mr Spencer was such an incredible individual as well as a gifted and inspiring teacher. I was blessed to have had him as my English teacher twice during high school and in both of those years, I learned so much about the beauty of poetry and literature as well as the mechanics of good writing and attention to detail. When he read a piece of writing in class, it was like having James Earl Jones in the room. His voice was so magical and when listening to it you could instantly be transported to when the words were first composed. He was one of the kindest and most encouraging people that I have ever met in my life. He took the time to truly connect with each and every one of his students and he made a huge difference in a lot of lives because of it. Mr. Spencer, you were a beautiful soul and an incredible teacher. I hope that I can follow in your footsteps both as an educator and as a human being. Rest in Peace, wonderful man. - Posted by: Anita Van Kats (née) Thienpondt (former student) on: Jun 09, 2015

• Mr.Spencer So many lessons you have taught so many people in the past, may your legacy live on in everyone of you students who had the honor of having you as a teacher you blessed Sisler High School with an amazing teacher that you are. I will always remember you but your stricked but meaningful words and I often think of them when I look back upon my life my you rest peacefully condolences to your family . - Posted by: Student from Sisler () on: Jun 09, 2015

• Herb & I worked together for many years in the English Department at Sisler HIgh School. Herb was always a thoughtful & kind co-worker. He even showed up to one of my first poetry readings one evening-to my surprise- many years go at the then Academy Restaurant. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Carmelo Militano, (co-worker) on: Jun 04, 2015

• Mr. Spencer was my grade 8 teacher and one of my favourite teachers of all time. He was so very kind and passionate about teaching. He taught me the beauty of languages and always had time for a chat between classes. I am so sorry to see he has passed. His legacy in being such a great, caring teacher lives on in his students. - Posted by: Sharon Kubrakovich (Student) on: Jun 04, 2015

• GODFATHER You were at every birthday, evening Easter celebration, thanksgiving dinner and every Christmas of my childhood, preteen and through my teenage years. When I moved to Toronto and I would call on the weekends and holidays, if I was not home, I would here your Godfather. Every time I am visiting Winnipeg with my so Marko he asks when we are going to see Godfather. After school this summer are heading to Winnipeg. I wanted my Godfather to meet second son Tyler. My Godfather should me and my son Marko so much love. I was planning my trip to Winnipeg for him to meet baby Tyler. When my mom told me the news I could not say anything. All I could think was how do I tell my so Marko and how upset I was he would not meet Tyler. Always positive, pushing and cheering me on was my Godfather. Always the teacher stressing the importance of education. Always with welcoming arm's. Always with to the point and frank conversation. Always loving and always kind. We love you and miss you so much. Thank you for your strength. Love Always your Goddaughter - Posted by: Helena Williams (Goddaughter ) on: Jun 03, 2015

• Mr. Spencer was a well liked individual. He was a pleasant person. Our deepest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Sisler High School Custodial Staff (co-worker) on: Jun 01, 2015

• He was a well like man.. I had the chance to meet and visit with him on a few occasion..He will be greatly missed.. - Posted by: Vere () on: May 31, 2015

• My deepest sympathies to Mr. Spencer's family and friends. He was a kind, encouraging and outstanding teacher. He was fair, he pushed you to do your best and he helped whenever you needed it. He had a great sense of humour and his classroom was a welcoming place. I'm thankful that he was my English teacher and I remember him fondly. - Posted by: Kris (Student at Sisler High School) on: May 31, 2015