Ivy Louise Spence

January 27, 1920 - October 25, 2018
On January 27,1920, Ivy Louise Spooner was born to Robert and Ellen Spooner in Vancouver. Her sister Iris was born 2 years later and they spent a lot of their life close together. They spent the last few months together in the same room at Oceanview in Comox where Iris spent the last minutes of Ivy's life holding her hand while she took her last breath.

Ivy met David J. Spence with a group of girls while going up to Grouse Mountain to ski. On August 20th, 1945 they were married. Their family began with the birth of Nancy (1946), Bob (1947) and Doug (1948). As Dave became more involved with the Canadian Ski Association and was responsible for the formation of the Western Ski Association he decided to move his young family to Banff, Alberta. He accepted a manager's position at a clothing store (J.D. Anderson's). Ivy found that first winter in Banff so cold she decided to go back to Vancouver. Needless to say she missed Dave and moved back to Banff and had 3 more children, Iris (1952), Cameron (1958) and David (1960). 

After raising her children and the eldest had left home to make their mark on the world, her three youngest children would watch Mom transform into a much more rounded woman. Ivy stepped out into the world and learned how to drive, golf, curl and just have fun. She quickly made lasting friendships with the young and old.

In 1965, Dave and Ivy purchased the store Dave was managing and aptly named it Spence's Sportswear Ltd. Bob and Doug joined the company around 1969. For many years "The Boys" spent many years with Ivy at the helm as Dave started to venture out to Comox to visit relatives. Dave was now collecting his Old Age Pension and Baby Bonus at the same time. He then found some property on Astra Rd. and would make several trips a year. He worked tirelessly clearing his land. After a few years Ivy was able to join Dave as the children were now on their own. Ivy easily met new and everlasting friends, young and old. They joined the Comox Golf Club and the Comox Valley Curling Club. Ivy, Dave, Iris and Ted had a bowling team "The Little River Rats". Ivy and Dave hosted many parties for "The Gang". They traveled the world with their new friends and family. Ivy , Dave Iris and her husband Ted traveled to England and Scotland where they golfed at "The Old Course at St. Andrews".

Over the years the family had many fond memories of traveling out from Alberta and spending time at the beach, picking blueberries up Mt. Washington, picking blackberries in their yard and relaxing at the pool and having family golf grudge matches at Longlands.

On Sept.6th, 1996 their son Robert David (Bob) passed away at age 49 as a result of bowel cancer, then 6 months later on April 14th, Douglas Lindsay passed away at age 48 from a glioblastoma. David Spence Sr. passed away January, 2007.

Ivy is survived by her sister Iris, daughter Nancy Ellen Riva, husband Patrick (Comox), their children Lana (Duncan), Dale (Tsumugi) and Alan and 2 great grandchildren Presley and Ryo. Her daughter Iris Joan Davies, husband Ralph(Dewberry, Alberta) their children Jim (Kelly), Brian(Sheryl) and 2 great granddaughters Alexa, Kinley and great grandson Douglas. Her son Cameron Duncan (Banff, Alberta) his son Rylan and Rylan's mother Jill Marie. Her son David Joseph (Banff, Alberta) his daughters Avery and Kendal and their mother Crystal. Her granddaughter Lindsey(Dave)- (Airdrie, Alberta) and grandson Christopher(Kendra)-(Airdrie, Alberta) and great grandchildren Ayda and Evan. Ivy's niece- Lynda(Danny)-(French Creek-B.C.). Ivy's goddaughter Pat Bridge(Ron), Ivy's special cousins Ellen(Rick) Granberg, Kiley and Judith Round all from Comox.

Ivy's celebration of her life will be held at the Comox Golf Club (1718 Balmoral Ave. Comox, B.C. V9M 2N1) on Saturday, Nov. 24th from 1pm- 4pm. Bring your favourite memories and help us celebrate Ivy's Life. There will be a celebration for Ivy in Banff, Ab, next summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oceanview Unit at The Views, 2137 Comox, Ave. Comox, B.C., V9M1P2 or The Kin Beach Society #5-50 Anderton Ave. Courtenay, B.C., V9N 2G8.

A huge Thank you to the Staff at Oceanview and Dr. Harris for their ever ending compassion and love to Ivy, Iris and all their clients.