Douglas M. Spence, Sr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Doug Spence, age 81, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 23, 2020 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, with family at his side. He was born in Saginaw the fourth son of Donna and Herb Spence. Doug graduated from Arthur Hill High School and then from the University of Michigan with a degree in Civil Engineering. He was an active member of Psi Upsilon Fraternity where he made many great friends. He remained a steadfast U of M Football fan and attended many games at the Big House, which had been renovated by his family's construction company. After he graduated from U of M, he began working for Spence Brothers Construction. Doug married Nan Guile in 1965, had three children and settled in Saginaw. They owned a cottage on Walloon Lake giving rise to his passion for living in northern Michigan. Doug and Nan divorced after 20 years of marriage and remained friends. Later in life he reunited with his high school friend Jean Smith and they enjoyed living between northern Michigan and Washington DC. They also travelled to Florida to enjoy some sun. Doug was loving, kind and generous with everyone. 'He's such a great guy!' is a comment we would hear after he had chatted with friends, neighbors and strangers alike. He had a charming smile, saw the good in people and was quick to compliment others. Doug was an accomplished lifelong athlete and especially enjoyed downhill skiing at Boyne Mountain and in Colorado. He also enjoyed golfing at the Saginaw Country Club and Ye Nyne Olde Holles Golf Club in Boyne City. In his forties he developed a passion for running and ran many races including several marathons. He was especially proud of running a 10 K race in 40 minutes on his 40th birthday. Doug started his 46 year career at Spence Brothers as a laborer and then became an estimator and project manager. He eventually became president of the company and chairman of the board. During his career, he managed over a dozen waste water treatment plant jobs around the state and building projects at Covenant Health Care in Saginaw. He also managed many other large construction projects. At his retirement celebration he was honored for his hard work, aggressive bidding, dedication and ability to form strong relationships with his clients and subcontractors. Doug is survived by his daughter, Anne K. Spence of Freeland, MI and his sons; Douglas Jr. (Fern) Spence and Mark Spence of Traverse City, MI; grandchildren; Alexis (fiance Austin), Kayte and Spence Cottrell; Doug III and Wave Spence; brothers; Bill Spence and Rod (Marilyn) Spence and sister-in-law, Mary Spence; good friend Jean Smith and many nieces and nephews of whom he was also very fond. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers; Herb Spence and Tom Spence; sisters-in-law; Elaine and Joan Spence. According to his wishes cremation has taken place. Due to the pandemic there will be no service at this time; a small memorial service is being planned for late Spring in Boyne City, MI. He was so thankful for those special people who helped care for him in his final few years. In lieu of flowers memorials in honor of Doug may be made to The Episcopal Church of the Nativity at 209 E. Main St. Boyne City, MI 49712 or your local Alzheimer's Association Chapter. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Doug’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Douglas M. Spence, Sr.

June 1, 1939 - November 23, 2020

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