An Unwanted Journey: Day 1398+1 - "Obituary"

DONALD DOUGLAS SPENCER
1953 – 2009

Don died Sunday, September 20th after living a full life for 56 years. He died at peace, with his family close by. Cancer was part of that journey, but not nearly as important as sunshine and happy days, the wonderful years of love and growth of his wife and sons, work that he accomplished with pride, friendships that lasted a lifetime, and at peace with himself and those that mattered most to him. In this wild and wondrous universe, his journey is complete, like a pebble dropped into a pond and sinking to the bottom, but with waves rippling indefinitely and extending in all directions.

Don leaves behind his beloved wife of 36 years, Marg, as well as his cherished sons, Ian and Patrick, of whom he was incredibly proud.

Remembered fondly by his father, Don of Barrie; his brothers Steve, Michael (Janice), Paul, Eric, Brian, and Jason (Jeanne), and his sister April. Don will be sadly missed by his mother-in-law Hannah Moor and sisters-in-law, Sharon (George) Dangerfield and Ruth (Norman) MacLaren, as well as many nieces and nephews

Predeceased by his mother, Margaret Jean and by his brothers Gregory and Randy.

Cremation has taken place.

The service to celebrate Don’s life will take place at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo, on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 2:30 pm. Following the service everyone is invited to the Fireside Reception Room of the Funeral Home for refreshments and a chance to share stories and meet with the family.

Many thanks to Dr. Keleher, CCAC and Paramed- especially nurse Laura U., as well as the doctors and nursing staff at Freeport Hospice.

Condolences for the family and donations to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre may be arranged through the funeral home at http://www.erbgood.com/ or 519.745.8445.

In living memory of Don, a donation will be made to the Trees for Learning Program by the funeral home.

An Unwanted Journey Day 1398 - "Journey's End"

I have unfortunately been the bearer of bad news on this blog, filling in for my father when he was unable to. I must perform this duty one last time. Don passed away quietly this morning at Freeport hospice after a four year battle with cancer. He was able to be comfortable in his last days and did not suffer.

He did not pass away alone, but surrounded by the love and care of his family and friends. I thank those who were able to visit him in his last days.

Don's obituary will be run in the Kitchener Record within the next few days. We will be holding a memorial service for Don in the near future, and i will update the blog with his obituary and details for the service in the near future. My brother and I will be moderating comments on the blog as well as checking Don's email. Your well wishes and thoughts are appreciated.

I. Spencer

An Unwanted Journey Day 1389 - "Slip"

As is to be expected with all terminal diseases, Don's condition is deteriorating. Expected but not any easier to comprehend. But what had been a gradual slip is beginning to become a quick slide. Don is now very weak and jaundiced. He has a difficult time focusing and can only speak in whispers. He sleeps for much of the day and conversation tires him quickly. Don is no longer as cognizant of what is going on around him. This is not to say that he is suffering; The pain management at Freeport has been excellent and he is comfortable.

Visitors are still welcome but please adjust your expectations accordingly. Either myself or my brother are checking and moderating comments on the blog and have been passing on your wishes and comments to Don.

I. Spencer

An Unwanted Journey Day 1386 - "Freeport"

Today Don was admitted to Freeport Medical Centre for hospice care. We could no longer provide the care necessary for him at home. I was impressed with the facilities and staff at the Centre and feel confident he will receive the appropriate care.

It was a difficult decision for our family to have Don move to Freeport for continued palliative care. But Don realized he needed some extra help that family could not provide. It will be very different not having him in the house but in the end it is the best choice for all involved. I'm sure we will be spending a lot of time at the Centre.

Thanks to all of you who have supported him so far.

I. Spencer