Obituary of Howard Spence

Howard Victor Spence. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, August 9, 2010 at the age of 68 years after a long and drawn out battle with Parkinson's Disease (30+ years). Dad was born October 31, 1941 in Esterhazy, SK. He was predeceased by his wife, Veronica Spence (2003), father Earl Spence (1992) and mother Annetta Spence (2007). Howard is survived by his two loving daughters Terry (Glenn Monteyne) and Sheryl (Hugh Holo) and Sheryl's children Tina (Kyle) Probst and Brian of Regina, Amanda MacDonald (Chris Maltey) and her kids Devi and Seth, and Murray MacDonald (Nola Weibe) and of course Missy his wonder-dog - who, at the tender age of 14 years old, learned to unlock and open his apartment door. Howard is also survived by his sister Leora Thompson (Jack) and their children John (Noelle) and family, Bruce (Kim) and family, Lynda Hollingshead (Tim) and family and Sharon Heskin (Kevin) and family; numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, as well numerous nieces, nephews and friends. In 1959 Howard joined the Royal Canadian Navy and went to Halifax, NS. During his 9 years of service, he found the time to come back to Esterhazy to marry Veronica Helmeczi (1961) and five years later they welcomed daughter Terry. In 1969, mom and dad moved back to Esterhazy, SK and Sheryl was born. Dad didn't overly enjoy taking orders from anyone and in 1973 became a partner in Greenlawn Irrigation, Sharpening Service. 1976 was the year dad started his own concrete finishing company - H.V. Concrete - he worked hard for many years. It was during this time that he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. When the disease made it difficult to continue working a physically demanding job, he joined the Corp of Commissionaires - working at Speers Funeral Chapel, where he worked until his disease forced him to resign. Dad enjoyed attending the annual Parkinson's Curling Classic and interacting with everyone. Dad loved to sing and as his disease progressed, found that he was able to sing what he was saying, and people could understand him better. Dad moved to Victoria Park Personal Care Community in 2007 where he lived with his wonder dog Missy. The family would like to thank the Drs. Rajput for all they have done for dad, as well as the wonderful staff at the General Hospital - Unit 3E. The kindness and compassion they showed for dad during his 10 day stay was truly amazing. Dad donated his brain to Parkinson's research with the hopes that they will eventually find a cure. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Child R.C. Church, 2636 7th Avenue E., Regina with Rev. Lorne Crozon presiding. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to the Parkinson's Curling Classic c/o the Victoria Club, 1300 Victoria Avenue, Regina, SK S4P 0P1. An on-line book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com