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Lance Spencer, sales manager with Fort Garry Fire Trucks, passed away

March 3, 2024, Manitoba — Lance Spencer, the Manitoba and Saskatchewan sales manager for Fort Garry Fire Trucks, passed away suddenly on Feb. 22 at age 52. A service will be held on March 12 at 11:00 a.m in East St. Paul, Man., at the Eastview Community Church.   .

Obituary for Lance Reginald Spencer

On February 22, 2024, we suddenly – and tragically – lost Lance Reginald Spencer, aka Beaker, Lance Romance, the Big Show and many more…age 52.

Lance is survived by his wife, Jennifer, his sons, William (Liam) and Thomas (Tommy). His Sister Joelle Wilcox, husband Rob and their children (Robin, Jimmy, Tearin, Star, Heaven & Nic); Parents-in-law Bob & Maggie Smith; Sister-in-law Julia Smith, husband Ross Ballard and their children (Teddy, Lewis & Margo); and Brother-in-law Rob Smith and wife Lindsay and their daughter Vera. He also leaves to mourn many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Sanford Ross and Leslie Dale Spencer (nee Malinoski).

Lance was born in Churchill, Manitoba and grew up with his parents and sister in Wolsely on Lenore Street. He often reminisced on the old neighbourhood, the evenings spent at the ODR (outdoor rink), and the time spent with his extended family. He loved animals and brought home strays which quickly joined the family. His family was close, and often aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and friends came over to play cards, “chase the ace,” or enjoy a meal. One of his favorite things to do was to driveby the old neighbourhood while riding his motorcycle. Lance went to school at Laura Secord and Gordon Bell where he met many of his lifelong friends (Wilson, Stan & Gus, among many others) and was really looking forward to attending the upcoming reunion.

Lance regularly shared how much he enjoyed growing up playing hockey. He was often up early and eager to bring Liam and Tommy to their morning skates. He spoke fondly of the sacrifices his parents made when he was younger and the privilege, he felt doing the exact same thing for his boys. Lance was particularly proud to have played in the MJHL for the T-Birds and to have won the Centennial Cup with the Winkler Flyers. He played with an edge and frequently led in penalty minutes. His motto was to “hit first and hit hard.” He was tremendously proud of Liam, who he felt was following in his footsteps and loved watching him “crush” opponents on the ice. He was impressed with Tommy’s hockey sense for his age. He spent many hours on the road driving both boys to their activities and spent time reviewing game highlights and “pumping their tires.”

In 2003, Lance met Jen at the King’s Head Pub. They were married Nov 20, 2004. It was love at first sight – how could it be anything else with a nickname like Lance “Romance.” That night, over the longest game of pool he EVER played, they fell in love.

Lance served as the Manitoba and Saskatchewan Sales Manager for Fort Garry Fire Trucks (FGFT). He loved working at FGFT, and his colleagues and clients became a part of his extended family. His approach to work was to treat his clients as his friends and he worked hard to make sure that they had what they needed. He never put the phone away and made sure that he was available to his clients/friends and to his FGFT colleagues.

Lance was a kind and gracious individual who cherished his family, enjoyed camaraderie of his colleagues, passionately coached his kids’ hockey, and found solace in riding his motorcycle both by himself and with his motorcycle gang (Matt& Jay) and others. Larger than life, Lance brought joy and laughter everywhere he went with his infectious sense of humor. He never took things for granted and truly appreciated the simple things and the value of friends and family. He was quick to help whenever there was a need.
Lance loved having fun. Backyard bonfires, poker games, hanging out by the pool, playing hockey (Pacemaker’s, etc.) Grand Beach with Stacy and Kev, and watching his boys play hockey, Lance will be remembered for the warmth and positivity he radiated in every aspect of his life. He loved to relax by cheering loudly for his beloved Winnipeg Jets, and the Blue Bombers, always a beer in hand and making sure everyone else had one too.

Lance’s greatest passion was being with Jen and his boys. He spoke Jen’s love language by making her coffee every morning. Lance was an exceptional Dad and loved doing everything with William and Tommy. Backyard barbeques, coaching, golfing, road trips, skiing, watching late night movies at home, Tommy’s soccer games, Liams and Tommy’s hockey games, swimming with the boys and Jen, and taking road trips to visit friends and new places across Canada were always special.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that people consider a donation to ¬¬¬the Firefighter’s burn fund, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

There will be a service held for Lance on March 12th at 11am at Eastview Community Church located at 315 Maxwell King Drive. There will be a receiving line starting at 10 a.m. The interment will take place immediately after at Brookside Cemetery. A reception is being planned to follow the interment at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 215 located at 215 Maxwell King Drive.