Age 72, of Kahalu'u, Hawaii, passed away at home after a valiant battle with cancer. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, he was the son of Edward John Spencer and Mildred Tanna. John passed away peacefully and comfortably in his sleep while in hospice care. During his final weeks, he was surrounded by lots of love from his friends and family.
John is survived by four daughters: Jana, Kelli, Kristy and Katharine Spencer, a son, Jasper Spencer, a hanai daughter, Crystal Chee, twelve grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
John, a plumber by trade, started his own plumbing company, State Wide Plumbing, in 1973. John was a driven professional with a strong work ethic.
John touched countless lives in his time here on earth. Coaching softball was his passion, and he coached hundreds of softball players over a period of 25 years. He not only taught the logistics of softball, but also life-lessons including determination, team-work, perseverance, and commitment. He coached in many leagues including ASA, Bobby Sox, Little League, WASA, ILH and most recently OIA as the head coach of Kalaheo High School until he officially retired from the sport in 2019.
John loved to travel and took trips to the Mediterranean, Australia, Asia, South America, much of North America and most recently, Europe. He was arguably University of Hawaii Football team's biggest fan with season tickets since 1976. He loved traveling with the team to away games, and joined them in New Orleans in 2008 at the Sugar Bowl after they took the WAC championship that season.
A memorial service will be postponed due to this year's gathering restrictions. The family would like to thank Navian Hawaii, formally known as Hospice Hawaii and his wonderful nurses for their constant, attentive, loving care.
"And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way." – Frank Sinatra
