Robert Keith Spencer

Robert Keith Spencer
Our beloved father, Robert Keith Spencer, 98, passed away on Oct. 7, 2013 at Terrace Grove Assisted Living Center, Logan Utah. He was born March 12, 1915 in Logan, Utah to Robert and Isabelle Spencer. He was the seventh of eight children and he grew up learning how to work hard, cooperate, and share in a loving family. Keith received his education in Logan Public Schools, graduating from Logan High School in 1933, where he served as student body president. He attended and also served as student body president at Utah State University, where he graduated in 1939 with a B.S. degree in Business Administration and a minor in Music. It was at Logan High that he met the beautiful Carma Cooley, who later became his wife on Dec. 1, 1937 in the Logan LDS Temple. Family was always a priority for them. Keith delighted in taking his family on vacations in their travel trailer every year, visiting many places around the United States. He made sure his children were well educated about each place they visited. They were blessed with four daughters: Maylene Lowry K. Flake, Snowflake, Arizona; Linda Douglas J. Hansen, Providence/St. George, Utah; CarmaLee Curtis G. Ellison, Hyrum, Utah; Suzanne Neal J. Byington, Smithfield, Utah; 24 grandchildren, and 85 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Carma, and his sisters Zylpha Shaw, Verna Gilson, Jenet Jenifer Echeles, and brothers LeGrande, Blaine, Farrell, Glenn Spencer, and nephew Jerry Spencer who was raised with their family.
Growing up, Keith loved music and friends. This love led to his musical pursuits including piano, xylophone, and drums in school bands and orchestras, then his own dance orchestras, and in later years, the organ also became a favorite instrument he used in special presentations which at times included his wife and daughters, and long-time friend Ace Raymond. Keith provided music for countless civic, church, social, and educational events throughout northern Utah. He also shared his music during his time in the Navy during World War II in 1945, and on two full-time Missions for his Church. Keith was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He faithfully served in numerous church callings over the years, including high council, Bishoprics, and Bishop. He fulfilled a mission to the Central States in 1935-37. He also served a mission with his wife Carma to Tampa Florida in 1982-83. Keith began working for The Budge Medical Clinic Business Staff September of 1939. He was appointed Administrator 2½ years later, a position which he filled until his retirement after 40 years of employment. He was a member of the Medical Group Management Association, the National Association of Clinic Managers, and a fellow of the American College of Clinic Managers, the highest professional accreditation possible in the field of Clinic Administration. Keith was an active member of Logan Kiwanis Club for some 40 years, including serving as president. He served as chairman of the cache county unit of American Cancer Society, vice-president of the Utah division of the American Cancer Society, president of the Cache Civic Music Association, and Secretary/Treasurer of the Logan Knife and Fork Club. During the Spring of 1939, Keith, his brother Farrell, and brother-in-law Bob Crookston, purchased Ideal Beach Resort property on Bear Lake. They spent that spring and summer restoring and then re-opening the resort—restaurant, dance hall, cabins, etc. When Keith began working for the Budge Clinic in the Fall of 1939, he sold his investment in the resort, and settled permanently in Logan. Keith also bought and ran Logan Roller Rink, which provided good, clean entertainment for cache valley for many years. Keith has been known by friends and family for his outgoing, friendly, and courteous ways, truly being 'the gentleman' with his wife and daughters. He also enjoyed some great golf games, and fishing excursions with his sons in law and friends. When approached with a challenge of his own, or experienced by others, he shared his unfailing optimism---that the 'sun will always come up again tomorrow'! The family wishes to express deep gratitude to the staff of Terrace Grove Assisted Living Center for the personal loving care they have given to Keith these past years.
There will be a viewing Friday Oct. 11, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 162 E. 400 N. Logan. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 10 a.m. at the Logan 9th Ward Church, 125 E. 500 N. Logan, preceded by a viewing from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. These services will be presided over by President Gary Stevens of the Terrace Grove Branch. Interment will be in the Logan Cemetery.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com