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Tommy Spencer

Spencer

NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP, MI – Isaiah 40:31 “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Tommy ‘Tom’ Jerome Spencer, 67, of North Road, Negaunee Township, passed away peacefully at home Friday morning, August 20, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. His great- niece, Alyssa, said goodbye the best, “we love you, we will miss you, and you will always be a part of our story.”

Tom was born August 6, 1954, in Ishpeming, to Lloyd and Ruth (Pyykola) Spencer, Jr., graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1972 and was a lifelong area resident. He married Linda Holland, on August 11, 1979. Tom worked underground at the Mather ‘B’ Mine, and spent the remainder of his career between the Empire and Tilden Mines, where he held various positions, the most recent before his retirement being a blaster and trainer. Tom always wanted to be a blaster, and he was excited to end his career in this position. Tom was a knowledgeable and patient teacher. He enjoyed helping other miners learn how to safely conduct various job duties and also assisted another mine’s in establishing their own coalition similar to the Steelworkers Coalition which Tom was a longstanding member of.

Tom held a strong belief in the value and strength of unions, and was a very active member of the 4950 and 4974 Steelworkers Unions. Over the years he served in various roles in the Union, including being part of the contract negotiations team, on the safety leadership team, chairman of the safety committee, and helped negotiate for the implementation of an Employee Assistance Program at Cleveland Cliffs. He was recognized for his long history of involvement and extensive work with the Union and was Inducted into the Labor Hall of Fame in October of 2019.

Tom was one of the first TV6 UPSiders, being nominated for his extensive volunteer work and contributions to our community. He has said that his desire to help others was largely fueled by a deep calling to give back to the community that had helped him and Linda when they were dealing with travel for medical needs for their son Shane. Tom, Linda, and Shane frequently volunteered for a number of organizations and causes. Some of the work Tom was involved in include the Westend Food and Fuel Coalition, Steelworkers Coalition, the TV6 Can-a-thon, Toys for Tots, and the Harley Owner Group’s annual bike raffle ticket sales that benefit Bay Cliff. He was also involved in planning various community get-togethers, meals, and events, such as helping with line-up for the Labor Day Parades, helping put on Democratic Party Pig Roasts, mine retiree dinners, and helping organize and put on the yearly Union Members Kids’ Christmas Party. He also helped facilitate the creation of a Workers Memorial Day and Workers Memorial Party. He had served on the Building and Recreation Committee for Negaunee Township from 1995 until 2018. He also did extensive work with the Cliff’s Shaft Mine Museum working to preserve local mining history and create educational exhibits for the public to be able to learn more about local mining, past and present.

Besides volunteering, being with family and friends was always one of his top priorities. Tom loved riding his Harley alongside his wife, son, and bike friends. One of his favorite things to do was be with his brother Den out at camp. He also spent many hours with his friends in the Spit and Whittle Club outside the Cliff Shaft. He especially enjoyed time with his grandchildren Gracie and Eli, and the smile and pride on his face when he’d watch them do their favorite activities would light up the room. Gracie and Eli have many wonderful memories of time spent with their Papa; one favorite of Gracie’s is “riding the mini bikes Papa got for us” and one of Eli’s is “riding on Papa’s bike and going for ice cream.”

In the last months of his life Tom worked on completing items on a bucket list, which included regaining the strength to get back driving – first his convertible, then his Harley. One of his favorite rides was to Chatham to Mama Cow’s for ice cream, and many friends and family joined him on these rides, as well as on other adventures across the U.P. He promised Linda he’d still be around for their 42nd wedding anniversary, and fulfilled that promise, celebrating with ice cream turtle sundaes. In his last months, he also enjoyed watching his grandchildren ride their mini bikes, having movie days with family, and having coffee while visiting and sharing stories with many family members and friends.

Surviving are his loving wife, Linda M. Spencer; his son, Shane (Jolene) Spencer and grandchildren: Gracie and Eli Spencer, all of Negaunee; siblings: Dennis (Darlene) Spencer of Negaunee, Jerry (Mary) Spencer of Ishpeming and Jill (Pete) Stagliano of Negaunee; and 11 nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Ernie (Mike Airaudi) Holland; sisters-in-law, Sara Beaudry and Jackie (Allan) Baker and too many other family members and special friends to name.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Ruth and Lloyd; his father-in-law, Jack Holland; as well as, his grandparents. He was also preceded by lifelong friends: Bill Romback, Oscar Anderson, and Ira (Ron) Hayes.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 PM, on Friday, August 27th, at Marquette Hope UMC Connection Center, 927 W. Fair Ave., Marquette, with Rev. Christopher Hintz and Rev. Kristi Hintz officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends from 3:00 PM until the start of services at 5:00 PM, at the church on Friday and also at a dinner immediately following services in the church fellowship hall.

Pallbearers will be Shane, Dennis, Jerry, Daryl and Eli Spencer, Pete and Tony Stagliano, Jon Palutke and Sean Beaudry. For those desiring to be part of a motorcycle escort from the funeral home to the church, please meet at 1pm on Friday at Koskey Funeral Home in Negaunee. Burial services will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, August 30th in the Negaunee Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Tom’s memory to Bay Cliff Health Camp. Tom would love it if funeral attendees wore casual clothes, especially Harley attire.

Mr. Spencer’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.