Some (updated) sad news on Mike Spence (Santa) —

[Ken Jones]

I talked to his wife Cheryl tonight and Mike is near death. He was in a hospice but has returned home and Cheryl said he only has a few days to live. Given his condition, they are not accepting any visitors. I wished her and Mike our prayers.

Mike will make the forth board member from UPSAC to die in the past few years — James Liu, Brian Linbarger, Boyd Grant and now Mike.

Pictured — James Liu, Mike Spence, Dora Liu, and Elaine Liu at the 2011 Avila Kids Fishing Derby.​

The UPSAC crew at the 2012 Avila Kids Derby — in the cart is Cheryl Spence, Brian Linebarger and Robert Gardner, standing is Boyd Grant

 

[Mahigeer]

Sorry to hear, but thanks for the update.

 

[Ken Jones]

Two more pics —



Better times —the Santa Barbara Kids Derby in 2015 — Brian Linebarger nearest the camera, James Liu just past him, and Santa (Mike Spence just down the pier.



Brian Linebarger with James Liu and his wonderful children.

 

[Ken Jones]

It is sad news. May he travel in peace and love.

This is one thing about getting older no one likes to talk about. Namely, mortality. First it is people dying in your grandparents' era, then your parents' generation, and then, too soon, those among your peers. Stay positive, keep the memories fresh, and these fine folks will not perish entirely.

shantih

So true and of course you begin to queation youe own mortality.

 

[Mahigeer]

I have been telling my family of my age similar thoughts.

I seem to get too emotional in funerals. I hate them.

 

[Ken Jones]

Mike passed away on Saturday morning. No formal service is planned although a get together/pot luck lunch celebrating Mike will take place at Lopez Lake on the 23rd. As I get more details I will pass them on.

 

[Mahigeer]

May he rest in peace.

 

[Red Fish]

Rest in Eternal Peace Mike.

 

[CatchinKelp]

Rest in peace, Mike. You will be missed

 

[Mahigeer]

There is a memorial on March 23rd at Lopez Lake.

I won't be able to make it.

 

[Ken Jones]

There will be a memorial get together at Lopez Lake on Saturday, March 23 at the Escondido Group Site, noon. The family will provide meat, bread and paper goods and they ask others to bring a side dish, your own beverages, and chairs.

 

[Gordo Grande]

Sorry I missed Santa's memorial. I was off in the desert that weekend. I would have liked to have been there.

 

[Ken Jones]

Ross, You would have enjoyed it. A lot of friends and a lot of fishing stories and, I imagine, some were even true. It sometimes seems like the ranks are getting smaller each day.