Jerry Spencer, former Island resident and businessman, died at his home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, early on Christmas Eve.

Mr. Spencer, a fifth-generation Island pioneer, was born to Al and Harriett (Fuller) Spencer on Jan. 6, at the family home in Vashon Town during the blizzard of 1943. He attended Vashon Elementary School and graduated in Vashon Island High School’s Class of 1961. After graduation, he attended Washington State College in Pullman and went on to serve in the Washington National Guard.

Mr. Spencer worked for several years in his father’s automotive business, Al’s Service and Parts on Vashon. Later, he built and managed G.L. Spencer and Company, the Arco Service Station and Garage across from the K2 plant. With the closing of the business, Mr. Spencer and his family pursued other business interests in Federal Way, Denver and, finally, Coeur d’Alene.

Mr. Spencer had been in poor health, battling congestive heart failure for the past 10 years. Survivors include his wife Joyce (Epply) Spencer; daughter Shelley Hines, her husband Terry and their two children Brenna and Jacob of Coeur d’Alene and son Alec Spencer of Stanwood. Additional survivors include his sister Arlene Alexander of Federal Way, brother Wilbur Spencer of Vashon Island, aunt, Kathryn (Fuller) Nelson of Puyallup and many nieces, nephews and cousins throughout the Northwest. His brother Robert Lane Spencer and his parents died earlier.

At Mr. Spencer’s request, there will be no services. Remembrances or memorials may be made to favored charities.