David Spencer

Spencer, David James “Dave”

Dave died November 30, 2022, in Woodbury, Minn. Born in Altadena, Calif., in 1943 to Rev. Dorcy James Spencer and Dorothy Estelle Pingry. Dave moved with his family to Livingston, Mont., where he graduated salutatorian from Park County High School. He's preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Margaret Jane Strouf and Sylvia Louise Johnson; and his dog, Brandy. He's survived by his wife of 57 years, Donna Blair Spencer; also by sons, Daniel Jackson Spencer (Matthew Niewohner) and Matthew Blair Spencer; and by his granddog, Stockon (all of San Francisco). Dave graduated summa cum laude from Rocky Mountain College and went on to receive a J.D. from Yale University. He spent his 36-year law career practicing with the St. Paul firm of Briggs & Morgan, where he was partner. His community service included roles at the St. Paul Jaycees, St. Croix Friend of the Arts, River Valley Arts Council, Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club, RS Eden, and Homeward Bound. He also served as board member at Hamline United Methodist Church of St. Paul and as elder at First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater, plus 21 years as a trustee at his college. His greatest passion was singing, performing many musical theater roles in college and singing with the Bach Society of Minnesota and with the Valley Chamber Chorale for 32 seasons. Memorial gifts are preferred to First Presbyterian, Rocky, and the American Heart Association. A celebration of life will be announced.