RIP Mike Spence

[fleet16b]

Just got from an aviation trip and got a call that informed me
that Mike Spence (son of Reg Spence) of the now defunct Hamilton Flying Club
lost his battle with cancer this evening.
Just thought I would pass this along for those that knew him .

[slam525i]

oh... no... Time for another non-flight related entry into my log book.

Mike did my Rec and Private flight tests, after Marc spent all those hours with me in GZHI, trying to drill forced approaches into my head. (I still think of Marc every time I get in an airplane.) Just a few years ago, Mike helped me get my flight review when I got back into flying; after an FTU screwed me over on the review, Mike went out of his way to help me out. I was just about to send him an e-mail asking him how he was doing and how the Champ, the Taylorcraft, and the R-series bikes were holding up. I wish I got around to sending that e-mail earlier...

Everyone who was involved in my initial training and licensing are now gone...

Fleet, I'm going to PM you about the details. Thanks.

[Colonel Sanders]

I'm sorry to hear that, Cam.

[costermonger]

RIP Mike.

I only heard he'd lost his medical a little while ago, sometimes it happens so fast..

[fleet16b]

While I knew Mike only thru Aviation on a professional level, he alway treated me fairly and honourably.
There are many here that knew him better and of course he was closely associated with his Father Reg , who
owned and operated the Hamilton Flying Club up until its closure.
At that point, Mike took a position with Transport Canada, a position which he just retired from last June

[Trapper]

RIP Mike

As a Pilot Examiner I had a fair amount of interaction with Mike over the years. A good guy who will be missed.

[Instructor_Mike]

I only met him once, but I did learn from him while doing my Instructor ride. Sad news.

[fleet16b]

SPENCE, Alan Michael (Mike) -

November 9, 1949 - March 9, 2013

Surrounded by his loved ones at the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice in Hamilton, Mike passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2013.

Loving father to David and Timothy. Beloved partner of Alison Watkinson and step-father to Glen (Kate) and Samantha. Predeceased by his parents Reg and Grace Spence and survived by his sister Ruth Anne Rice and his uncle Russ Spence as well as many cousins. Mike will be sadly missed by his in-laws from the Young, Houser, Adams and Hutton families. He is fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews.

Mike led hundreds of pilots to chase their aviation dreams during his 45 years as flight instructor with the Hamilton Flying Club, Seneca Aero Club (York Airport) and the EAA (Stoney Creek Airport). He recently retired from Transport Canada after 10 years as a Civil Aviation Inspector.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice for all of their care and compassion.

The service will take place in the Caledonia Baptist Church (401 Argyle St. S.) on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 11 a.m. directly followed by a reception at the church. Interment.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice would be appreciated.

Always loved, and ever missed. Safe flight home Mike.

Â

[comspazz]

RIP Mike and condolences to his family and friends!

He did my initial class 4 and then my class 2 .........To this day still remember movements and attitudes are 2 separate things to be taught that way.

[Lateralus]

He did my instructor ride about 10 years ago. Taught me a few things that day. RIP.

[fozzi]

He did my Class 4 ride last November. Great guy! Gave me a bunch of handouts he put together on "movements and attitudes", design eye reference point and some suggestions to make the class 3 upgrade quick and easy. He was so thorough and gave such good advice.

[Lateralus]

He did my Class 4 ride last November. Great guy! Gave me a bunch of handouts he put together on "movements and attitudes", design eye reference point and some suggestions to make the class 3 upgrade quick and easy. He was so thorough and gave such good advice.

Thats cool, did the same thing for me 10 years ago.....man seemed like yesterday, hard to believe where the time has gone.

Seen a few deaths lately that kinda put things into perspective. Enjoy life fellas and fly safe.

[Masters Off]

This is, hands down the best instructor that I've ever had. The man was able to understand and work with my learning abilities. He taught me tail wheel, and was always a very good mentor in my life.

I stopped by the hospice last week to see him, although his sister-in-law said he wasn't well enough to receive visitors. The kind people at TC Hamilton informed me of his current condition, unfortunately.

[slam525i]

It was good to see all the cars overflowing the church parking lot yesterday. Sad to see another experienced instructor go.

(Never been so acutely aware of being Chinese my whole life...)

[Jack Klumpus]

Sad to hear... Mike did my initial instructor ride. It was an enjoyable ride that I won't forget.