February 4, 1945 – March 16, 2026
Bob made a peaceful transition at the Dryden Regional Health Centre on Monday, March 16, 2026, just as the sun was setting. He was 81 years old. Bob was surrounded by his loving wife and partner of 55 years, Ginette (Goulet) Spence, and his daughters, Julienne (Weed) and Laura (Roberts).
Bob was born February 4, 1945, the fourth and final addition to Tom and Aileen’s family in Sioux Lookout. He spent his early years on Ethel Street with his sisters Judy, Jean, and Joan. The neighborhood was bursting with kids, and the Spences formed what would become a treasured lifetime bond with the Belluz children: Tony (Pat), Lois (Bill), and Betty (John).
In 1955, Tom and Aileen moved the family to Dryden when Tom built the Thunderbird Motor Hotel. This business was an epicentre of activity and historic events for the family, and it was here that Bob met Ginette, his forever love.
During their courtship, Bob was taken by the large Goulet family. Ginette was the eldest of Jeanne (Turpin) and Oscar’s six kids – Giselaine (John), Linda (Jim), Roger (Carla), Ron (Lori), and Joanne (Sharon). Bob’s love of the outdoors, socializing, and jokes met the vibrant Goulet family. He was always around for large family get-togethers and for the wild adventures of the Goulet kids. He made multiple trips to be with the family while Oscar was building roads for the MNR.
Tom and Aileen, and Jean (Jake) and their three girls – Lori, Lyn, and Lisa remained in Dryden (later moving to BC), while Joan (Carl) and their three girls – Carmen, Kari, and Connie had retired in Lexington, Kentucky. Despite the distance the families all came together in the summer in Dryden and at their Island getaway on Pelican Lake in Sioux Lookout. While Bob loved his trips to Costa Rica and Mexico, he loved the family Island like nowhere else.
Bob’s grandchildren Claire and Hugh Roberts, and Oscar Weed were his pride and joy. He also loved being Uncle and Great Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Bob was always happiest with one of the kids helping him steer as his “co-captain” of the boat, or while towing them on tubes and skis for fast rips around Pelican Lake. The family also fondly remembers big fishing trips to English River Falls and Lac Seul, always ending in epic fish feasts back at the Island.
Bob’s work ethic was a hallmark of the man he was. In the early 70s, he operated the Thunderbird Drive-In, which we all know had the best darn burgers in all of Northwestern Ontario! He later worked for Con Sveinson delivering fuel, and in 1979 purchased Downtown Esso at the corner of Duke St. and Van Horne Ave. There he built a successful automotive repair business. He sold Downtown Autopro just a year ago, retiring at 80.
Over the years, there were many shared memories with Joan and Léandre Goulet, and cousins Chantalle and Edward, Aunty Lillian (Turpin) and Uncle Lee Runge, and neighbours Diane and Trevor Szmon and their children Hannah and Graham.
Bob was known by many in the community, and will be remembered for his great sense of humour, kindness, and service.
Family was everything to Bob and he will be greatly missed. He is survived by Ginette (Goulet) Spence, his daughters and their families – Julienne, Rhys, and Oscar Weed, and Laura, Ryan, Claire, and Hugh Roberts. Bob is also survived by his sisters Jean (Jake) Janzen and Joan Cassity and a wonderful extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents Tom and Aileen Spence, in-laws Oscar and Jeanne Goulet, his brother-in-law Carl (Cassity), and his sister Judy.
The family extends their deepest thanks to the healthcare staff at Dryden Regional and Thunder Bay Regional Health Centres. Special appreciation goes to Dr. Lewis, Dr. Moir, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Goulet, Dr. Bester, Bob’s physiotherapy team, and the amazing nurses who supported him during his brief illness.
If friends so desire, they can donate to the Dryden Regional Health Centre Equipment Fund. A family celebration of life will happen in the summer, the season Bob loved the most.
As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Private Family Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the DRHC – Equipment Fund, P.O. Box 3003, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z6
Condolences may be posted to www.drydencommunityfuneralhome.ca
Arrangements entrusted to the Dryden Community Funeral Home,
249 Grand Trunk Ave. Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
