Spencer Eugene Stamper of Cosmopolis, Washington, passed into the presence of his Lord Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, in Olympia, Washington. Spencer was born in Hoquiam, Washington Dec. 3, 1936, to Freelin Spencer Stamper and Ruth Musser Stamper. He attended school in Hoquiam and graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1955. After graduation, Spencer worked for Blagen Mill in Hoquiam. He interrupted his time at Blagen’s to serve in the United States Army from 1959 to 1962. After returning home, he completed an apprenticeship as a journeyman welder and worked in the weld shop of Lamb Grays Harbor for 33 years, retiring in 1998.
Spencer married Ruth Warner on June 23, 1979, at Warm Beach, Washington. He was a loving a devoted husband.
Spencer loved the outdoors. He tended his garden and shared its bounty. Fishing, hunting and exploring back roads brought him joy and relaxation. When blackberries were in season, it was a must to pick buckets of them so Ruth could make jam.
Throughout their marriage, particularly in their retirement years, they enjoyed their home in Cosmopolis and spending time with family and friends.
They went to Hong Kong to visit the place of Ruth’s birth, as well as Japan and Korea. Many road trips were taken around the United States in their fifth wheel and other vehicles. They wintered for several years in Mesa, Arizona and three winters in Mexico, volunteering at a Christian camp. Spencer treasured the time he was able to be involved with the building of Immanuel Baptist Church in Hoquiam.
Spencer was a humble, kind and generous soul. He loved to be around children. Their presence always brought a big smile to his face.
Spencer is survived by his wife at the family home and his sisters Donna Nielsen of Bremerton, Washington and Alta Sexton of Raymond, Washington. Other survivors include his nephews: David Nielsen, Randy Sexton, Craig Sexton, Robert Stamper, Nick Olaerts, Tim Olaerts, Mike Olaerts and Tony Olaerts. He is also survived by nieces: Randi Huato, Debbie Morris, Zuma Martin, June Anderson, Debbie Bloomquist, Diane Borst, Mary Wragge, Ann Vinikas, Celine Botts, Tonette Lincoln, Rhonda Olaerts and many grandnieces and grandnephews.
Spencer was preceded in death by his father Freelin Stamper, his mother Ruth, brothers Freel J. and Floyd Stamper, sisters Genevieve Petersen and Dorothy Olaerts, his nephew Jerry Petersen and nieces Joan Leuck and Linda Berzina.
A celebration of life will be held on Monday, Oct. 11, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Hoquiam at 1 p.m.
Remembrances may be directed to the building fund of Immanuel Baptist Church.
Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.
