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(12)-
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Ted and Yvonne Bolton says
March 26, 2026 at 2:38 pmWe are so sorry to hear of the loss of Judy and Bob. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time.
Glenice Sveinson says
March 26, 2026 at 5:00 pmGinette and family; Keith and I and our family are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We send our condolences to the whole Spence family who have been friends of the Sveinson family both in Dryden and Sioux Lookout. 💞
Lisa austin says
March 26, 2026 at 6:59 pmI was a customer of bob’s at downtown autopro for many years. He was always very kind and helpful. My condolences to his entire family at this time.
Lorraine Wyder says
March 26, 2026 at 10:31 pmPlease accept my sincere and deepest sympathy during your time of sorrow. I met Bob when I first moved to Dryden and became the Welcome Wagon Hostess and Downtown Auto Pro was one of my business supporters. He was such a supporter of the Dryden community and those who were lucky to have known him will always keep his memory in their hearts. Sending thoughts and prayers to all his family. 🙏 Lorraine Wyder
Lorraine Maddalozzo says
March 27, 2026 at 1:46 pmDear Ginette, Julienne and Laura
Words seem so inadequate – I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories over the years of visits to Dryden and many happy times with all the family. Bob will be missed by many who have spent time with him over the years! May his memory be a blessing….
Love and hugs, Cuzin Lor
Shelley Glowa says
March 28, 2026 at 10:47 amOur sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of Bob and Judy. Shelley, Candace & Danielle Glowa
Delma Clace says
March 29, 2026 at 6:33 amSo very sorry to hear of the passing of Bob, Janette. Thinking of you and sending prayers!
liann sims says
March 29, 2026 at 3:56 pmGinette and family, Jim and I are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. May your memories carry you through this sad time.
Jim and Liann Sims
Bernice Ferguson says
March 30, 2026 at 10:59 amDear Ginette,Jean,Joan and families,
My deepest sympathy to you all on the passing of Judy and Bob. May the memories of great times together give you peace and comfort. Hugs Bernice.
Kathryn Humphrey says
March 31, 2026 at 9:33 amCondolences to the whole Spence extended family at this time of the loss of both Judy and Bob. My memory of Judy is her friendliness, and of the Thunderbird Drive-In, not only the best burgers, but the best ice cream cones! Wishing you all the comfort and warmth that sharing memories can bring.
Kathryn Humphrey
Wayne Wolfe says
April 13, 2026 at 5:09 pmJanette, Jean and Joan, Wendy and I are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. During our years in Dryden, Bob helped us with many vehicles and always did it with a smile and friendly comments. May your many memories give you comfort
Wendy and Wayne Wolfe says
April 14, 2026 at 9:14 amGinette and family, deepest condolences on Bob’s passing. During our time in Dryden, Bob looked after our vehicles, always with a little chat and a smile.
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