Chuck Spencer passed away from complications of Parkinson's on July 29, 2022, after a short residence in Van Nuys. He was born in Los Angeles on February 20, 1928. Chuck's childhood was shaped by his father's occupation as a hydroelectric engineer; the family moved regularly following new projects across the West. When Chuck was in his teens, his father took a job with Southern California Edison, and the family moved to San Marino. While at South Pasadena High School, Chuck's younger sister, Laura, became close friends with Marin Harmon '48 and soon a romance developed between Chuck and Marin. They married in 1950.

Chuck attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, a member of the first graduating class in Electronic Engineering in 1952. He worked at General Dynamics and Convair/Consolidated Vultee Aircraft in Southern California, designing guided missile systems. In early 1959, Chuck took a temporary assignment at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO) in Big Pine, California. Shortly after, he was hired permanently by CalTech to design radio receivers for research projects conducted at OVRO. In 1964, Chuck and Marin bought a lot at Wilkerson Ranch. They began construction of a family home to accommodate their growing family and serve as a base to pursue their myriad interests. Chuck hand dug the 26 foot deep well and did much of the construction of the home, working until dark after his full days at OVRO. Chuck and Marin lived in their unique hilltop home for over 50 years.

Chuck was an original thinker, unconcerned with social expectations, always immersed in unconventional projects. He got a pilot's license, flew gliders, and built an airplane framework in his garage. He was an early computer enthusiast and narrow gauge steam engine aficionado. He learned Morse code, was a ham radio operator and member of the Bishop Amateur Radio club. He welded, painted, created multi-media sculptures, developed his own photographs, and learned guitar so he could sing his children to sleep. He climbed mountains before it was popular to do so and joined Eastern Sierra Mountain Rescue.

In his 40s, Chuck took up ultra-distance bicycling. He was a pioneer participant in the Davis Double Century and Markleeville Death Ride, and rode the high challenge Super Tours in California, Colorado, Canada, and the Alps. He completed the 800 mile qualifying ride for the Race Across America. He designed, machined, and tested experimental parts and custom-built bicycles.

As diverse and unusual as these pursuits are, the most remarkable thing about Chuck is that he was an unfailingly good-hearted and loving man. He didn't complain nor have an unkind word for anyone. The wealth of his knowledge and his wry, slightly skewed sense of humor were frequent sources of amazement for those who knew him. He will be missed on this planet.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 72 years, Marin; his six children, Lisa (Dennis) Supanich, Julie Spencer, Keith (Jamie) Spencer, Glenn (Mary) Spencer, Carla Napoles, and Amy (Robert) Ackroyd; seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; his sister Laura Spencer Dunbar '48; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Mary Spencer and sister, Mary Spencer Clark '42.

Inyo Register, August 18, 2022