John Richard Spencer

April 11, 1940 – December 26, 2025

John Richard Spencer, age 85, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025. He was born on April 11, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri, and lived a life defined by service, leadership, and dedication to both his family and the public good.

John was raised in New Mexico by his parents, Paul Spencer and Theresa Spencer, alongside his siblings, Paul Spencer Jr. and Laura Spencer. The values instilled during his upbringing—integrity, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility—guided him throughout his life.

He attended the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he earned his Doctorate in Law, and went on to become a respected legal attorney.

John proudly served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1968, a period that further shaped his lifelong commitment to service.

Following his military service, John began his professional career with the City of Anchorage, serving as City Attorney (Municipal Attorney) until 1974. He then accepted a position as Vice-President and General Counsel of RCA Alascom. Afterward, he returned to the City of Anchorage as General Manager, continuing his dedication to public service.

From 1980 to 1984, John was appointed Regional Administrator for Region 10 of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, overseeing environmental programs across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. In this role, he contributed to policies protecting natural resources and public health and was widely respected for his thoughtful and steady leadership.

Upon leaving public service, John co-founded his own environmental consulting company, SRH, in Portland, Oregon, alongside John Ruddick and Gary Hahn. The company was sold in 1990, after which John continued practicing law in the Puget Sound area of Washington State.

Throughout his life, John was known for his integrity, intelligence, and principled approach to leadership. Above all, he took great pride in the lives and accomplishments of those he helped.

John is survived by his children, Stephen Myles Spencer, and Kelly Lynn Melland, and by his niece and nephew, Danny Spencer and Teri Jackson along with five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and is reunited with loved ones who went before him.

A service and celebration of life will be held at the Covenant Church in Gig Harbor (4901 Gustafson Dr NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335) on February 13th at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of service, kindness, and reflection—values John exemplified throughout his life.

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