Redmond man recalled for humor, inspiration, accomplishments

At Redmond’s Opportunity Foundation Thrift Store, it’s hard to get in the spirit of the holidays when there’s an empty spot where a beloved greeter always stood.

“Spencer White was our official greeter,” Manager Tom Tome said Tuesday. “Any customer who came in here would talk to him.”

The gift of gab: Spencer was a pro.

“He was an icon in this town — an icon in this store,” Tome said.

A smile, a story, a man who lit up any room.

“He was always in a good mood,” said coworker Garrett Manuel.

Other coworkers described Spencer as larger-than-life and one-in-a-million. Everybody commented on his humor.

“There were a lot of jokes and a lot of wit out of this spot right here,” Tome said, standing where Spencer typically greeted people.

Tragically, the 65-year-old was killed Monday evening when he was struck by a car while crossing a southwest Redmond intersection.

It was an accident devastating coworkers and so many more — as Spencer was a champion of sorts for the entire disabled community.

Spencer was a regular competitor with Special Olympics Oregon.

“He came back with his medals from there, too,” Tome said.

An athlete that also had a rocking rhythm.

Manuel said he’ll never forget Spencer on the stage.

“Him sitting behind the drums, having two sticks in his hands and playing,” Manuel said.

It’s a lot for anyone to accomplish.. And because of that, Spencer was an inspiration to those dealt more challenges than most.

“He could tell them that they could be just as great and just as successful as he was,” Tome said.

But most of all, his friends say, he was just a good guy with an infectious personality.

“His sense of humor and his great stories,” co-worker Andrew Lickley recalled.

And even though there’s a hole in the store, and in their hearts, Tome is reminded it’s not what this community lost, but what it was given.

“What we’re thankful for is that he blessed our lives,” Tome said.

Spencer worked for the Opportunity Foundation of Central Oregon for 20 years and was a long-time resident of Redmond.