Dick Spencer in front of a photo of former Prime Minsiter John Diefenbaker. (File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Rest In Peace

Former P.A. mayor passes away leaving behind long legacy in politics and education

Feb 22, 2023 | 8:00 AM

One of Prince Albert’s former mayors has passed away.

Richard ‘Dick’ Spencer, who was born in Melfort, died on Saturday just a couple of weeks after turning 92.

Many will remember Spencer for his political career which included eight years as P.A.’s mayor starting in 1979, multiple stints as a city councillor, and helping John Diefenbaker get elected as the country’s Prime Minister.

Jim Scarrow, who is also a former Prince Albert mayor, told paNOW while their political careers didn’t coincide, they still knew each other well.

“He was a character, he was forthright, he didn’t mince his words, and I think in many ways he was fairly demanding of not only himself but others whom he worked with and taught,” he said. “He was a pretty good guy; he gave much to our community.”

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Before becoming mayor, Spencer was an English teacher at P.A.C.I.

Neil Headrick was one of his former students and said he was one of, if not, the best teachers he’s ever had.

“Even though I wasn’t the easiest person on the face of the earth to control, he seemed to relish in moulding us young minds no matter who we were,” he said. “You weren’t just a student to him; you were his responsibility.”

The two would become good friends later in life.

One of the things they both shared was a deep admiration for former Prime Minister Diefenbaker. Spencer ended up serving as Diefenbaker’s campaign manager during his last five Prince Albert campaigns.

Richard Spencer (Left) with John Diefenbaker (Right). (Prince Albert Weekly News)

To this day, Headrick doesn’t know what brought the two together politically.

“Diefenbaker was a one-of-a-kind guy, not unlike Dick Spencer,” he joked.

Spencer also wrote two books about conservative politics in Saskatchewan titled “Trumpets and Drums, John Diefenbaker on the Campaign Trail,” and “Singing the Blues: The Conservatives in Saskatchewan.”

None of this is what Headrick will remember most about his friend. Instead, it’ll be his sense of humour even when there were jokes being made on his behalf. On one occasion, Spencer even agreed to be roasted.

“I remember that being a great honour, being asked to roast him,” said Headrick.

He added there were a few pranks students pulled on him, in a fun way, which included locking his vehicle from the inside and putting a goat on a lease in his backyard. Headrick explained he didn’t see his initial reaction but he did have a good attitude when talking about them afterwards.

Meanwhile, the family is asking people to donate to the Canadian Cancer Society instead of sending flowers.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow