Obituary of Joseph W. Spencer

Joseph William (Joe) Spencer, 77 of Paicines, California passed away from a tragic car accident on October, 20,2024. He left home in the morning with his dog to go quail hunting. When he did not get home by the 49er game his wife and nephew went to the Horse Valley Ranch in South County and found him in an area called the Eisenhower. It is a mystery what exactly happened and the only witness is his dog. Joe was born in Hollister to Francis (Zeke) and Catherine (Dorothy) Spencer on May 17, 1947. He went to high school at San Benito County High School and graduated in 1965. He majored in Wildlife Management at Humboldt University. He briefly worked for California Fish and Wildlife and then came home to San Benito County and got a job as an Ag. Inspector for San Benito County. After 13 years he left the Ag. Department to form a partnership with a company called South County Petroleum. After back surgery in 2000, he left construction to work for the Ranch. Joe was an avid hunter and hunted deer out of state every year. Besides deer, he hunted birds and pigs and also did some fishing. Joe is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathleen Schmidt Spencer of the Bear Valley Ranch in South County. He is also survived by his siblings Robert Spencer(Cassandra) of Tres Pinos, and Nancy Michalek (Mich) of West Brooklyn, Illinois. He is also survived by his nephews Scott Spencer(Sonya) of South County and Joe Spencer of Tres Pinos. and a niece Amber Henzi Scardino(Sundance) of Half Moon Bay and a grandniece Teal Spencer. He is preceded in death by his parents, Zeke and Dorothy Spencer. There will be a private spreading of the ashes on the Horse Valley Ranch, and a public Celebration of Life held at a later date. Joe had a great love of wildlife and in his memory the family would like donations to be given to Ducks Unlimited, California Deer Association, or any other association who protects wildlife and keeps, improves or expand their habitat.