District Rotary records the sad passing of the Reverend Dr Richard Spence in September. He was an active Rotarian of 44 years, involved in community projects in Hawke’s Bay, Tonga, India and was President of the Rotary Club of Wellington Central in 2005/06. During his year as President, the Wellington Central Club paid for a propeller from the HMNZS Wellington, which was sunk off the south coast of Wellington. The propeller was cleaned and now stands as a memorial in Waitangi Park, with appropriate signage.
At the time of his death, Rev Dr Richard Spence held the positions of Diocesan Spiritual Director for the Cursillo Movement and was Chaplain to the Mission to Seafarers at the Port of Napier.
Pioneering research in the developing field of computer education gained him a PhD in 1976, with his publications creating a foundation for the mainstreaming of computer science in New Zealand education. He authored 13 books, published numerous articles in journals and produced conference papers and e-publications. The Rev Dr Spence was ordained an Anglican self supporting priest in 1995 ministering to Maori, in the workplace, on marae, in people’s homes and in churches. His service to Maori and to European communities and mentoring youngsters was prolific. He led tramps, coached young runners, adjudicating debates and judging at science fairs including the National Science Fair. He was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow earlier this year.
He was devoted to his community as he was to his family, and is survived by his wife, Gail, and their sons Andrew, Michael and Paul.
Information provided by PDGs David Watt and Dexter Bambery.
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