He went by a single name, “Spence,” and was equally singular in his focus on community and a very large circle of friends in his adopted hometown of Healdsburg. His full name was Donald Lamarion Spence and he died Dec. 13 after a long fight against lung cancer. He was 56. A large portion of his circle of friends held a candlelight memorial in the city’s Plaza last Friday, Dec. 14.
Spence was born Jan. 12, 1962 in New London, CT. where he lived until moving to Healdsburg in 1999. He attended the University of Connecticut and graduated from the University of Tennessee. Family members called him “Donnie.” As a youth, he was a member of the Boy Scouts, played high school football and was a member of the First and Summerfield UMC church.
His mother, Eva (Spence) Johnson recalls how her son always loved being with children and sharing experiences and lessons with them through song, play and poetry. His family also remembered him and school mates for his selection of clothing, vehicles, inspiring songs and devoted friendships.
In Healdsburg, Spence followed his entrepreneurial instincts and launched the Seeded Juice Company, producing several kinds of cold-pressed juices, which he sold at a few Healdsburg outlets and at the Healdsburg Farmers Market, where he proved to be a favorite conversationalist.
Spence brought the “Stone Soup” concept of community meals with him to Healdsburg, sharing them with youth groups and others.
He was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in 2015 and spent many long months seeking genetic research and courses of cancer treatment. His battle with cancer became very expensive and many Healdsburg people rallied to raise funds, food and other support for him. A recent GoFundMe drive helped with his mounting medical bills while several local restaurateurs delivered meals to him.
As it became obvious that Spence’s final days were approaching, friend and Healdsburg writer Matt Villa no penned a final living tribute to him on Dec. 6. His closing read, “The bottom line: LaMarion Spence is a man who matters to a whole lot of people in this town, and a big part of our community has come together to show him how much.
Kindness is contagious, and undoubtedly in the months and weeks ahead there will be other opportunities to celebrate the impact Spence has had on this community. Look for them. Seek them out. Get involved. Giving back is exactly what Spence would have done. That makes it a fitting way to pay homage to one of Healdsburg’s very best.
— Rollie Atkinson
