J Clyde Spencer MD passed away peacefully on February 5, 2024 at the age of 94. He was born on September 30, 1929 in Ionia, Michigan, and raised there as the only child of
J Clyde Spencer Sr. and June Josephine Wales. In his youth his best friend and constant companion was Chan, his beloved Chow Chow dog. In high school Clyde played football and baseball and excelled scholastically, earning a full academic scholarship to the University of Michigan. He obtained both his bachelor and medical degrees from Michigan, did an internship at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, and then served two years as a Medical Officer in the United States Army in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Influenced by fellow Army physician and well-known Harvard radiologist CC Wang, following his military commitment Clyde returned to Ann Arbor and entered a radiology residency under the direction of the highly regarded Dr. Isadore Lampe. After completing his residency he accepted a position with Sparrow Hospital in Lansing and began work in the Radiology Department under its Chief, Dr. Bill Cheney. It was there he flourished, first as a Diagnostic Radiologist and then later as a Radiation Oncologist treating cancer. Clyde loved his work and was dedicated to his patients. He was instrumental in bringing a linear accelerator and other high-tech equipment to Sparrow, served as a Department Head for several years, and at one time was the Chief of Staff for the entire hospital.
J Clyde Spencer Sr. and June Josephine Wales. In his youth his best friend and constant companion was Chan, his beloved Chow Chow dog. In high school Clyde played football and baseball and excelled scholastically, earning a full academic scholarship to the University of Michigan. He obtained both his bachelor and medical degrees from Michigan, did an internship at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, and then served two years as a Medical Officer in the United States Army in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Influenced by fellow Army physician and well-known Harvard radiologist CC Wang, following his military commitment Clyde returned to Ann Arbor and entered a radiology residency under the direction of the highly regarded Dr. Isadore Lampe. After completing his residency he accepted a position with Sparrow Hospital in Lansing and began work in the Radiology Department under its Chief, Dr. Bill Cheney. It was there he flourished, first as a Diagnostic Radiologist and then later as a Radiation Oncologist treating cancer. Clyde loved his work and was dedicated to his patients. He was instrumental in bringing a linear accelerator and other high-tech equipment to Sparrow, served as a Department Head for several years, and at one time was the Chief of Staff for the entire hospital.In his off time, Clyde was an avid golfer. He once carried a 6 handicap, had 9 holes in one, and belonged to Walnut Hills Country Club for over 50 years. He also enjoyed time with his family, social activities with friends, and in retirement wintering in Vero Beach, Florida. Clyde was lucky in love and was married to two wonderful women; first the former Beverly Mae Brown of Grand Rapids until her death in 1980, and then to Marcia Grimes Jensen of East Lansing, who was a close friend of Beverly’s. Clyde and Marcia were married for over 40 years and she got him to loosen up a bit. At one point he was even spotted wearing jeans. His other affiliations included the American College of Radiology, the Ingham County Medical Society, the Rotary Club of Lansing which he was a member since 1972, the University of Michigan Alumni Association, and All Saints Episcopal Church.
Clyde was predeceased by Beverly and Marcia, along with his son Ted. He is survived by his sons Craig (Gina), Bryce (Margo) and Todd, and his daughters Allison Duniven and Sarah Hensien (John), grandchildren Brian (Jane), Clay, Marissa, Lauren (Doug), Katherine (Kevin), Chelsea, Hillary (Michael), Jack, and Anna, and great-grandchildren Molly, Lexi, Ben, Emma, Alexander, and Stella.