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William J. "Bill" Spence

1940 - 2019

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Renee posted a condolence

Thursday, March 7, 2019

I had the good fortune to meet Bill when he came to Springville, NY for the Civil War program. He noticed me playing my hammered dulcimer and immediately took me under his wing. Before his evening performance, he had me come up on stage to look at his instrument and give me some quick tips and pointers. When he returned to our community a couple of years later to do the Women's Suffrage program, he remembered me and we had another opportunity to chat. He told my husband & I about starting the Old Songs festival with his beloved wife, and also mentioned his daughter and her career when he found out our daughter had gone to school for similar studies. It was obvious how proud he was of both his wife and daughter. I feel blessed and honored that I had the privilege of meeting this wonderful man. I was so saddened to learn of his passing last month. My sincerest condolences to his loved ones and the multitudes whose lives he touched.

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Barbara Vink posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Another Old Songs fan sharing sorrow.

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Doug MacKenzie posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Bill was a fixture of my childhood, at Fox Hollow, and later, at Old Songs. Bill's efforts in the world of the hammered dulcimer are incalculable. He was a fine gentleman, and a very funny man, and he is sorely missed.

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James "Sparky" Rucker posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Bill was a wonderful man. We ALWAYS enjoyed spending time with the family when we performed at Front Hall. We HOPE you are healing. Love to you ALL. Sparky & Rhonda

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Jeremy Schrauf posted a condolence

Monday, February 18, 2019

My condolences to Andy and family. Just reading the obit caused me to remember Fox Hollow and a lot of other fun places and times with Bill and others playing while we non musical types listened, danced or whatever. Sorry to hear this difficult news.

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Peter Amidon posted a condolence

Monday, February 18, 2019

The Dance Flurry surged with sadness & fond remembrances of Bill.

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Pete Ellsworth posted a condolence

Monday, February 18, 2019

I wish I could find the words to tell you both how sorry I am. I hope that the good wishes and memories from Bill's friends will help ease the pain. As for memories, there are quite a few, given that our friendship dates back to Kindergarten. Highlights include: 1. Our memorable (?) performance as Indians in the 5th grade minuet. 2. Bill was the only friend I had with his own darkroom where I remember developing and printing pictures from my trusty Brownie Hawkeye. 3. The white rats he got from his dad's psychology lab and gave to his friends for pets. My parents were not particularly pleased. 4. The Jazz club. Bill is of course best known for folk music, but in high school he joined with our band director and formed a jazz club that met at the Spence home to listen to and discuss jazz records. The club included at least one student (Heywood Bell) from another high school. 5.And of course, the skiffle group.which was great fun and which got me interested in performing folk music, which later led to the formation of "Dr. Smith's New world Champion Horse-hair Pullers" which was by far the finest folk group in all of Ethiopia. Can't imagine that he is gone, but am so very grateful that he was a part of my life.

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Barbara Lubell uploaded photo(s)

Monday, February 18, 2019

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A table in the glass corridor at the Flurry, written by those folks w/poignant recollections of Bill remembrances.

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Zeke Smukler posted a condolence

Sunday, February 17, 2019

I was sorry Bill died, but I did play a record in memory of him. And I read about his death at the Dance Flurry Festival in Saratoga and wrote a Flurry note there. They taped it on the bulletin board.

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Seana Munson posted a condolence

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Bill was a great influence in my life and a large part of my upbringing in the folk music community. I miss you, Uncle Bill. Love you always.

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Laura Parsons uploaded photo(s)

Sunday, February 17, 2019

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Music in the Rain, Old Songs 2018

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Laura Parsons posted a condolence

Sunday, February 17, 2019

I praise the Lord for Bill, his loving kindness, hospitality, generosity, talents, humor, pet ownership, compassion and grace. He continues to hold a very special place in my heart and the hearts of my family. Thanks for the music, the mischief and memories. God bless you for blessing us! See you on the other side... "Don't miss it if you can."

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Mara Jevera Fulmer posted a condolence

Sunday, February 17, 2019

What can I say about Bill? He was a mentor, father-figure, encourager of silly things. Lessons learned include: not taking oneself too seriously as exemplified by the spoon-on-face skills he’d regularly demonstrate in the office at SUNYA; face challenges with a smile because failing is better than never trying at all, and you might just succeed; be a kid inside and out because a sense of wonder should never be something we give up just because the years are adding up; and that life is an adventure best spent shared with those you love, including family and friends, especially when making great music and art along the way. Thank you, Bill, for being you!

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Chris Shaw posted a condolence

Sunday, February 17, 2019

The first time I played Old Songs I was standing backstage waiting to go on and Bill walks up and says to me very seriously, "Have you figured out what you're going to do out there?" "No idea in hell,..." I replied, thinking that was a pretty good response. Without dropping a note he says, "Good, for a minute I thought it was going to involve some Adirondack animal,..." Spence: Game, Set, and Match. Goodbye, Bud.

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Michael Eck posted a condolence

Sunday, February 17, 2019

See that smile. That's what I'll keep with me. Such a bringer of joy--in song, in laughter, in everything. Love you, Bill.

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Donna Hebert posted a condolence

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Bill Spence always greeted me with a smile, and after I got to know him better, a great big hug. He remains one of my favorite men. I particularly loved his ability to be in the moment, whether it was personal or musical. His presence at Old Songs Festival was always announced by his apparel and I look forward to many other festival men taking up Bill's abiding love for Hawaiian shirts. If those men greet me at the festival, I will give them the hug I would have given Bill. I miss you, my kind and funny friend. Hope you took some of your music with you. Donna Hebert

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David R. R. Long posted a condolence

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Bill and I worked at the University for all his years until he retired. I was AVDavey to everyone there. He and I would try to outdo each other in making merriment. We always had a good time at lunch, and doing the student Telethons every year. Graphically, no one could manipulate a computer as well as he could. He was the best. It was a pleasure to know and work with him and I will always remember his good humor. Peace unto you, Bill!

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The family of William J. Spence uploaded a photo

Friday, February 15, 2019

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In Loving Memory

William Spence

1940 - 2019

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Voorheesville Location

Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Inc.

9 Voorheesville Ave
Voorheesville, NY 12186

Phone: (518) 765-3633

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Colonie Location

Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Inc.

1200 Central Ave
Colonie, NY 12205

Phone: (518) 459-1200

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