Rollo William Spencer

Rollo William Spencer passed away unexpectedly Jan. 2, 2015. Rollo was born Sept. 13, 1935, to Jesse and Arthella Spencer in Escalante, Utah. He attended Weber County High School and, upon graduation, gave up a full-ride college scholarship to join the U.S. Air Force. After serving his country for eight years, he attended the University of Santa Clara and received his master’s degree in physics.

Rollo married Sylvia, the love of his life, in 1960 and shared 54 years of love and laughter. She followed him from Utah to New York and California, where he had an extensive career in technology in the Silicon Valley. He began his career at IBM as an engineer and continued to excel in many companies, with increasing responsibilities, including CDC, Tandem, Zilog, NASA, Ames Research and culminating his career as general manager of devices for Apple, leading the forefront of the tablet technology.

Rollo and Sylvia eventually settled in Coupeville in 1993. Rollo began his second career in the family business, working at Holmes Harbor Cellars as the tasting room manager.

Rollo is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia, and daughters Michelle Moch (Brian Loomis), Theresa Martinez (Greg) and twins Melanie Lemons (Loren) and Monica Spencer. Rollo was also the adored grandfather of six grandchildren, Spencer (21), Garrett (19), Dane (18), Allie (18), Carly (15) and Michael (7). Three brothers, Gary, Rodney (twin) and Stephen Spencer also survive.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Cherie Hoerman and Arta Lamb.

Funeral Mass for Rollo Spencer was celebrated at 12:10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Coupeville, with the Rev. Paul Pluth, J.C.L. as Celebrant. Rites of Burial followed at Sunnyside Cemetery with full military honors provided by the U. S. Air Force. A reception was held in the Parish Hall. Donations in Rollo’s honor may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or Catholic Community Services of Western Washington. Please visit Rollo’s page in the Book of Memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences. Arrangements were entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home and Cremation, LLC, Oak Harbor, Wash.