Passing of iconic Lantzville firefighter ‘leaves a large gap’ in the community
LANTZVILLE — When an ambulance arrived at Ken Spence’s Lantzville home to take him to palliative care, the 69-year-old refused to be carried out on a stretcher. He told paramedics if it was the last time he would be leaving his home, he would walk out under what strength he had left.
“Well that’s Ken isn’t it?,” retired Lantzville fire chief Tom Whipps said as he relayed the story. “It took him a bit, all the strength he had, but he walked out of his own home and into the ambulance. If that isn’t guts and strength I don’t know what is.”
Spence passed away last week after battling cancer, without treatment, for more than a year.
Spence devoted 52-years of continuous service as a volunteer for Lantzville Fire Rescue, first joining the department as a 16-year-old in 1966. He was beloved in the small seaside district for his unwavering commitment to the community. Spence was well-known as the driver of the hay wagon at the annual Minetown Day celebration and leader of the fall fireworks display, among many other things.