Comments on: Harold Richard Spencer II

By: James Pont

James Pont — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 12:40:58 +0000

I met Dick when my family moved from Hubbell to Lincoln in June 1952, shortly after I graduated from the eighth grade. We lived just across the street from the Spencer family and we became good friends as well as high school classmates. We shared an interest in music and ended up in a small non union dance band composed of high school and college students. Given Dick’s interest in cars and all things mechanical, he purchased a used multi seated hearse to which we attached a small equipment trailer and travelled to our dance jobs. After college, Dick pursued music in the Navy and I moved to Washington for a government job, but we continued to maintain some contact, especially after he returned to Lincoln and assumed a leadership role in our alumni group while it was still large enough for periodic reunions.
We were in Lincoln for family gatherings in late June 2024 and we went to see Dick shortly after he had entered home hospice care. During our conversation he said, “Well I think I will make it to 86.” From his wry smile and our 70 plus years of friendship, I should have sensed the set up, but I didn’t, and asked when that was. His answer, “In two days,” was classic. We returned two days later with a birthday balloon and a final farewell for a true friend and genuinely authentic person, Dick Spenser!

By: Roberta Pont

Roberta Pont — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 22:25:20 +0000

In reply to Doug Dickeson. Dick was a dear friend from high school. My husband Jim pont was his best friend they lived across the street from each other. So he became my friend too. Jim and I were in Lincoln in June and were able to stop by and see him for several hours. That was so special . Jim told me a funny story when Dick walked in his house with a double mowhawk. And his mom screamed so loud that Jim could hear her from Jim’s house.

By: Gail DeBuse Potter

Gail DeBuse Potter — Sat, 04 Jan 2025 04:53:20 +0000

I knew him while we both worked at the Nebraska State Historical Society. One very memorable event was a staff picnic (I think)and he bought his drums. He played the most amazing version of “Wipe Out.”
Fabulous musician and very talented.

By: J. Rupert

J. Rupert — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 04:03:17 +0000

Mr. H.R. “Dick” Spencer was a talented Musician, Teacher, Composer, Audio/Video Recording and Production Engineer, Merchant, Businessman, Inventor, Innovator, Employer and valued Friend. But most of all, he was a “Good Guy.” And sometimes, being truly worthy of the title of “A Good Guy” is the very best eulogy that any man can earn in his lifetime. Thanks for everything, Mr. Spencer. We all owe you a lot.

By: Larry and LaurieAnn Scott

Larry and LaurieAnn Scott — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 21:44:55 +0000

We were privileged to know Richard through the Friendship Force. He was so kind and his smile will always be remembered. He gave wonderful tours of the Museum of Nebraska History. In addition to being so much fun as a fellow traveler, I appreciated his helping me out with the Italian language AND on the pesky computer! Richard mastered the intricacies of technology earlier and better than most of us mortals! Deepest sympathy to his family.

By: Jeffrey Kirkland

Jeffrey Kirkland — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 17:18:11 +0000

I first knew Dick from Sound City a music store he owned. I remember him playing for Chuck Berry when he played in Lincoln. I went to a reception and found out it was for my cousin, Janet Jeffries, and his wedding reception. Spent several afternoons playing music with them. He was a talented musician but was good at all his pursuits. A great man with a great life.

By: Craig McClatchey

Craig McClatchey — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:19:33 +0000

Dick Spencer was my first employer at Sound City.
I can remember nothing but good things about him.
I still have the fretless bass guitar he sold me back in 1970.
I wish him well in heaven and send condolences to his family.
He will be in my thoughts!

By: Doug Dickeson

Doug Dickeson — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:13:19 +0000

Dick was the first guy that I knew that was a recording engineer. We cut our first record at Sound City Studio, and the process was so fascinating to me that I later pursued recording engineering myself.

He was a great guy, and will be sorely missed by the several interest groups that he was part of.