Former La Cañada Flintridge Mayor David Spence Dies

LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, CA — La Cañada Flintridge city leaders Wednesday mourned long-time city council member and former mayor David A. Spence, who was believed to have died from a heart attack.

Spence, 80, died at his home Tuesday morning, city officials said.

"David Spence was an invaluable source of wisdom, guidance and support, both to the La Canada Flintridge community and to me personally," said La Cañada Flintridge Mayor Michael T. Davitt. "His tireless dedication and legacy of excellence set the standard for our community."

Spence was appointed to a four-year term on the Public Safety Commission in 1988. First elected to the City Council in 1992, he served for the past 25 years and was elected and appointed mayor six times.

Spence also represented the community on many regional governmental agencies, including serving as past president of both the California Contract Cities Association and San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, and served on host of regional boards, city officials said.

Spence is survived by his two sons, Steve and Andy and was preceded in death by his wife Alice Spence, city officials said.

Spence met his wife at Ohio Wesleyan University in the 1950s and moved to La Cañada Flintridge in 1969.

Spence and his wife were "active in community events, volunteering their time to local efforts and earning the shared distinction of 'La Cañadans of the Year' in 1994," according to a city statement.

A service celebrating his life is pending. Information on funeral services will be posted on the city's website at www.lcf.ca.gov .

— City News Service, photo courtesy of the city of La Cañada Flintridge