Spencer, Robert Allan, Professor Emeritus University of Toronto, Honorary Fellow Trinity College, Lieutenant-Colonel (retired), CD, DPhil.  9 November 1920 to 28 August 2022

After a brief illness, Robert Allan Spencer died in Ottawa on 28 August 2022, in his 102nd year. Robert was an honoured academic and decorated veteran. The devoted husband of the late Ruth Margaret (Church) Spencer (2000), he was predeceased by brothers Charles Wilson Spencer (2003) and Colin Alexander Spencer (2014). He was the dear father of Charles (Elizabeth Ann), of the Isle of Man, and Valerie Keyes (Keith) and Katherine Spencer-Ross (David Ross), both of Ottawa.  He was also grandfather to Caroline and Andrew Ross, Tristan and Alastair Keyes, and Rowan and Isla Spencer.

Born in Montreal, Robert was educated at the High School of Montreal, McGill University, Trinity College at the University of Toronto, and received his DPhil from St John’s College, Oxford in 1950. During the Second World War, he served with distinction first with the Victoria Rifles of Canada before transferring to the artillery.  He served with 15th Canadian Field Regiment, 4th Canadian Armoured Division in France, the Netherlands and Germany and was Mentioned in Despatches.  He launched his various careers after receiving his doctorate and marrying (in 1948) his beloved Ruth who, after serving in the WRENS during the war, was at the time of their marriage the librarian at Canada House in London.

In 1950, he arrived at the History Department of the University of Toronto where he taught the history of Germany and International Relations until his retirement in 1986.  During this period, his energies were also directed towards the Canadian Institute of International Affairs (now the Canadian International Council), where he co-edited the International Journal for over 25 years.  He also directed and grew the Centre for International Studies which was then based at Trinity College (now the Munk Centre). He held several administrative posts, including Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Chair of the History Department. He also served with the Canadian Officers Training Corps at the UofT, ending his military career as the second last Commanding Officer of the contingent in 1966.

After his retirement, Robert continued his activities in promoting strong international relations, including as President of the Atlantic Council of Canada and Vice-President of the Atlantic Treaty Assembly. The author of many texts and articles over the decades, his expertise was wide-ranging and highly respected.  His writings extended from his regimental history published in 1945 to his Memoirs (A European Affair) in 2006, and included The West and A Wider World which for years was the standard European history text in Ontario High Schools.

 In recognition of his efforts to bring Germany back into the international family, he was awarded the Goethe Medal in 1983 and the Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1986.  He was also honoured by France and Holland with the Chevalier de la Legion d’honneur and Liberation Medal respectively.

After Ruth's death in 2000, Robert moved to Ottawa to be near his children, and continued his very active life and voracious reading until the end, including, right up to the start of the pandemic, visiting the Foreign Affairs library twice weekly.  He traveled regularly to England and Europe to maintain his academic and professional connections. He also participated in Government of Canada delegations for commemorative events at Dieppe (2017) and Normandy (2019) representing the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. He lived independently until a couple of weeks before his death.

Robert’s family will remember him as an avid traveller who delighted in sharing excerpts from Michelin Green Guides with his children on street corners through Europe.  He was a loyal friend and colleague as well as a diligent and faithful correspondent with connections around the globe.  He frequently reminded his children to “keep in touch.”  He will be fondly remembered by his dear friend Anne McDougall with whom he shared many happy hours over the last two decades. 

A private graveside ceremony will take place in Ottawa, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Perley Health Foundation, Trinity College (University of Toronto), or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.