Dr. Thomas Dale Spencer

Dr. Thomas Dale Spencer – who loved teaching, music, nature, travel, learning and, most of all, family – passed away peacefully at his Mill Valley home on October 18, after a courageous 17-year battle against Parkinson’s disease. Tom was 84. He was preceded in death in 2006 by his wife, Gloria; and is survived by his sister, Sharon Spencer of Chicago; daughters Allison Spencer Askew (Ken) of Novato, and Kristin Fish (Chuck) of Cloverdale; grandchildren Tom, Krista, and Brandon; and great-grandchildren Kaley and Keira.

A revered professor of psychology for 49 years at San Francisco State University, Tom was co-founder of the SFSU Child Study Center and co-author of ‘Perspectives in Child Psychology,’ a seminal text in the field of early childhood development. He was known as a demanding professor, devoted to bringing out the best in his students, and his courses were intellectually challenging, especially his graduate class in Development of Language. He was dedicated to his students, and they to him, evidenced by his retirement celebration, where at least one representative from each of Tom’s 49 years at SFSU attended – some traveling great distances.

Tom and Gloria were “Team Spencer” – partners in life, sharing joy in activities ranging from gracious hosting of holiday events and special occasions, to family road trips, to cruises not only for relaxation but also for learning, and to escaping to Tahoe, Yosemite, and Maui whenever possible.

Tom was born in 1937 in Chicago to Harold and Ruth Spencer. Harold was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross as an 8th Army Air Corps P-51 Mustang fighter pilot during WW2, and later founded several aviation organizations and taught others to fly. Ruth instilled a love of reading in her children, a trait Tom exhibited throughout his life. Tom often related the moment he first saw the love of his life when, as a 16-yearold usher at the Harding Theater in Chicago, he laid eyes on Gloria Arnold, the theater candy girl, “carrying a tray of goodies as she descended the balcony staircase with long, flowing blond hair.” He won her heart away from her previous beau and they were forever inseparable.

Tom earned his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana; his Master of Arts degree at Hollins College; and his Ph.D. at the University of Iowa. He taught at Purdue University before heading West with the family in his cream-colored Thunderbird – with burgundy leather interior and rosewood steering wheel – for SFSU in 1964. He ascended the academic ranks to become Chair of the Department of Psychology and head of Developmental Psychology. He also served as Chief of Staff for the University President and represented SFSU in various roles and academic exchanges, including with Japan. After retiring, Tom served as a Board member and as President for five years of the SFSU Retirement Association.

After several years in Daly City, Tom, Gloria, Allison, and Kristin moved to Mill Valley in 1967, where they became community anchors, deeply involved in local public education. Gloria served as President of the University Women’s Association at SFSU and PTA President at the Tam Valley School; she and Tom founded the UWA scholarship fund, which was subsequently named for her. Tom served on the Mill Valley School Board as a stalwart for classroom tradition and discipline, vocally skeptical of experimental ‘60s educational theories popular at the time.

Tom will be warmly remembered not only as a great educator but also a gentleman of dignity, integrity, and high character; a true friend; and an exemplary family man.

Tom’s family wishes to extend a special thanks to his angelic caregivers over the past three years – Jordan, Suki, and Roberta. In keeping with his wishes, Tom will be interred at Valley Memorial Park in Novato with no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations payable to the SFSU Foundation can be sent to 922 Evergreen Way, Millbrae, CA 94030 with a letter or note indicating the donation is for the Gloria Spencer UWA Scholarship Endowment Fund.